I'm looking for advice on the best Linux distro for my Dell Optiplex 3020 from 2013. Here are the specs:
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4570
- GPU: Intel HD Graphics 4600
- RAM: 8GB DDR3
- Storage: 500GB SSD
I know Linux Mint and Ubuntu are popular for beginners, but are there any lighter Ubuntu variations I should consider? I'm keeping Windows 10 until October, so I have time to explore my options.
6 Answers
Your specs are more than enough for any popular distro, including Mint and Ubuntu. Both are fantastic choices for beginners. I've used both extensively and can confidently recommend either.
If you’re looking for something lighter, definitely consider Xubuntu or Lubuntu. They’re specifically tailored for older hardware and can help extend the life of your machine!
Don't overlook KDE! Kubuntu offers a traditional desktop layout that's reminiscent of Windows, and it's easy to customize too. Perfect if the GNOME interface isn't your thing!
With that setup, you can really run any mainstream Linux distro without issues! Linux Mint with the Cinnamon desktop is a solid choice for its usability, but if you want something a bit lighter, Mint with XFCE or something like MX Linux is worth checking out too!
Totally agree! Mint Cinnamon looks great and is super user-friendly.
You could also explore MX Linux, which is known for its speed and lightweight nature. Just make sure you pick the desktop environment that feels right for you!
Honestly, any mainstream distro will run well on your PC. Performance differences are pretty negligible for most ranges these days. Just go for whichever environment you prefer!
I went with Ubuntu and it works great!
That's a great suggestion! Mint XFCE is nice if you want to save a bit of RAM.