Windows 11 uses roughly 4–5GB of RAM while idle on my computer, leaving limited memory for games and other apps. Games such as Microsoft Flight Simulator and Arma can use 8–12GB depending on settings and memory leaks, and I often keep Discord and a browser open too. Upgrading from 16GB to 32GB would help, but it is currently too expensive for me. Would switching to Linux free enough memory to improve gaming, or would driver, compatibility, and performance problems make it a bad trade-off?
3 Answers
Arma 3 on Linux is playable, but its native Linux version is outdated and the Proton version can have occasional stuttering. Performance may be acceptable, but it usually is not as smooth or reliable as running the game on Windows. I would be especially cautious if Arma or Microsoft Flight Simulator are your main games.
Linux generally uses less memory and has fewer background processes, so it may leave more RAM available. However, that does not guarantee better gaming performance. Check each game's compatibility before switching, since some titles work well through Proton while others have issues with anti-cheat, launchers, or older ports. Also, closing unnecessary apps while gaming may help more than expected.
A lighter Linux desktop could reduce idle RAM usage, but the game's own memory requirements will not change much. Compatibility layers and driver differences can offset the memory savings, so Linux is not a guaranteed solution for limited RAM. Try a live USB or dual-boot setup first, and verify your specific games before committing.
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