CachyOS is an Arch Linux–based distribution focused on ease of use and performance.[1] It is designed to deliver lightning-fast speeds and stability with a simple graphical installer and multiple desktop environments. The project combines Arch's rolling release model with aggressive compiler and kernel optimisations for modern CPUs.
History
CachyOS was launched in late 2022. It was developed by a team led by Peter "ptr1337" Jung to make Arch Linux more accessible and performance-optimised. The first ISOs were released in 2023. Since then, CachyOS has grown rapidly, releasing monthly snapshots and gaining attention on DistroWatch and other Linux community sites.[2]
Philosophy
CachyOS aims to provide a beginner-friendly user experience without sacrificing the flexibility and power of Arch Linux. It retains compatibility with the AUR while focusing on speed, stability, and ease of use. The distribution targets both desktop users and gamers with specialised kernel features and compiled packages optimised for modern CPUs.
Key Features
Performance-Optimised Kernel
- Multiple kernel variants (`linux-cachyos`) compiled with Clang, LTO, and Propeller optimisations.
- CPU-specific builds: x86-64, x86-64-v3, x86-64-v4, and znver4.
- Low-latency schedulers: BORE, EEVDF, BMQ.
- Support for AMD P-State, kCFI, and other performance patches.
Optimised Package Repositories
- Architecture-specific repos for CPUs supporting advanced instruction sets.
- Core packages are rebuilt using high-performance compiler flags like `-O3`, LTO, and AutoFDO.
Custom Toolchain and Build Infrastructure
- Uses Clang or GCC for builds with profile-guided optimisation (PGO).
- Enables faster execution of compiled binaries on supported hardware.
Gaming and Multimedia
- Custom Proton (`proton-cachyos`) and Wine builds with NTSync and reduced 32-bit overhead.
- Steam Deck and ROG Ally patches built into the kernel.
- Support for DLSS updates via included “DLSS Swapper” utility.
- Out-of-box configuration for gaming performance with schedulers and power profiles.
Additional Utilities
- `pacman-offline` for offline updates.
- Graphical kernel manager and “CachyOS-Settings” GUI.
- Default browser: Cachy Browser (hardened Firefox fork).
- Support for Btrfs snapshots with Limine bootloader.
- Optional Firejail, DNSCrypt, AppArmor hardening.
Desktop Environments
CachyOS provides several preconfigured desktop environments:
Users can select their preferred environment during installation.
Installation
The distribution includes both a graphical (Calamares) and CLI installer. Key features:
- Auto-detection of CPU architecture and optimised repos.
- Btrfs with snapshot support is the default filesystem.
- Full UEFI, ZFS, and Secure Boot support.
- Smooth installation experience designed for newcomers to Arch.
Performance
According to the developers, CachyOS delivers around a 10% performance improvement over generic Arch on supported hardware. Performance benefits vary depending on workload and CPU architecture. Benchmarks show small but consistent speedups in areas like compile times, game frame rates, and load times.[3][4]
Hardware Compatibility
CachyOS is tuned for modern hardware, including:
- Full support for AMD RDNA4, Intel Arc, NVIDIA RTX 4000/5000 series.
- Steam Deck and handheld gaming PCs (e.g., ROG Ally).
- Asus Armoury Crate support for fan and power control on gaming laptops.
- Limine bootloader for rollback support via Btrfs.
Comparison to Other Arch-Based Distros
CachyOS shares traits with other Arch derivatives:
- Like EndeavourOS, it offers a friendly installer and maintains upstream Arch packages.
- Unlike Manjaro Linux, it does not delay package updates or curate its own repos.
- Similar to Garuda Linux, it emphasises performance but avoids heavy theming.
- Compared to pure Arch, it offers much greater ease of installation and setup.
Community and Development
- CachyOS is developed in the open with code hosted on GitHub.[5]
- Communication channels: Matrix, Telegram, Discord, and forums.
- Rolling release model with frequent updates and detailed changelogs.
- Supported by Patreon donations (patreon.com/CachyOS).