I'm using a 2013 27-inch iMac with an NVIDIA Geforce GT 755m graphics card, 32GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i5-4570 CPU running at 3.20GHz. I've experimented with several Linux distros including Fedora, Linux Mint, and Cachyos. Though both Linux Mint and Cachyos stand out to me, I'm unsure which one would be better suited for my setup. Any insights on the performance or compatibility for these two options?
5 Answers
I've tried MX Linux XFCE on Apple hardware, and it ran perfectly! It's a mid-range choice that works well for both beginners and advanced users. Just a minor thing: you might need to configure your Apple keyboard for certain symbols, but otherwise, it's a smooth experience on Debian 12.
For some entertaining advice, check out this video: youtube.com/watch?v=lpF09e58Jrc. The host has great insights about Macs and Linux. You might enjoy his other content too!
I found t2linux.org particularly useful when I was getting started. They have some great resources for Linux on Apple hardware.
I recommend looking into forums dedicated to Linux on Mac, as they'll likely have more tailored advice regarding your hardware. Between the two distros, think about which one you felt more at home with. Remember, each has a different base—Mint is Ubuntu-based, while Cachyos stems from Arch. If you're new to Linux, Mint might be a gentler introduction. But ultimately, it depends on your personal comfort level. Here's a link to some guidelines on picking the right distro, which you might find helpful: linuxiac.com/new-to-linux-stick-to-these-rules-when-picking-distro.
Totally agree! Debian-based distros are great for Intel Macs. You've got a solid choice there.
Consider checking out Tuxedo OS; it might be another viable option to think about for your iMac.
Just a heads up—2013 iMacs don't have T2 chips, so that site may not apply.