I’m trying to choose between Pop!_OS and Linux Mint for my low-end AMD laptop. The main things I’ll be using it for are gaming, retro game emulation, a bit of video editing, and working with office files. What are the pros and cons of each, and which one do you think would run better on this kind of setup?
3 Answers
I prefer Mint for its classic layout; it feels more intuitive if you’re coming from Windows. Pop!_OS tries to imitate the Mac style with GNOME, which isn’t for everyone. If you like a straightforward experience, Mint is the way to go. Plus, it has a good reputation for performance on older hardware!
If you’re looking to install right now, I’d go with Linux Mint. It tends to be more user-friendly and up to date, which is great for older hardware like yours. Pop!_OS is still on version 22.04, and they’re holding out for their Cosmic upgrade, so it might not be the best choice for immediate needs. Mint has a more traditional interface, too, which can make things easier while you’re adjusting to Linux.
That’s good to know! I’ve heard Mint runs smoothly on older systems, especially with the Cinnamon desktop.
Both Pop!_OS and Linux Mint are built on Ubuntu, but they have different desktop environments (DE). Pop!_OS has some cool features and enhancements, especially with gaming, but it might be a bit more resource-hungry compared to Mint. If your laptop is really old, Mint is generally a safer bet, especially if you prefer a more lightweight DE like MATE. Plus, Mint’s always been snappy for me!
That’s exactly what I’m looking for! I want something easy to use and efficient.