While being just one of the many Arch Linux-based distros currently in the wild, CachyOS stands out with its focus on top performance and low latency alongside the impressive list of desktop environments to choose from. The latest update is labeled 241110, and although the official news piece about its arrival is named "CachyOS November 2024 Release," this build is the year's 12th refresh already.
The changelog, which is part of the aforementioned news piece, is quite generous. These are some of its many highlights:
- GSP firmware gets automatically disabled on Nvidia hardware if the user switches to the closed driver.
- Multiple package updates, including nvidia 565.57.01, linux-cachyos 6.11.7, mesa 24.2.6, bind 9.20.3, glibc 2.40, grub 2.12, qt 6.8.0, vlc 3.0.21, wayland 1.23.1, and more.
- Asus ROG X support improved in the Handheld Edition.
- The Plasma installation now features kdeplasma-addons in netinstall.
- Calamares was updated to the latest version, and also the swap partition issue was fixed.
- The time synchronization server has been switched from time.google.com to time.cloudflare.com.
- AMD Cache Optimizer was applied to the kernel alongside timing fixes for the 5120x1440@240 Hz display setting.
Available in a Desktop Edition and Handheld Edition (supporting the Steam Deck, Lenovo Legion Go, and the Asus ROG Ally), CachyOS can be downloaded from this page. While the installer automatically detects the system's CPU and chooses the optimized repository, the desktop environment can be chosen by the user. The list is extremely generous, with over a dozen choices, including KDE, LXDE, Budgie, i3, Openbox, UKUI, and more.
Those who want to have a Linux-driven gaming console in their pocket can currently grab the R36S (Translucent Black) with 128 GB off Amazon for $49.75 instead of $60 (17% off).