CachyOS: My Experience with a Performance-Tuned Arch-Based Distro

[jmarket]

CachyOS — Fast, Modern, Tuned for Performance

An Arch-based distribution with smart defaults, optimized kernels, and a clean desktop experience.

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Contents

1. Why CachyOS?


2. Key Features


3. Gaming & Performance


4. Installation (Quick Start)


5. Daily Use Tips


6. Example System Specs


7. Screenshots

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Why CachyOS?

CachyOS focuses on practical speed and a clean experience. You get the flexibility of Arch with curated defaults,
tuned networking and scheduler settings, plus a modern Plasma desktop that “just works”.

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Key Features

• Optimized Kernels: Low-latency options and modern TCP schedulers for responsive desktop and gaming.


• Modern Toolchain: Repositories built for newer CPUs (x86-64-v3) to unlock extra performance.


• Calamares Installer: Guided setup with sensible defaults (Btrfs or ext4).


• AUR Support: Paru included out of the box for community packages.


• KDE Plasma: Minimal, elegant, and easy to tailor without bloat.


• Rolling Release: Latest kernels, drivers, and desktop components.

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Gaming & Performance

With Proton, Gamescope, and up-to-date Mesa, CachyOS is a strong choice for Linux gaming.
Combine the optimized kernels with a light desktop for stable frame times and responsive input.

Sample Setup Commands

	
	
 # Update system
sudo pacman -Syu

# Gaming basics (Steam + tools)
sudo pacman -S steam mangohud gamescope wine

# Example Steam Launch Options (Properties → Launch Options)
# Crisp, Windows-like feel with Gamescope at 1440p 144 Hz
ENABLE_VKBASALT=1 DXVK_ASYNC=1 DXVK_NTSYNC=1 DXVK_HUD=fps,gpuload \
gamescope -f -W 2560 -H 1440 -- %command%

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Installation (Quick Start)

1. Download the latest CachyOS ISO and flash it to a USB drive.


2. Boot the installer and choose your desktop (KDE Plasma recommended).


3. Select filesystem (Btrfs with subvolumes is a great modern choice).


4. Complete the guided Calamares steps (locale, users, partitions).


5. Reboot, update, and install your apps:
   

   
   	
   	
   sudo pacman -Syu
   sudo pacman -S firefox vlc libreoffice-fresh
   

   
   

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Daily Use Tips

• Updates: Run

  sudo pacman -Syyu

  regularly — it’s a rolling release.


• AUR: Use

  paru -S <package>

  for community packages.


• Backups: If you chose Btrfs, pair it with periodic snapshots (Snapper or Timeshift).


• Drivers: Mesa is current; NVIDIA users can install the proprietary driver via pacman.

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Example System Specs

Operating System

CachyOS (KDE Plasma)

CPU

Intel Core i7-13700K

GPU

Intel Arc A770 (16 GB)

Memory

32 GB DDR5-6000

Storage

1 TB NVMe SSD • 2 TB HDD

Display

Dual 27″ QHD • 144 Hz

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Screenshots

A few highlights from the default Plasma desktop and system tools:

• CachyOS Hello



• System Settings



• CachyOS FastFetch

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Questions? Share your hardware and we’ll help you get the most out of CachyOS.

Tip: Keep firmware and GPU drivers current for best results.