Should I install SteamOS?

https://www.reddit.com/r/SteamOS/comments/1icx6s3/should_i_install_steamos/

created by ItzCubieYT on 29/01/2025 at 16:04 UTC

0 upvotes, 11 top-level comments (showing 11)

Well, I have a pretty bad computer with 4 GB ram, Intel graphics 2000 and Intel i3 2120 (yes second generation). So, since Windows 10 is getting discontinued this October, I was thinking of switching to it, but will it run fine on my computer? Is all what I'm wondering.

Comments

Comment by Kind_Panic_3856 at 29/01/2025 at 16:21 UTC

7 upvotes, 1 direct replies

No it’s not technically ready for desktop use, even on AMD GPUs. You can use it but you will run into bugs and the OS will make a lot of assumptions since it thinks you are on a handheld

Use and try something like Bazzite, Nobara, CachyOS, etc.

Comment by Jamie00003 at 29/01/2025 at 16:13 UTC

3 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Erm….not if you’re not gaming no. That’s what steamOS is for

Comment by Baardmeester at 29/01/2025 at 16:48 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Install something like linux mint and just install steam. I would take xfce as desktop environment instead of the standaard mint with cinnamon.

Comment by really_random_user at 29/01/2025 at 16:57 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Try linux mint on it Or lubuntu, You'll have a much better experience

Comment by apathetic_vaporeon at 29/01/2025 at 18:47 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Linux isn’t magic. You have really old hardware. If you want the PC to work you could install a Linux distro with a light desktop environment like Xubuntu to make it usable as a personal computer, but almost all modern gaming will have issues on your setup.

Comment by PaddedFoxo at 29/01/2025 at 16:17 UTC

3 upvotes, 2 direct replies

SteamOS currently only runs on full AMD builds.. and that is only sometimes. You'd be better off using Bazzite. However, with that build, you probably should look into getting a whole new pc before worrying about win 10 support shutting down.

Comment by alkazar82 at 29/01/2025 at 16:31 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

SteamOS will not run on your computer. Intel HD Graphics 2000 is from 2011. You need an AMD GPU that is from at least around 2016 in order for gamescope (the SteamOS compositor used in game mode) to work.

Comment by WearyReflection8733 at 29/01/2025 at 16:21 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Id duel boot see if it works for you long term

Comment by gmes78 at 29/01/2025 at 21:56 UTC

1 upvotes, 1 direct replies

No. Your iGPU is so old that it doesn't support Vulkan, so you won't be able to play games through Proton.

Comment by CaptCapy at 30/01/2025 at 00:04 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

No because steam os only supports amd hardware

But feel free to install Linux, it will improve your performance for sure

Comment by tiktoktic at 29/01/2025 at 17:27 UTC*

0 upvotes, 0 direct replies

In a word…no.

Edit: My answer was in reference to installing on a general PC. SteamOS on the SteamDeck is an absolute dream.