I have seen articles and videos talking about how SteamOS will save computer gaming and decided it was time to try Linux again. I have tried it in the past, but as a gamer, it was always a nightmare. Maybe Proton would make it better.
Before we begin, I want you to fully understand my perspective coming into this. I have been using Windows since before there was Windows. I have used every version of Windows over the years, all of them on release day. I know Windows inside and out—heck, I used to write guides for Windows years ago.
So, for me, Windows is like your grandfather’s favorite pair of shoes. They are worn, dirty, torn in places, and smell funny. However, he wears them every day because they are comfortable and familiar. So despite the fact I am fairly tech literate, not really a noob, I was full of trepidation at making the move away from Windows.
Let’s start with the build. I used an AMD-based build, a Minisforum BD770I, added 32GB of memory, a 2TB NVMe drive, and of course a SAPPHIRE PULSE 7900XT for the GPU. AMD has a much better track record with various Linux gaming builds, so I felt this was a solid platform for a beginner.
For my Linux choice, I decided to try Bazzite. According to the Linux community, this is close to SteamOS with built-in functionality, and when downloading it, you're given choices based on the hardware you plan to use.
Now, to be fair, Bazzite is my “final” choice. I tried SteamOS and ruled it out pretty quick. It feels to me like a console that wants to pretend to be a computer. I want a computer I game on, not a console faking computer stuff. I also tried CachyOS, another well-regarded Linux distro among the gaming community. There was nothing inherently wrong with CachyOS—I just prefer the feel of Bazzite.
Installing Linux is much simpler than I expected. I went to the Bazzite site and made a few choices. I chose for a Desktop PC and AMD-based GPU. For the Desktop Environment, I had a choice of KDE or Gnome. KDE has a more Windows feel while Gnome is a bit more like a Mac. Finally, I told it I want to use my system as a PC, so to NOT start all the time in Steam Big Screen.
Once the download was finished, I put a flash drive in and loaded Rufus to create my USB drive. The process is really straightforward and only took about 3 minutes.
With my installation now created, I set about installing Bazzite on my test rig. Just boot from the flash drive you have created with Rufus, select "Install Bazzite," and you’re on your way. You’re first asked to choose the language and keyboard setup you want to use. Next, you come to a screen to let you choose the drive you want to install Bazzite to, as well as set up your initial user account
That’s it—a few minutes later you’re in Bazzite and ready to start enjoying your computer. No online account needed.
Once in Bazzite, you can easily install various apps you want. The OS uses a “store” system that makes it easy to find and install the apps of your choice with no issues. No need to install Steam, as it is installed for you.
The “store” is super simple, with many popular apps right on the front page of the program, but the search opens things up a lot. Bazzite comes with Firefox installed by default, but it took only a few seconds for me to add Edge and Brave to my system.
As for gaming, there is a great website, ProtonDB, that gives you info on specific games and how they run with the Proton layer Steam uses to make sure a BUNCH of Windows games work perfectly on Linux.
I installed a few different games I enjoy, such as MechWarrior 5, Space Marines 2, Cyberpunk, and a few others—all worked with no issues. This is not to say every game works. As of right now, Proton allows about 75% of my game library to work with little to no tweaking. However, it keeps adding more compatibility all the time, so this number is always growing.
As I noted earlier, however, I use my PC for more than gaming. Office is a big sticking point for me. While direct downloads of MS Office do not work, the web access solutions work perfectly, and I have had no issues—even with Teams using online solutions.
The end result is: for my needs, everything I do with a PC works with no real effort. None of that scary command-line stuff that makes so many people avoid Linux.
However, all is not “peaches and cream” when using Linux. If you love your RGB or need special controller software for some of your hardware, you might encounter issues. While my Bambu printer works with its software natively, my Insta360 webcam needs to rely on application control—the actual app is not working for me. Also, NordVPN will not install on Linux. (ProtonVPN works great.)
There is also some learning of new locations and ways of doing things.
In the end, is Linux ready for prime time? I am not so sure. It has come a long way, and if you’re a PC gamer that is sick of dealing with Windows, then Linux is a VERY viable option—if you realize you might have to change the way you do some things.
Even if you need Windows for a few apps, you have an option: dual boot. This allows you to be in Linux when you like, and a quick reboot later, be back in Windows for what you need to do.
Am I making the move to Linux? Yes and no. I still have a few things that NEED Windows, so for my “work” PC, I am staying with Windows. For my pure gaming PC, I have already moved it to Linux. I am moving my wife to Linux over the next few weeks. She played with it and never once noticed she was not in Windows.
THAT may be the biggest endorsement of Linux. My wife likes to play games, watch videos, read email, do some browsing, and check her bank account. When using Linux, she did all of this and could not tell she was not just using any other PC.
The good news is that trying Linux is EASY. Dual boot means you can use your PC and still have Windows as needed. There is a TON of videos on creating a dual boot system—it is surprisingly easy. Plus, Linux is FREE, so no cost to you for taking the shot and seeing what you think.
The articles content, opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed in SAPPHIRE NATION are the authors’ own and do not necessarily represent official policy or position of SAPPHIRE Technology.
