Choose between Linux or Windows for your gaming and programming needs.
Choose between Linux or Windows for your gaming and programming needs.
775/225 seems like a solid choice, I think I’ll go with that. Also, can you help me create two flash drives from one USB stick? I want both Windows and Mint OS on one, just like they did with their BIOS update. Not sure how many USB sticks I should buy for software—I know someone used one drive for a BIOS update and it turned into three USB sticks total, one for Windows, one for Linux, and another for things like BIOS. How many more should I get?
USB drives are becoming quite affordable these days. You can rely on a single stick for all your needs. Unlike CDs or DVDs where you burn data once and it stays there, USBs are more flexible. Format them using FAT32, install the BIOS update first, then update your BIOS settings. Use Windows Media Creation to add the Windows installer, follow the steps to install Windows. Next, employ Rufus or a similar tool to transfer Linux onto the drive. You can format it in various ways like FAT32 or NTFS for easy file movement afterward. Usually, you don’t need to retain any files on the stick after use; just replace them with what you require at the moment. For long-term storage, consider keeping important data on a larger HDD or SSD and use the USB as a portable backup.
I suggest using Garuda for both platforms. Be cautious with anticheat games, as compatibility with Linux is uncertain. To determine which games work best, check ProtonDB, Lutris, and AreWeAnticheatYet. Generally, AMD performance on Linux should be around 20% faster. I’ve recorded benchmarks comparing Linux and Windows on a 7900X and 7900XTX, but I can’t share them here due to Peertube restrictions. Let me know if you’d like me to forward them via email.
FAT32 offers the widest support, functioning across almost any operating system, though it restricts file sizes to 4 GB. It's typically reserved for BIOS updates; otherwise, exFAT is a better choice. For Windows, NTFS is ideal, and Linux prefers ext4. The specific requirements depend on the game. Sometimes copying files suffices, but if additional software is needed, you may have to install dependencies manually. For Steam games, you can back up your collection and restore it later. You might transfer the drive via USB or a network share, ensuring it's large enough for the move. Alternatively, use cloud saves to access saved progress across devices without manual file handling. Playing multiple games on different machines often involves managing save files to maintain consistency.
If your system uses an AMD GPU, Clear Linux is a solid choice for both gaming and development. It offers distinct advantages over standard Linux: improved security, quicker file read and write speeds (around 6% and 12% respectively), enhanced CPU and GPU performance leading to higher average FPS, quicker OS startup times, and faster app launches—especially in Firefox and other optimized tools. Your setup boots in about 1.4x seconds, with SSDs achieving full boot in under a second. Performance gains are also visible in applications like GIMP, which starts almost instantly, and in code editors such as Geany, Emacs, Neovim, and Visual Studio Code. For Java development, you’ll find packages like java-basic, java-runtime, and various IDEs including Eclipse, IntelliJ, NetBeans, and more. To try it, consider disabling automatic updates and updating manually every few weeks for better stability.
You're unsure about choosing between Mint and Garuda for your first Linux experience. Both are user-friendly options, but Mint is known for its polished interface and wide range of apps, while Garuda offers a more minimalist setup with a focus on simplicity. For beginners, Mint might be easier to navigate initially, whereas Garuda could appeal if you prefer a lighter system. Consider what features matter most to you at this stage.
Some recommend starting with Windows then Linux for dual boot because it simplifies setup and compatibility. Doing Linux first can cause issues like missing drivers or conflicting configurations. The opposite approach might work but requires extra troubleshooting.