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Trying to decide. Need more information.

MasterFrogg
MasterFrogg Posts: 3
in Games

Alright, here goes.

I'm putting together a new machine, Phenom Quad Core, 8GB RAM, GT 520 Video Card.

I'm currently running XP Home and I play a LOT of games on Steam, etc.

However XP doesn't fully support my new setup, and finally gives me a reason to fully consider the switch to Linux.

I've looked around at Wine, PlayonLinux, etc.

So far the most positive sounding thing I've seen mentioned is a 'Windows VM'

Could someone give more information about that?

Will that eliminate the compatibility issues with Linux towards the games?

Will that allow my system to utilize the full RAM and processor power available, which XP itself simply will not?

Any other useful information would also be appreciated, thank you.

Comments

  • LegacyUser
    LegacyUser Posts: 0
    MasterFrogg.

    Pardon me for my short response. I'm dealing with a monster head ache right now. The quick answer is Windows VM is just a program that lets you use Windows inside of Linux. An OS in an OS if you will. Even then, Windows VM will bog down your computer far more than if you just played the games in its natural Windows environment.

    WINE sucks. I'm sorry if I offend anyone, but I'm too tired to act like it doesn't. The fact is WINE tries to apply generic Windows libraries to play specific Windows games. I've used WINE, and for every program that didn't brutally die on me, it had problems coming out the Ying Yang. I've never used Play on Linux, so I can't comment on that. So, will the Linux programs eliminate the compatibility problems with your games? No. But it will tick you off trying to fix rabbit hole problems.

    Will it use your full RAM and Processor? Yes. But so will Windows 7, and you might actually get to play with more than a quarter of your current Windows game library. I would heavily recommend just getting Windows 7 and playing your games on that. It will save you so much time and sanity I can't even fully put it into words.

    Please let me know if this helps. I really am sorry I couldn't give you better news.
    Izzy1512
  • MasterFrogg
    MasterFrogg Posts: 3
    Actually, That was the conclusion I was coming to slowly.
    I really am intrigued by Linux, but as a desktop gamer, it does seem that I'll probably be sticking with Windows.

    I do appreciate your input, and if anyone else has anything to add, I look forward to hearing it.

    (Now off to try finding a deal on Microsoft's overpriced necessity of a system.)
  • LegacyUser
    LegacyUser Posts: 0
    edited November 2012
    Just as an added idea: You might be able to get an upgrade Windows 7 disk, instead of buying a full fledged Windows 7 copy. If you already have XP, it should let you install the upgrade OS. It should function all the same, and be about $50 cheaper.

    Wait. What... Did I just advise you to buy Windows instead of trying Linux? On the official Linux forum? I guess my account is as good as gone. :D
  • MasterFrogg
    MasterFrogg Posts: 3
    Izzy1512 wrote:
    Wait. What... Did I just advise you to buy Windows instead of trying Linux? On the official Linux forum? I guess my account is as good as gone. :D

    This made me chuckle. I don't see why they would do that. You're simply giving me a realistic response.

    The truth is, Linux doesn't have the game support that I desire.
    I do appreciate your idea for the upgrade disk. Thank you.
  • LegacyUser
    LegacyUser Posts: 0
    No problem. I'm glad I could help.
  • mfillpot
    mfillpot Posts: 2,180
    Your hardware is good enough to handle most everything and pretty much all Linux based distros now enable up to 64G of RAM on installation. However if you want to play games build on the windows libraries you are best off running them in a windows OS.

    However the new news is that steam is currently testing a Linux client in ubuntu and will be releasing several games for Linux, some are reporting increased framrates and better performance. With that in mind, I recommend setting your computer as a dual boot, windows for windows games and ubuntu for linux based games and to consume the new linux based games.
  • Goineasy9
    Goineasy9 Posts: 1,116
    As mfillpot said, dual booting would be a definite plus. Especially if you're into Steam games. 2013 is going to an interesting year for Gamers and Linux. You can keep up with the progress here:

    http://steamcommunity.com/app/221410

    I've also heard that besides Ubuntu, Fuduntu (The distro with the really strange name - It was originally a fork of Fedora with an Ubuntu sounding name.) also has the beta in it's repos. Now, if only someone had a Steam account.
  • RSims
    RSims Posts: 146
    Your best bet is a dual boot system with both Linux and Windows for games. Steam is currently running closed beta for Linux, however it's not done and will probably be a while. Right now a dual boot system with both full blown linux and windows is the best bet for gamers.

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