Which Linux distribution would work best for my desktop and development setup?

If you’re comfortable learning a little more, CachyOS could be worth considering. It is Arch-based, offers recent compiler and development tools, provides graphical package management, and includes Nvidia drivers in its repositories. Its snapshot support can also make it easier to recover if an update causes trouble, although it may require more maintenance than Mint or Debian.

Debian is another dependable choice, especially for a stable coding and Docker workstation. The software may not always be as new as on Arch-based systems, but it is predictable and well documented. Whichever distribution you choose, test it from a live USB first and verify that the Nvidia driver works before committing the installation.

I’d avoid reinstalling an older or problematic release without first checking the exact version and hardware compatibility. Ubuntu 24.04 or Mint based on it should support your Ryzen system and RTX 3070 well, but make sure you install current updates and the proprietary Nvidia driver during or immediately after installation. Freezes that return you to the login screen are often related to the graphics driver or display-session configuration.

Linux Mint would be a solid beginner-friendly option. It is based on Ubuntu, has a familiar desktop, and generally avoids some of the extra complexity introduced by Ubuntu’s Snap packages. Install the recommended proprietary Nvidia driver through Mint’s driver manager rather than trying to update it manually.