Hey everyone! With the end of Windows 10 support, I've decided to transition to Linux on my old laptop. I'm not expecting miracles, but I'm curious if Linux Mint would be a solid option for some light gaming, or if there's something better out there. Here are my specs:
- **CPU:** Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-7100U @ 2.4GHz
- **RAM:** 8.00 GB
- **GPU:** Intel(R) HD Graphics 620
5 Answers
Mint with the XFCE desktop should work fine for gaming. If you notice performance issues, alternatives like Bodhi Linux or even a lighter distribution might help too!
I've got a similar setup and have had success running Mint alongside Batocera for some retro gaming. The dual boot setup was super simple too. Just keep some free space at the end of your disk for Batocera, and you should be good to go!
For someone starting with Linux, I'd definitely recommend Linux Mint XFCE. It's user-friendly and should run fine on your i3 with 8GB RAM. That said, if you're keen on gaming, you might want to check out MX Linux XFCE too; it's optimized for lower-end hardware and supports Steam and Proton well!
Linux Mint is a popular choice for newcomers, and I think it could work well for you, especially with your specs. The Cinnamon edition is user-friendly, but if you find it's a bit sluggish, you might want to try the XFCE version, which require fewer resources.
Just a heads-up: while Linux can boost performance, it's not going to turn your laptop into a powerhouse, so keep your expectations realistic. Good luck!
If you're looking for something lightweight, consider CachyOS with LXQt or Linux Lite. Since your laptop might be a bit slow with any heavier desktop environment, going for these lighter options could make a noticeable difference in performance, especially for gaming. Also, if you have an older HDD, swapping it for an SSD can really speed things up!
Totally agree! Upgrading to an SSD is one of the best things you can do for any older laptop. Makes everything feel snappier.