A less intensive operating system can deliver quicker performance.
A less intensive operating system can deliver quicker performance.
Hello. I haven't created a video on this topic before, but it would be a great topic to explore. Given the high cost of computer hardware today, would it be more practical to switch to a less demanding operating system while keeping the same hardware? What are your thoughts?
It varies based on your requirements. If you're moving from Windows 10/11 to Windows 7, that wouldn't be ideal. However, you might consider switching to a Linux distribution if you're willing to abandon certain programs that don't function well on Linux, like Photoshop or Microsoft Office. I'm running Windows 10 on one laptop but using another for streaming movies, which is Linux Mint. It performs better because it supports an AMD CPU from 2012/13 with just 4GB RAM.
Linux can support gaming when configured properly. If you're aiming for higher frame rates, switching to a lighter distribution might be necessary. Unless you're deeply invested in Linux, the performance boost may not justify the effort.
I owned an old laptop with a basic i5 processor. It could only handle 4GB of RAM and slowed down significantly even when using two Chrome tabs on Windows 10. After installing PopOS, it now operates in my dad's shed while powering his outdoor speaker system. I find it surprising that modern computer parts aren't costly. It's surprisingly affordable—200$ for a 2TB M.2 drive (buy while they're available), 14TB HDDs at 250$, 16GB RAM for 55$, and 800W 80+ gold power supplies for 75$. CPUs remain impressively cheap compared to their capabilities. Sure, the motherboards are a bit pricier and GPUs still cost a lot, but after the recent crypto downturn, prices might drop before the next generation arrives. Overall, most components are cheaper than ever before. What do you think about the claim that computer hardware is expensive nowadays? Oh, and cases—back in 8 years I'd pay a fortune for something like the Phantom Eclipse 400 mesh, but it only cost me 100$!
The only genuine reason I've noticed people truly value their operating system for speed is within the competitive overclocking scene. Every detail counts, so keeping your OS as light as possible and removing unnecessary components can mean the difference between top rankings and lower positions. For everyday users, that difference is usually minimal—often just a few percent improvement between a standard and heavily customized setup. Linux tends to boost older hardware performance significantly because it's designed to be minimal (typically using around 1GB RAM even when idle), but running applications there can vary widely based on your needs. Games often perform inconsistently on Linux. If you're building a gaming PC and not just using it for browsing, I wouldn't see much value in choosing Linux. A lighter OS won't noticeably enhance performance, and it's usually wiser to invest in better hardware components instead.
The main choice seems to be Linux, which many people either love or hate. I usually just back everything up and reinstall Windows when the system feels slow, only to get it running again later.