I'm a long-time Windows user (since XP) and I'm done with how slow it's been running on my laptop. I'm considering making a permanent switch to Linux and I need some advice on which distribution to pick. I have some basic experience with Linux, having used Mint casually for web browsing and also dabbled in Ubuntu Server, but I'm looking for a distro that suits my needs better. My laptop is a Lenovo Legion 7i with an i9 14th Gen processor, Nvidia 4070 graphics, and 32GB of DDR5 RAM.
I frequently use ASIO drivers for my DAW, and I prefer a distro that supports JACK as a replacement. I also game on my laptop and develop using VS Code and Docker. I used Docker Desktop and WSL before switching to Linux. I've played around with some distros but I don't have a preference on looks.
I'm leaning towards trying Debian first, followed by Fedora and then Mint. Any recommendations on which distro would be best for my scenario?
6 Answers
Definitely start with Ubuntu, especially with your Nvidia setup. It’s been a go-to for Nvidia users due to its compatibility. You can experiment with different distros later, but this is a solid place to start. People have mixed feelings about Canonical, mainly regarding Snaps, but many use Flatpaks without issues.
Just go with Debian!
Given your hardware, I'd suggest trying MX KDE with the AHS (Advanced Hardware Support). It's user-friendly and looks good too. It works great with DAWs as FL and Ableton perform well through Wine. Plus, you don’t need ASIO since you can configure PulseAudio for better latency with your interface.
Debian and Debian-based distros like Mint are solid for servers, but I recommend opting for something fresher. Fedora Workstation or even Arch Linux are excellent choices if you're willing to learn how to set them up. Regarding gaming, most titles work just fine unless they have strict anti-cheat measures. Don't worry too much about support for games, especially if you're not into competitive online gaming.
Debian all the way! It's reliable for your laptop setup.
Thanks for the insight! I've been checking out Nobara (a Fedora spin) since it has great support for my GPU. I’m also looking at Ubuntu Studio; do you think it’s worth trying, or should I stick with Fedora?
Mint is awesome for those switching from Windows, particularly the Cinnamon desktop. If most of your games aren't using kernel-level anti-cheat, they should work without much fuss. Just keep in mind some may need tweaking.
Thanks! I think I'm inclined to try Debian first because of the suggestions here.
Both Mint and Ubuntu are fine options; they’re easy to install. Mint provides a more Windows-like experience out of the box, while Ubuntu has a more traditional Linux feel. I find Ubuntu simpler to get running without much config work, but it all comes down to personal taste. Are you aiming for more of a Windows-Linux vibe or a classic Linux experience?
Cool, that sounds promising! I'll have to check out MX.