Searching for the Right Linux Distro for Gaming and Music Production
Asked by
CuriousNomad42
Hey everyone! After spending over 13 years with MacOS, I decided to move on from Apple and bought a Windows laptop. Unfortunately, I found out that Windows 11 feels a bit like spyware and I'm not too happy about it. So, I'm looking to switch to Linux instead. I've watched a bunch of YouTube tutorials, but I'm still pretty lost.
I use my computer mainly for gaming, Ableton Live, Blender, and video editing (probably going to use Da Vinci since it's Linux-friendly). I even got an external SSD to experiment with Linux without messing up my Windows setup.
I'm curious if there's a Linux distribution that can handle my requirements. Also, I have some hardware that I'll need to connect to use my music studio gear, so I'm a bit uncertain about the low-latency needs. I'm considering the idea of having multiple OS installations on different SSDs for different use cases, plus a simple Linux setup on my internal SSD for general tasks and file management. I really have no clue how all this works, so I'd love some advice! Here are the specs of my laptop:
- MSI Pulse 2025
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 370HX
- RAM: 32GB
- GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 5070
Answers
Before diving in, think about your technical skills. If you're not super hands-on, Linux might be a tough road. Your laptop's CPU needs a newer kernel for optimal performance, which puts distros like Arch or Fedora at the forefront. Don't forget about the Nvidia GPU; you’ll need to install proprietary drivers to get that working right.
For gaming, you can run Proton, but keep in mind that some multiplayer games won't work due to anti-cheat systems. Ableton Live requires WINE as it doesn't have a native version for Linux. However, you’re in luck with Blender as it runs natively on Linux! With DaVinci, installation could be tricky and may need some troubleshooting as not all features are available in the free version on Linux.
If you don’t grasp all of this, I’d recommend holding off on a Linux installation for now. It's a learning curve, but can be rewarding if you're willing to tackle it! Just a heads up, keep your Windows drive intact while experimenting with Linux on an external drive to avoid any risk to your current setup.
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CuriousNomad42: Thanks for the insight! I definitely plan on keeping Windows for a while, probably testing Linux on another drive first. I’m not super technical, but I can learn on my own. I’m mostly a single-player gamer, so the anti-cheat thing shouldn't be a problem for me. I see this as a roadmap of future goals on a different OS.