Top Linux distribution for hard drives is often Ubuntu or Fedora, both offering strong performance and stability.
Top Linux distribution for hard drives is often Ubuntu or Fedora, both offering strong performance and stability.
I’m aiming to upgrade my budget Intel NUC (BOXNUC6CAYH) into an HTPC with a desktop Linux setup. I’m not after a specialized HTPC distro like OpenELEC; instead, I need something that supports adblock tools and VPN services. Since I don’t have spare SSDs, I have several laptop-sized HDDs available. After years of Windows running off an SSD, I’d prefer not to switch back. I’ve tried Ubuntu before and appreciated its clean boot experience, so I’m open to giving it another shot for a hard drive setup. While performance might be slower, it should still work after logging in. I’m looking for a distro that’s lightweight, offers a graphical interface similar to Ubuntu, boots quickly off a hard drive like Windows does on an SSD, supports Firefox or Chrome (which work well with adblockers), allows easy installation of proprietary drivers for smoother visuals, and can run a VPN like NordVPN without needing the dedicated app.
It seems you're pointing out a tricky question. If you're aiming for something beyond the ordinary, why not also seek it from the heavens?
Arch Linux and Gentoo offer extensive customization options and can achieve exceptional performance. Clear Linux was developed by Intel specifically for Intel systems, often outperforming other Linux distributions in tests. https://clearlinux.org
Choose a lightweight distribution that covers the essentials, such as Arch and Alpine, and gradually add features. Begin with a minimal setup and move toward a graphical interface if needed. Avoid a command-line setup unless you prefer it. Opt for systems with simple GUIs like Lubuntu, Xubuntu, LXDE, or a basic window manager. Proprietary tools work well on all of them. Managing drivers is simpler on Manjaro, especially since it's built on Arch and includes AUR support plus the Arch Wiki for comprehensive documentation.
The suggestion about alpine is accurate. It uses musl libc and should give you SSD-like boot performance. If you need fast startup, opt for an SSD.