I'm considering different Linux distributions for my 2013 27-inch iMac, which has an NVIDIA GeForce GT 755m graphic card, 32GB of RAM, and an Intel Core i5-4570 CPU running at 3.20GHz. I've heard that CachyOS is user-friendly and straightforward, but is it primarily optimized for newer hardware? How does it stack up against alternatives like EndeavorOS and Arch? I have some experience with Linux, including Fedora and Linux Mint, but I'm looking for advice on the best choice for my setup.
5 Answers
I've found that Debian-based distros handle older hardware much better than Arch-based ones. You might like Q4OS too, which is refined and user-friendly while still being based on Debian. I wouldn't switch anymore after a decade of using Debian!
Honestly, if you want an easy setup, CachyOS is worth considering. However, if you prefer tinkering a bit, just go for straight-up Arch. The archinstall script makes it a bit easier, even for older machines!
If you're not gaming on this older hardware, I suggest checking out Linux Mint Debian Edition (LMDE). Debian is solid and should give you a smooth experience. But if you plan to game, CachyOS could be a good option, though keep in mind that your old iMac might struggle with modern games.
I personally use Ubuntu LTS and MX Linux on my older Macs, and they work excellently. If you're not looking to deal with a lot of memes and just want a stable system, try something like MX Linux instead.
EndeavorOS is great if you want to avoid the usual installation headaches that can come with Arch. It allows you to customize and open up your options more compared to removing packages.
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