Fedora Asahi Remix vs RakuOS
Fedora Asahi Remix: Linux on Apple Silicon Macs. RakuOS: Atomic Fedora that still lets you install native packages. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- GamingRakuOSRakuOS ships gaming-oriented defaults or current drivers.
- Older hardwareRakuOSRakuOS needs about 4 GB of RAM versus 8 GB.
- Latest softwareRakuOSRakuOS uses a atomic model; Fedora Asahi Remix is stable.
- Long-term stabilityFedora Asahi RemixFedora Asahi Remix changes less between upgrades.
Specs compared
| Feature | Fedora Asahi Remix | RakuOS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #28 | Not ranked |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | Fedora | Fedora |
| Release model | Stable | Atomic |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma, GNOME | KDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, niri |
| Package management | DNF · Flatpak | rum (RPM overlay) · RakuOS Software Center |
| Init system | systemd | systemd |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Intermediate |
| Suggested RAM | 8 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | aarch64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2023 | — |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Development, Everyday use | Gaming, Immutable systems, Everyday use |
Key differences
- Fedora Asahi Remix follows a stable release model; RakuOS is atomic.
- Fedora Asahi Remix ships KDE Plasma, GNOME; RakuOS ships KDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, niri.
- Software comes from DNF · Flatpak on Fedora Asahi Remix and rum (RPM overlay) · RakuOS Software Center on RakuOS.
- We suggest about 8 GB of RAM for Fedora Asahi Remix and 4 GB for RakuOS.
Choose Fedora Asahi Remix if…
- runs natively on Apple Silicon
- upstream-first GPU driver work
- installs alongside macOS
Newer Apple chips may not be supported
Full Fedora Asahi Remix profileChoose RakuOS if…
- atomic image updates with instant rollback
- native RPM packages persist across updates
- terra repositories enabled for codecs and drivers
Young project with a small community
Full RakuOS profileFedora Asahi Remix vs RakuOS: FAQ
Is Fedora Asahi Remix better than RakuOS?
Neither is better for everyone. Fedora Asahi Remix is the stronger pick for long-term stability; RakuOS for gaming, older hardware, latest software.
Which uses less RAM, Fedora Asahi Remix or RakuOS?
RakuOS is lighter: we suggest about 4 GB versus 8 GB. The desktop you choose affects memory use more than the distribution itself.
Is Fedora Asahi Remix based on RakuOS?
No, the reverse: RakuOS is based on Fedora.
Can I switch from Fedora Asahi Remix to RakuOS without losing files?
Back up your home folder first. If /home is on a separate partition you can reinstall without formatting it, but a clean install with restored backups is safest.