I've got this old gaming desktop that's still hanging in there, but since Windows 10 support ends this year, I'm looking to switch things up. I mainly play older games on Steam and sometimes use this PC for basic tasks like paperwork and web browsing. I'm not interested in diving deep into Linux or making it a new hobby, so I need a straightforward, secure OS that won't complicate my life any more than it already is.
My hardware includes an Intel i7-4790K, GTX 970 GPU, and 16 GB of RAM, so I think it should still perform decently. I've seen mentions of Linux Mint Cinnamon as a potential option, but I'm also considering Bazzite. What are the best steps to resurrect my desktop? Any recommendations for a Linux version or resources that can guide me?
4 Answers
Pop OS is another solid option, especially for Nvidia users. I just installed it on an older laptop, and it's running smoothly. It's beginner-friendly and tends to play nice with Nvidia hardware.
You could find some useful guides on basics. Check out the migration page on Reddit for noobs transitioning to Linux. Just remember not to use root unnecessarily and be cautious with third-party apps!
Mint is super comfy for beginners and teaches you the ropes of Linux without overwhelming you. If you want something even simpler and less prone to issues, Bazzite might be perfect for your needs. It's more stable if you aren't keen on tinkering.
With your specs, you should have no issues running most distros! I have a similar setup and I've enjoyed using both Ubuntu and Mint. Mint Cinnamon really does sound like a great choice for you since it's user-friendly and familiar. Go for it!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll check out Pop OS as well!