Linux distribution for gaming and media centre.

BroBot9000@lemmy.world to Linux@lemmy.ml – 40 points –

Heya! I’m looking to install Linux for the first time on parts from my old pc builds to use as a media centre and multiplayer gaming system in my living room. Something with as clean as possible interface with room for customization would be cool. Oh and support for my old nvidia gpu.

I’m also looking for general tips and advice for beginners if anyone has some to share.

43

You are viewing a single comment
View all comments

I'd say Pop_OS! which has a spin (version) with Nvidia drivers already installed. Below is a direct link. It's based on Debian, so it enjoys excellent app support. Linux Mint is also a good choice.

https://iso.pop-os.org/22.04/amd64/nvidia/35/pop-os_22.04_amd64_nvidia_35.iso

have not yet tried pop os, but +1 for mint!

I have installed PopOS and so far it’s been very stable. Most of the games I play are on Steam and support has been pretty awesome (BG3, CP2077, Valheim, Warhammer 40k: Inquisitor). For non-Steam games, WINE with the Wine Glass GUI has been great, allowing me to run older windows games without a problem.

EDIT: Forgot to add I’m running an Ryzen 7 3700X, 16GB ram, RX 5700XT

EDIT EDIT: +1 for Mint as well. Outside of my gaming PC, it’s my daily driver on my laptop.

To add some clarity, Pop uses GNOME and is working on their own desktop based on Rust and Mint uses Cinnamon, a fork of old GNOME that they've significantly upgraded. I've used both and like both a lot, but have come to prefer GNOME.