I’m looking to get back into dual-booting Linux on a gaming laptop. I currently have an ASUS ROG G14, but I’ve had a lot of issues with it, mainly due to Asus bloatware and hardware problems even with Windows. There’s a community project aimed at making these laptops work better with Linux, but it seems hit or miss. So, I want to know: what gaming laptops out there work well with Linux right off the bat? I know I might need to do some tweaks to get everything running smoothly, but I’d prefer something that requires less fuss. I definitely won’t be going with ASUS for my next laptop!
4 Answers
Honestly, any laptop with room for 2 SSDs would be great, because I wouldn’t want to combine Windows and Linux on the same drive. My HP Omen 16″ runs Fedora seamlessly, and I installed it right after getting it. It has an Intel i9 and an RTX 4070, so gaming hasn’t been an issue at all.
If you’re looking for something sturdy, the Framework 16 is a solid choice, but it can be a bit pricey. Alternatively, I suggest the TUF Gaming A16 with an RX 7700S; it’s good value and should work well with Linux. Just remember why it’s recommended—AMD graphics tend to have better support with Linux from a gaming perspective.
I have the ROG Zephyrus G14 2024, and it worked perfectly with Arch Linux right out of the box—just had to tweak a script for fan control. But the dual GPU setup (AMD integrated and Nvidia dGPU) can be tricky for gaming performance. If you’re going for something outside of ASUS, give Lenovo or Framework a shot—they seem to have less hassle with Linux.
You might want to check out Framework laptops; they have a good reputation for compatibility with Linux. Just keep in mind your gaming preferences since what classifies as a “gaming laptop” can vary based on what games you’re into and the settings you want to run them at. Larger models generally have better cooling and multiple drive slots, which can make dual-booting easier. There’s also a ton of resources like Jarrod’s Tech on YouTube that do a great job reviewing Linux compatibility in gaming laptops.
What issues did you encounter with your ASUS? I’m currently using a Lenovo Legion with CachyOS, and it’s been great for both gaming and everyday tasks without any major hiccups.