Hey everyone! I'm currently weighing my options between Linux Mint Cinnamon and Kubuntu with KDE Plasma as I make the switch from Windows 11. I've had some experience with Linux Mint on an older HP notebook, and it worked fine for me. Now, I'm planning to install Linux on my desktop using a second M.2 NVMe SSD. I'm looking for a desktop environment that's well-suited for video editing (specifically DaVinci Resolve), gaming, and software development. I also need to ensure that it supports my hardware, particularly my RX 9070 XT and 9800x3d, along with FreeSync support. Any advice on which distro and desktop would be best for my needs?
9 Answers
If you're leaning towards Mint, I also recommend trying XFCE if you need something lighter. It breathes new life into older machines!
Check out our distro selection page for more options! And hey, always backup your data and try things out in a VM before making major changes.
I’m partial to Fedora KDE myself, but I think Mint might suit your needs better.
Definitely go for Mint! It's the way to go for a seamless transition.
You might also look into Ultramarine Linux or Zorin as alternatives if you want to explore. They both have their perks!
Linux Mint is a solid choice for those new to Linux. It’s user-friendly, easy to install, and has strong community support. I’ve used Mint as my daily driver for years and it’s great for general use without any fuss. If you’re looking for something stable and reliable, Mint might be the way to go!
How does Mint handle gaming? I was also considering switching to Pop!_OS.
Cinnamon or XFCE would definitely be good picks! You've got options for different needs.
CachyOS with KDE could be a good fit too! Just throwing it out there in case you're curious.
Have you considered Bazzite? It runs KDE Plasma, which you might enjoy.

Which version of Mint do you use? I'm on Ubuntu 24.04, but it can be a bit confusing for me at times.