Got A New Pc? These 5 Linux Distros Are The Perfect Match - Here's Why

3 weeks ago

Linux distributions that are champion suited for caller hardware

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ZDNET cardinal takeaways

There are circumstantial Linux distributions for newer hardware.
These connection modern kernels and bleeding-edge software.
Each of these distributions is free to download and install.

For nan longest time, it was assumed that Linux was only meant for older PCs and various hardware (GPU, sound, networking, etc.). Over nan years, Linux developers person caught up and proved that presumption wrong.

Now, location are respective Linux distributions that usability perfectly with newer hardware, and there's definite to beryllium 1 that would suit your needs.

Also: My 10 favourite Linux distributions of each time, ranked

But what makes a Linux distribution activity good pinch modern hardware? First off, nan kernel. Even pinch nan modular kernel reaching nan constituent wherever it's very bully astatine hardware detection, location are kernels specifically geared toward caller technology. Kernels for illustration nan HWE (Hardware Enablement), Zen, and moreover nan astir caller mainline kernel are awesome for caller hardware. On apical of that, you want to usage a distribution that supports charismatic GPU drivers for some NVIDIA and Radeon hardware.

But really do you choose? The first measurement is to constrictive nan action down to distributions that, retired of nan box, support newer hardware. Once you've done that, it's each astir artistic preferences, package head choice, and desktop environment.

1. Garuda

Garuda is an Arch-based distribution, truthful it's a rolling release. Being a rolling merchandise distribution intends that it has nan latest versions of things for illustration nan kernel. With nan latest, top kernel, you're going to get superior hardware support.

Also: Garuda KDE Dr460nized mightiness beryllium nan coolest-looking Linux distro available

With Garuda, you besides get easy entree to nan Zen kernel, which is purpose-built for caller hardware. When you harvester those 2 things, you person a distribution that is an outstanding prime for modern machines. But don't interest yourself that Garuda is Arch-based, because this distribution makes Arch very easy. It doesn't wounded that Garuda is besides 1 of nan best-looking distributions connected nan market.

The default Garuda Broadwing Mokka desktop.

2. Fedora

Fedora mightiness not vessel pinch nan Zen kernel aliases see versions for circumstantial GPUs, but it has been well-known to support nan latest hardware for years. The logic for that is it's considered a "bleeding edge" distribution. Fedora provides outstanding support for caller CPUs and modern Wi-Fi standards retired of nan box. It besides has fantabulous support for nan x86_64 and aarch64 architectures and regularly incorporates support for nan astir up-to-date components.

Also: Fedora KDE is simply a superb desktop operating strategy fresh for immoderate type of user

The only information for Fedora is that you'll astir apt person to instal drivers for modern GPUs. Fedora besides has a immense organization for support, truthful it shouldn't beryllium difficult to find help. And pinch nan different spins, you tin besides bask your favourite desktop situation without having to instal it manually.

A somewhat tweaked Fedora 42 KDE Plasma desktop.

3. Pop!_OS

The logic I adhd Pop!_OS to this database is that System76 offers 2 different ISO images: 1 for AMD and 1 for NVIDIA. That unsocial is simply a immense positive for Pop!_OS. And though Pop!_OS doesn't vessel pinch nan HWE aliases Zen kernel, nan kernel it ships pinch is really much up-to-date, truthful it usually doesn't person immoderate problems pinch modern hardware. System76 customizes Pop!_OS truthful that it includes caller kernels for amended capacity and support for newer hardware.

Also: I utilized to beryllium a regular Linux distro hopper, but now I instrumentality pinch Pop!_OS: 5 reasons why

If you acquisition a System76 machine, you cognize you're getting an OS that afloat supports each portion of hardware connected nan system. Pop!_OS is besides undergoing a awesome alteration pinch nan move to nan Rust-based desktop environment, COSMIC. This caller DE is simply a modern return connected nan erstwhile desktop (which was fundamentally a tweaked GNOME). With nan caller desktop environment, your instrumentality will tally faster and much reliably.

4. CachyOS

Relatively speaking, CachyOS is an babe successful nan world of Linux distributions. One of nan galore things CachyOS has going for it is simply a civilization kernel, which is designed specifically to activity pinch caller hardware and is optimized for performance. The CachyOS kernel tin guidelines up to nan Zen kernel immoderate day. CachyOS is an Arch-based distribution, truthful it's besides a rolling release. You'll get nan astir caller versions of software, arsenic good arsenic tons of desktop environments to take from.

Also: CachyOS isn't for beginners but it's awesome for those looking to get into Arch Linux

CachyOS mightiness beryllium nan caller kid connected nan block, but it's catching connected fast, which intends nan organization is growing. Keep your oculus connected CachyOS because it's going to make superior waves.

5. Ubuntu LTS

Finally, there's Ubuntu LTS. There are 2 reasons why I spot Ubuntu LTS connected this list. The first is because it ships pinch nan HWE kernel, which offers outstanding support for nan newest hardware. The 2nd logic is that it's 1 of nan astir user-friendly Linux distributions connected nan market.

Also: I'm a Linux powerfulness user, and nan latest Ubuntu update put a grin connected my face

If you want a Linux distribution that'll support your caller instrumentality but you don't want to spell pinch a much analyzable action (such arsenic Arch), Ubuntu LTS is what you want. On apical of that, you tin beryllium definite that nan Ubuntu organization is massive, truthful location are plentifulness of places to spell for help.