openSUSE Tumbleweed vs PCLinuxOS
openSUSE Tumbleweed: Rolling releases with tested snapshots. PCLinuxOS: A long-running independent rolling desktop. Here is how they differ, and which one suits you.
Quick verdict
- BeginnersPCLinuxOSPCLinuxOS is rated beginner; openSUSE Tumbleweed is intermediate.
- GamingopenSUSE TumbleweedopenSUSE Tumbleweed ships gaming-oriented defaults or current drivers.
- Older hardwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Latest softwareTieBoth are a similar fit here.
- Long-term stabilityTieBoth are a similar fit here.
Specs compared
| Feature | openSUSE Tumbleweed | PCLinuxOS |
|---|---|---|
| Popularity rank (30d) | #15 | #44 |
| Latest version | — | — |
| Based on | openSUSE | Independent (Mandriva heritage) |
| Release model | Rolling | Rolling |
| Desktop | KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce | KDE Plasma, MATE, Xfce |
| Package management | Zypper · RPM | APT-RPM · Synaptic |
| Init system | systemd | sysVinit |
| Experience level | Intermediate | Beginner |
| Suggested RAM | 4 GB+ | 4 GB+ |
| Architectures | x86_64, aarch64 | x86_64 |
| First released | 2014 | 2003 |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Good for | Development, Everyday use, Gaming | Everyday use |
Key differences
- openSUSE Tumbleweed is based on openSUSE, while PCLinuxOS is based on Independent (Mandriva heritage).
- openSUSE Tumbleweed ships KDE Plasma, GNOME, Xfce; PCLinuxOS ships KDE Plasma, MATE, Xfce.
- Software comes from Zypper · RPM on openSUSE Tumbleweed and APT-RPM · Synaptic on PCLinuxOS.
- openSUSE Tumbleweed uses systemd as its init system; PCLinuxOS uses sysVinit.
- openSUSE Tumbleweed is best for intermediate users; PCLinuxOS for beginner users.
Choose openSUSE Tumbleweed if…
- automated testing of rolling snapshots
- broad desktop choices
- snapshot recovery with supported setups
Frequent and sometimes large updates
Full openSUSE Tumbleweed profileChoose PCLinuxOS if…
- rolling without reinstalling
- graphical package management
- systemd-free
64-bit only; small package team
Full PCLinuxOS profileopenSUSE Tumbleweed vs PCLinuxOS: FAQ
Is openSUSE Tumbleweed better than PCLinuxOS?
Neither is better for everyone. openSUSE Tumbleweed is the stronger pick for gaming; PCLinuxOS for beginners.
Which uses less RAM, openSUSE Tumbleweed or PCLinuxOS?
Both need about 4 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop. The desktop environment affects memory use more than the distribution.
Is openSUSE Tumbleweed based on PCLinuxOS?
No. openSUSE Tumbleweed is based on openSUSE; PCLinuxOS is based on Independent (Mandriva heritage).
Can I switch from openSUSE Tumbleweed to PCLinuxOS 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.