After extensive testing, I’ve determined that CachyOS has surpassed both Ubuntu and Manjaro as the best Linux distribution for my ASUS Zephyrus G15 laptop. While Ubuntu and Manjaro were previously strong contenders, CachyOS, with its KDE Plasma environment, delivers a level of speed and refinement that neither of the other distributions can match.
Why CachyOS Outshines Ubuntu
CachyOS is built on a well-tuned kernel that enhances performance, especially on high-end hardware like the Zephyrus G15. One of the standout features is its seamless integration with external monitors. Unlike Ubuntu, which sometimes requires manual adjustments, CachyOS automatically configures my external LG ultrawide monitor without any hassle.
KDE Plasma in CachyOS is also a significant improvement over GNOME. KDE Plasma’s efficiency with system resources and its sleek, customizable interface make it a better fit for my needs. For instance, my audio interface performs more reliably under KDE Plasma, and the inclusion of the Kate code editor is a welcome upgrade from GEdit, offering a more robust and feature-rich coding environment.
Setup and Performance
Setting up CachyOS on my Zephyrus G15 was straightforward. The system recognized all components immediately, and the initial setup was smooth, thanks to the well-optimized kernel. The auto-configuration for my ultrawide monitor was particularly impressive.
CachyOS also excelled in managing my Bluetooth devices. Pairing my Logitech MX Mechanical Mini was quick, and KDE Plasma efficiently displayed the keyboard’s battery level, showcasing the operating system’s superior hardware integration. Initially, I struggled to maintain the 60% battery charge limit that GNOME handles through a robust and reliable extension. However, after a recent kernel update, KDE Plasma now successfully remembers this setting, which can be configured via System Settings > Power Management > Advanced Power Settings.
I appreciate that KDE has integrated this feature directly into the system, eliminating the need for a separate plugin to achieve this essential functionality. This built-in capability adds to KDE Plasma’s appeal, streamlining the user experience and providing a more cohesive solution for power management.
Comparing KDE Plasma and GNOME
When it comes to managing tasks and integrating with hardware, KDE Plasma proves to be better suited for web design and developing games with the Godot game engine on my Zephyrus G15. While neither KDE Plasma nor GNOME is without its flaws, KDE’s handling of Wayland, various monitor zoom levels, and drawing tablet integration is notably superior.
Although I miss GNOME’s ability to disconnect from SFTP sessions and its more powerful bulk image renaming options, KDE Plasma’s responsiveness and extensive customization options make it the better choice for my needs. The Kate code editor included with CachyOS has also enhanced my coding experience, effectively replacing VSCodium.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Ubuntu is a solid operating system, CachyOS offers superior speed, polish, and functionality for my ASUS Zephyrus G15 laptop. The KDE Plasma environment, automatic monitor configuration, and enhanced performance make CachyOS the top choice for my needs. If you’re considering a Linux distribution for high-performance laptops, I highly recommend giving CachyOS a try.
Thank you for reading about my experiences with CachyOS on the Zephyrus G15. Stay tuned for further updates and detailed reports on how this distribution continues to perform.
