Hello everyone, first of all, I’d like to remind you that it’s been quite some time since I last touched Linux—about 16 years ago, using Ubuntu as my main distro. At that time, things were very different from what we see today. While I’m glad there have been many improvements, especially regarding compatibility with Windows programs, there are still concerns that keep me hesitant about fully switching over and challenging Microsoft’s dominance.
Let’s begin by acknowledging that yes, I do use my PC for gaming, and I definitely run Adobe apps like Photoshop and Premiere. Now, since I’m planning a new PC build soon, I wanted to explore whether Linux could still work for me—or if it would be better to stick with what I know.
I’ve looked through various YouTube videos, forums, and even Reddit discussions. The opinions are mixed: some people confirm that Linux is perfectly fine for gaming, while others claim it’s not worth the effort. This confusion is making it hard for me to decide.
One thing that stands out is virtualization. I’m wondering if it’s possible to run another operating system inside Linux—like Windows—by allocating it sufficient hardware resources. But some say this isn’t feasible, citing issues like laggy performance, dropped frames, and poor image quality. It’s confusing, and I’m not sure what to believe.
My main goal is to become fully committed to Linux as my primary operating system. So, here’s what I think:
1) Can I still enjoy gaming on Linux if I need to play games not supported by Wine or similar tools?
2) Will I be able to run the latest versions of Photoshop and Premiere without performance problems using virtualization?
3) How well does Linux support hardware compatibility? For example, with my AMD RX 7800XT GPU and Corsair peripherals?
4) What about ARGB settings? Is there support for those in Linux?
I’m hoping you can share your experiences and thoughts. I want to move forward confidently, but only if you can give me some clear answers. Thanks a lot!
I usually don’t run Linux, but I sometimes check those resources and they seem capable of most tasks you could do on a Windows PC. Still, it can be quite slow, complicated, and might not perform as expected. Most of them lack a graphical interface. For Windows-only tools, you’d probably need to look for similar options—though they might have the same problems or missing features. Gaming has seen the biggest advancements lately, so that shouldn’t be too big of a hurdle. Ultimately, it really depends on which Linux distribution you use; gaming-focused ones tend to work best. Short version: it’s possible, but likely time-consuming. You’ll probably need to test it across different distros. PS: I’m not familiar with virtualization—I can’t handle the performance or latency issues, so I don’t use it.
Linux remains Linux, with minor challenges if you're not familiar. It seems you're curious about running a lightweight Linux environment on Windows whenever needed.
The more gaming-focused Linux versions include Ubuntu, Fedora, and Arch Linux. Some popular options are SteamOS, Manjaro, and Lubuntu. Regarding software compatibility, Photoshop has no native alternatives on Linux, and tools like Reallusion iClone and Character Creator are only available for Windows. It’s true that native Windows software often works best, but Linux still offers viable workflows for many applications.
I've been relying on Linux for more than two decades now. Of course, there are methods to get most things running in Linux, though you might have to build them from the ground up. In reality, you must accept that certain features won’t function. You can’t simply drop an Xbox title into a PS5 and expect it to work—right? The fact that so many applications run smoothly on Linux is already remarkable. If you need Windows software and can't find a native alternative, stick with Windows. There’s no substitute for Photoshop when used beyond basic touch-ups, and running Windows programs on Linux isn’t ideal, even if you manage it. You might consider dual-booting to test Linux’s capabilities or set up two PCs sharing input devices. There’s a proverb in my country that says: if you let go, you gain two free hands. Perhaps Linux could work for you—or for someone else reading this. But you’ll need an open mind ready to release control. When I switched, I gave up on Windows gaming entirely. Now I’m okay with games that actually run, and I’m just as fine with those that don’t.
It depends on the aspect you're referring to. For the visual side, Windows offers a lot of personalization options. Start10 manages the taskbar and Start menu similarly to Ashampoo WinOptimizer, allowing adjustments to system settings. QTab in File Explorer is another customizable feature.
I utilize this tool to share the mouse and keyboard connected to my gaming VM, creating the appearance of a single desktop. It functions identically to the regular setup—same device as usual, just detached from Linux and linked to the Windows VM. I manage it via scripts, but since VMM operates, simply disconnecting and reconnecting redirects them to the VM. By the way, this also offers a straightforward workaround for situations where native software isn't available. I apply the same method to recalibrate my DS4 controller and update its firmware when necessary. I regularly check https://www.protondb.com/explore prior to purchasing new games; it's been quite some time since I had to skip a purchase due to compatibility issues. The outcome will depend on other factors, but this approach is reliable for me.
Bazzite, pop_os... But there's tons and new ones popping up constantly... The point is I think they often come with preinstalled tools like proper drivers, fan control etc,but obviously that'll vary... Right now some new UwU Dragon thing is hip... I'd go with that, can't go wrong with UwU dragons!? Spoiler Sorry, Garuda, not UwU! https://garudalinux.org/
It seems they find it unnecessary since everything can be set up individually. A more reliable choice would be a stable option with extensive online support, such as Linux Mint. I've been using Mint since 2013 and have installed it across all my family computers. Problems inevitably arise regardless of the OS, but it's simpler to handle them when many others have shared their experiences online.
You can operate Windows inside a virtual machine if you wish to use it for everyday tasks. To ensure functionality, you should allocate specific resources and set up isolation. For instance, if you require a GPU, you’ll need two GPUs; if you want 32GB of RAM on Windows and Linux both at 32GB, aim for 64GB, and so on. You’ll also need an HDMI or DP adapter, and likely explore options like Looks-Glass Gaming, which has decent support.
Linux gaming relies heavily on anti-cheat systems. If it doesn’t support Proton/Wine, DXVK, or VKD3D, it probably won’t run in a VM. Be cautious—many online titles use anti-cheat that may become incompatible over time.
If you mainly play single-player offline games or self-host content, you might be okay. Otherwise, check resources such as ProtonDB, AreWeAnticheaty, and Lutris for current compatibility.
Using Wine isn’t a solid long-term choice; its compatibility is generally weak outside of gaming. For alternatives, consider CKB Next (GitHub), OpenRGB, or RGB—each has community backing but varies in reliability.
Community-driven tools often lack official support and may risk hardware damage. Some past issues show ARGB control modules can brick motherboards.
If you depend on Windows for important software and frequent online play, stick with it. If you’re open to experimentation and willing to accept limited game support, Linux via VM could work. For professional work like Adobe, a Windows VM might be preferable.
Avoid chasing gaming myths. Choose a widely supported distro. With an AMD GPU, avoid Fedora, OpenSUSE, or Manjaro—they strip codecs. As an AMD user, aim for upstream options like Debian or PopOS (still on Ubuntu 22.04). Drivers are kernel-dependent, so versions differ by distro.
Keep in mind that driver updates can break applications instantly, and no guarantee a program will run smoothly. Stick to mainstream distributions for stability.