CachyOS
An Arch-based system tuned for speed.
What is CachyOS?
CachyOS is an Arch-based rolling distribution that focuses on performance. It ships kernels with alternative CPU schedulers and, on supported processors, repositories compiled for newer x86-64 instruction levels. A graphical installer offers a choice of desktops, and gaming-oriented packages are a single step away. You still maintain a rolling system, so read update notices.
Who is CachyOS for?
CachyOS fits best for gaming, development and everyday use. Where it ranks in our lists:
- Top pick: best Linux distros for gaming
- Top pick: best rolling release Linux distros
- #4 of 29: best Linux distros for programming and development
- #4 of 37: best Linux distros for 4 GB of RAM
Pros
- Optimized package builds for newer CPUs
- Choice of tuned kernels and schedulers
- Graphical installer with many desktop options
Cons
- Optimized repositories need a supported processor
- Rolling updates still require maintenance
CachyOS system requirements
For a comfortable desktop with a modern web browser, plan for about 4 GB of RAM. CachyOS is available for x86_64. Leave at least 25 GB of storage for the system and applications. These figures are editorial guidance; check the official documentation for minimums.
What does CachyOS look like?
CachyOS’s KDE Plasma edition uses the dark Breeze theme with a floating panel along the bottom. The CachyOS logo opens the Kickoff app menu, followed by a virtual desktop pager and pinned System Settings, Dolphin and Firefox. The system tray, clock and a show-desktop button sit on the right. On first login the CachyOS Hello welcome app opens over a dusky sea-and-mountains wallpaper.
Try CachyOS before you install
Write the image to a USB stick and boot it as a live session to test Wi-Fi, graphics, sound, and suspend on your own computer. A browser trial on DistroSea shows the desktop, but cannot verify your hardware.
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CachyOS: common questions
What is CachyOS based on?
CachyOS is based on Arch Linux. It uses Pacman · AUR (community) for software and systemd as its init system.
Is CachyOS good for beginners?
It is manageable if you are comfortable troubleshooting and occasionally using a terminal. Complete beginners may prefer Linux Mint or Ubuntu first.
How much RAM does CachyOS need?
We suggest about 4 GB of RAM for a comfortable desktop experience with a modern browser. This is editorial guidance, not the project’s official minimum, which can be lower. It runs on x86_64.
What desktop does CachyOS use?
CachyOS offers KDE Plasma, GNOME, COSMIC, Hyprland, niri, more.
Is CachyOS a rolling release?
Yes. CachyOS updates continuously, so there are no version upgrades to perform.
Is CachyOS free?
Yes, CachyOS is free to download and use.