CachyOS Getting Started - ryzendew/Linux-Tips-and-Tricks GitHub Wiki

CachyOS Getting Started Guide

This comprehensive guide will help you understand what CachyOS is, why you might want to use it, and how to get started with this performance-optimized Arch Linux-based distribution.

Table of Contents

  1. What is CachyOS?
  2. Why Choose CachyOS?
  3. Key Features
  4. System Requirements
  5. Pre-Installation Setup
  6. Downloading CachyOS
  7. Creating Bootable Media
  8. Next Steps

What is CachyOS?

Introduction

CachyOS is a Linux distribution based on Arch Linux that focuses on performance optimization and user-friendliness. It's designed to provide a fast, responsive computing experience while maintaining the flexibility and power of Arch Linux.

What Makes CachyOS Different?

CachyOS is not just another Arch Linux distribution. It includes:

  1. Performance Optimizations: Custom-compiled packages with advanced CPU instruction sets
  2. Custom Kernel: The linux-cachyos kernel with the BORE scheduler for better responsiveness
  3. User-Friendly Tools: Custom applications to simplify system management
  4. Multiple Desktop Environments: Wide selection of DEs and WMs to choose from
  5. Easy Installation: Both GUI and CLI installers for different user preferences

Who is CachyOS For?

CachyOS is ideal for:

  • Performance enthusiasts who want a faster, more responsive system
  • Arch Linux users who want a more user-friendly experience
  • Gamers who need low latency and high performance
  • Content creators who work with resource-intensive applications
  • Linux beginners who want to try Arch Linux with better defaults
  • Experienced users who want optimized packages out of the box

Why Choose CachyOS?

Performance Benefits

CachyOS is optimized for modern hardware and provides several performance advantages:

  1. Faster Application Launch Times: Optimized packages start applications quicker
  2. Lower System Latency: BORE scheduler reduces input lag and improves responsiveness
  3. Better Gaming Performance: Optimized for low latency in games
  4. Improved Compilation Speed: Faster builds for developers
  5. Enhanced Multitasking: Better CPU scheduling for running multiple applications

User Experience Benefits

  1. Easy Installation: Both graphical and command-line installers
  2. Pre-configured Desktop Environments: Beautiful, ready-to-use setups
  3. Helpful Tools: Custom applications for system management
  4. Active Community: Supportive forum and Discord server
  5. Regular Updates: Based on Arch Linux, so you get the latest software

Technical Advantages

  1. Modern CPU Support: Optimized for x86-64-v3, x86-64-v4, and Zen4 instruction sets
  2. Link Time Optimization (LTO): Packages compiled with LTO for better performance
  3. Profile-Guided Optimization (PGO): Core packages optimized based on real-world usage
  4. BOLT Optimization: Additional optimization for certain packages
  5. Multiple Kernel Options: Choose from different schedulers and kernel variants

Key Features

1. Optimized Performance

What it means: CachyOS compiles packages with advanced optimizations that make your system faster.

Technical details:

  • x86-64-v3: Optimized for CPUs from 2015 onwards (Intel Haswell, AMD Excavator)
  • x86-64-v4: Optimized for newer CPUs (Intel Skylake, AMD Zen)
  • Zen4: Specifically optimized for AMD Ryzen 7000 series and newer
  • LTO (Link Time Optimization): Compiler optimization that improves performance
  • PGO (Profile-Guided Optimization): Packages optimized based on how they're actually used
  • BOLT: Binary Optimization and Layout Tool for additional performance gains

Real-world benefits:

  • Applications start faster
  • Games run smoother with lower latency
  • System feels more responsive
  • Better performance in resource-intensive tasks

2. BORE Scheduler

What is a scheduler? The CPU scheduler decides which processes (programs) run on which CPU cores and when. It's a critical part of the operating system that affects responsiveness.

What is BORE? BORE stands for "Burst-Oriented Response Enhancer". It's a CPU scheduler designed to prioritize interactive tasks (like moving your mouse, typing, or gaming) over background tasks.

Why it matters:

  • Lower input lag: Your mouse and keyboard feel more responsive
  • Better gaming performance: Games get priority CPU time
  • Smoother desktop experience: UI interactions feel instant
  • Reduced stuttering: Background tasks don't interrupt your work

Other scheduler options: CachyOS also offers:

  • EEVDF: Earliest Eligible Virtual Deadline First scheduler
  • sched-ext: Extensible scheduler framework
  • ECHO: Another scheduler option
  • RT: Real-time scheduler for time-critical applications

3. Custom Kernel (linux-cachyos)

What is a kernel? The kernel is the core of the operating system. It manages hardware, memory, and processes.

What is linux-cachyos? CachyOS provides a custom-compiled Linux kernel with:

  • BORE scheduler (or other scheduler options)
  • Optimizations for modern CPUs
  • LTO compilation for better performance
  • Additional performance patches

Benefits:

  • Better performance than standard kernels
  • Lower latency
  • Optimized for modern hardware
  • Multiple scheduler options

4. Multiple Desktop Environments

What is a desktop environment? A desktop environment (DE) is the graphical interface you interact with - the panels, menus, windows, and applications.

Available options: CachyOS offers a wide selection:

Full Desktop Environments:

  • KDE Plasma: Highly customizable, feature-rich
  • GNOME: Modern, minimalist interface
  • XFCE: Lightweight, traditional desktop
  • Cinnamon: Windows-like interface
  • LXQt: Lightweight and fast
  • Mate: Traditional desktop experience
  • Budgie: Modern and elegant
  • UKUI: User-friendly interface

Wayland Compositors:

  • Wayfire: 3D compositor with visual effects
  • Hyprland: Modern tiling compositor
  • Sway: i3-like tiling for Wayland

X11 Window Managers:

  • i3: Tiling window manager
  • Qtile: Python-based tiling WM
  • Openbox: Lightweight stacking WM

Why this matters: You can choose the interface that best fits your workflow and preferences. Each option is pre-configured with CachyOS settings for a polished experience.

5. User-Friendly Installation

Two installation methods:

  1. GUI Installer (Calamares-based)
  • Graphical interface
  • Point-and-click installation
  • Visual disk partitioning
  • Easy for beginners
  1. CLI Installer (Command-line)
  • Text-based interface
  • Faster installation
  • More control over the process
  • Better for experienced users

Both methods allow you to:

  • Choose your desktop environment
  • Select your boot manager (GRUB, systemd-boot, rEFInd, Limine)
  • Pick your kernel and scheduler
  • Configure your system during installation

6. Custom Tools

CachyOS Hello: A graphical application that helps you:

  • Configure system settings
  • Install additional packages
  • Apply system tweaks
  • Access documentation

CachyOS Package Installer: Simplified package management with a user-friendly interface.

CachyOS Settings: Pre-configured settings packages for desktop environments that provide:

  • Beautiful themes
  • Optimized configurations
  • Additional applications
  • Ready-to-use setups

chwd (CachyOS Hardware Detection): Tool for managing hardware drivers, especially for:

  • NVIDIA graphics cards
  • AMD graphics cards
  • Switching between GPUs
  • Installing proper drivers

cachy-chroot: Helper tool for working with chroot environments (advanced system management).

System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

For basic desktop use:

  • CPU: 64-bit processor (x86-64)
  • RAM: 2 GB minimum (4 GB recommended)
  • Storage: 20 GB free disk space (40 GB recommended)
  • Graphics: Any graphics card with basic Linux support
  • Network: Internet connection for installation and updates

Recommended Requirements

For optimal performance:

  • CPU: Modern 64-bit processor (2015 or newer for x86-64-v3 optimizations)
  • Intel: Haswell (4th gen) or newer
  • AMD: Excavator or newer
  • For Zen4 optimizations: AMD Ryzen 7000 series or newer
  • RAM: 8 GB or more
  • Storage: 50 GB or more free disk space (SSD recommended)
  • Graphics: Modern graphics card with good Linux driver support
  • NVIDIA: GTX 900 series or newer (with proprietary drivers)
  • AMD: GCN 2.0 or newer (open-source drivers work well)
  • Intel: Integrated graphics work fine
  • Network: Stable internet connection

CPU Architecture Support

CachyOS supports different CPU optimization levels:

  1. x86-64-v3 (Recommended minimum)
  • Intel: Haswell (4th gen Core) or newer
  • AMD: Excavator or newer
  • Provides good performance improvements
  1. x86-64-v4 (Better performance)
  • Intel: Skylake (6th gen Core) or newer
  • AMD: Zen (Ryzen 1000 series) or newer
  • Better optimizations for newer CPUs
  1. Zen4 (Best for AMD Ryzen 7000+)
  • AMD: Ryzen 7000 series (Zen 4 architecture)
  • Latest optimizations for newest AMD CPUs

How to check your CPU:

# Check CPU information
lscpu

What this command does:

  • lscpu: Lists CPU information
  • Shows detailed information about your processor
  • No administrator privileges needed (just checking, not changing)

Example output:

Architecture:            x86_64
CPU op-mode(s):        32-bit, 64-bit
Byte Order:            Little Endian
CPU(s):                8
On-line CPU(s) list:   0-7
Thread(s) per core:    2
Core(s) per socket:    4
Socket(s):             1
Vendor ID:             GenuineIntel
CPU family:            6
Model:                 158
Model name:            Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9700K CPU @ 3.60GHz
Stepping:              10
CPU MHz:               3600.000
CPU max MHz:           4900.0000
CPU min MHz:           800.0000
BogoMIPS:              7200.00

Understanding the output:

  • Architecture: x86_64: Your CPU is 64-bit (good - CachyOS requires this)
  • CPU(s): 8: You have 8 CPU cores
  • Model name: Your CPU model (Intel Core i7-9700K)
  • CPU max MHz: Maximum speed (4900 MHz = 4.9 GHz)

What this tells you:

  • Your CPU is compatible with CachyOS
  • You can use x86-64-v3 or v4 optimizations (depending on CPU generation)
  • Your CPU has good performance capabilities

Alternative method:

# Check CPU model only
cat /proc/cpuinfo | grep "model name" | head -1

What this command does:

  • cat /proc/cpuinfo: Reads CPU information file
  • /proc/cpuinfo: A special file that contains CPU information
  • /proc/: Virtual filesystem showing system information
  • | grep "model name": Finds the line with CPU model
  • | head -1: Shows only the first line (all cores show same model)

Example output:

model name      : Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-9700K CPU @ 3.60GHz

What this tells you:

  • Your CPU model (i7-9700K)
  • CPU speed (3.60 GHz base, can boost higher)
  • This CPU supports x86-64-v3 optimizations

Note: CachyOS is optimized for 64-bit x86 processors. ARM and other architectures are not officially supported.

What this means:

  • x86-64: The CPU architecture used by Intel and AMD desktop/laptop processors
  • ARM: Different architecture used by phones, tablets, some newer Macs (Apple Silicon)
  • Not supported: CachyOS won't work on ARM processors (like Apple M1/M2 Macs)
  • Check your CPU: If you have an Intel or AMD processor (2015+), you're good!

Pre-Installation Setup

Step 1: Backup Your Data

** Important**: Installing a new operating system will erase data on the target disk. Always backup important files!

What to backup:

  • Documents, photos, videos
  • Application settings and configurations
  • Browser bookmarks and passwords
  • SSH keys and certificates
  • Any other important data

Backup methods:

  • External hard drive
  • Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
  • Network storage (NAS)
  • Another computer

Step 2: Check System Compatibility

Verify your hardware is compatible:

  1. Check CPU compatibility:

    # On Linux, check CPU info
lscpu

# Look for "x86_64" in the Architecture field

  2. Check available disk space:

    # On Linux, check disk space
df -h

# Ensure you have at least 20 GB free (40+ GB recommended)

  3. Check RAM:

    # On Linux, check RAM
free -h

# Ensure you have at least 2 GB (4+ GB recommended)

  4. Check graphics card:

    # On Linux, check graphics
lspci | grep -i vga

# Or
lspci | grep -i "3d\|display\|vga"

Step 3: Prepare Installation Media

You'll need:

  • A USB flash drive (8 GB or larger recommended)
  • The CachyOS ISO file (downloaded in next step)
  • Software to create bootable USB (Etcher, dd, or similar)

USB drive requirements:

  • Size: At least 8 GB (16 GB recommended)
  • Speed: USB 3.0 recommended for faster installation
  • Format: Will be formatted during USB creation (backup any data!)

Step 4: Configure BIOS/UEFI

Before installing, you may need to adjust BIOS/UEFI settings:

  1. Access BIOS/UEFI:
  • Restart your computer
  • Press the key during boot (usually F2, F10, F12, Del, or Esc)
  • Common keys by manufacturer:
  • Dell: F2 or F12
  • HP: F10 or Esc
  • Lenovo: F1 or F2
  • ASUS: F2 or Del
  • Acer: F2 or Del
  1. Enable UEFI mode (if available):
  • Look for "UEFI" or "EFI" settings
  • Enable UEFI boot (disable Legacy/CSM if present)
  • Modern systems (2012+) usually use UEFI
  1. Disable Secure Boot (temporarily, for installation):
  • Find "Secure Boot" option
  • Disable it (you can re-enable after installation if needed)
  • Some systems require setting an administrator password first
  1. Set boot priority:
  • Find "Boot Order" or "Boot Priority"
  • Set USB drive as first boot device
  • Or use one-time boot menu (usually F12 or similar)
  1. Save and exit:
  • Save changes (usually F10)
  • Exit BIOS/UEFI
  • Computer will restart

Note: BIOS/UEFI interfaces vary by manufacturer. Consult your motherboard manual if needed.

Step 5: Prepare for Dual Boot (Optional)

If you want to keep your current operating system:

  1. Shrink existing partition:
  • Use disk management tools to create free space
  • Windows: Disk Management utility
  • Linux: GParted or similar
  • Leave at least 40 GB free space for CachyOS
  1. Disable Fast Startup (Windows):
  • Windows 10/11: Settings → System → Power & Sleep → Additional Power Settings
  • Uncheck "Turn on fast startup"
  • This prevents issues with dual booting
  1. Backup Windows recovery:
  • Create Windows recovery media
  • In case you need to restore Windows later

** Warning**: Dual booting can be complex. Make sure you understand partitioning and have backups!

Downloading CachyOS

Official Download Sources

Primary download location:

Choosing the Right ISO

CachyOS offers different ISO variants:

  1. Standard ISO (Recommended for most users)
  • Includes GUI installer (Calamares)
  • Multiple desktop environments available
  • Full installation experience
  1. CLI ISO (For advanced users)
  • Command-line installer only
  • Faster download
  • More control over installation
  1. Minimal ISO (For experienced users)
  • Minimal base system
  • Install what you need
  • Smallest download size

Which one to choose:

  • Beginners: Standard ISO with GUI installer
  • Experienced users: CLI ISO or Minimal ISO
  • Network install: Minimal ISO (downloads packages during installation)

Download Steps

  1. Visit the download page:
  1. Select your ISO:
  • Choose Standard, CLI, or Minimal
  • Select the latest version
  • ISO files are typically 2-4 GB in size
  1. Verify the download (Recommended):
  • Download the checksum file (SHA256 or MD5)
  • Verify the ISO integrity: 
    # On Linux/Mac
sha256sum cachyos-*.iso
# Compare with the checksum file

# On Windows (PowerShell)
Get-FileHash cachyos-*.iso -Algorithm SHA256
  1. Save the ISO:
  • Save to a location you can find (Downloads folder is common)
  • Don't extract the ISO - it will be used as-is

Download time:

  • Depends on your internet speed
  • Typical download: 10-30 minutes on average connection
  • Use a stable connection to avoid corrupted downloads

Creating Bootable Media

Method 1: Using Etcher (Recommended for Beginners)

Etcher is a user-friendly, cross-platform tool for creating bootable USB drives.

Steps:

  1. Download Etcher:
  1. Launch Etcher:
  • Open the Etcher application
  1. Select the ISO:
  • Click "Flash from file"
  • Navigate to where you saved the CachyOS ISO
  • Select the ISO file
  1. Select USB drive:
  • Insert your USB flash drive
  • Etcher should detect it automatically
  • If multiple drives appear, make sure you select the correct one
  • ** Warning**: All data on the USB drive will be erased!
  1. Flash the ISO:
  • Click "Flash!" button
  • Wait for the process to complete (5-15 minutes depending on USB speed)
  • Etcher will verify the flash automatically
  1. Eject the USB:
  • Wait for Etcher to finish
  • Safely eject the USB drive
  • Your bootable USB is ready!

Advantages:

  • Very easy to use
  • Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Automatic verification
  • Prevents accidentally selecting your main hard drive

Method 2: Using dd (Linux/Mac)

dd is a command-line tool available on Linux and macOS.

** Warning**: Using dd incorrectly can erase your hard drive! Double-check the device name.

Steps:

  1. Identify your USB device: 
    # List all disk devices
lsblk

# Or on macOS
diskutil list

Look for your USB drive - it will typically be /dev/sdX (Linux) or /dev/diskX (macOS)

  • Example: /dev/sdb or /dev/sdc
  • Make sure it's the USB drive, not your main hard drive!

  1. Unmount the USB drive:

    # On Linux
sudo umount /dev/sdX1
# Replace X with your USB drive letter

# On macOS
diskutil unmountDisk /dev/diskX

  2. Write the ISO to USB:

    # On Linux
sudo dd if=/path/to/cachyos-*.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync

# On macOS
sudo dd if=/path/to/cachyos-*.iso of=/dev/rdiskX bs=4m

What each part means:

  • if=: Input file (the ISO file)
  • of=: Output file (the USB device - NOT a partition!)
  • bs=4M: Block size (4 megabytes)
  • status=progress: Show progress (Linux only)
  • oflag=sync: Ensure data is written (Linux only)
  1. Wait for completion:
  • The process may take 5-15 minutes
  • Don't interrupt it
  • When complete, you'll see a summary
  1. Eject the USB: 
    # On Linux
sudo eject /dev/sdX

# On macOS
diskutil eject /dev/diskX

Advantages:

  • Built into Linux and macOS
  • Very reliable
  • Fast for experienced users

Disadvantages:

  • Command-line only
  • Easy to make mistakes
  • No graphical progress indicator (on macOS)

Method 3: Using Rufus (Windows)

Rufus is a popular Windows tool for creating bootable USB drives.

Steps:

  1. Download Rufus:
  • Visit: https://rufus.ie/
  • Download the latest version
  • No installation needed (portable)
  1. Launch Rufus:
  • Run the Rufus executable
  • You may need to allow administrator privileges
  1. Select USB drive:
  • Insert your USB flash drive
  • Select it from the "Device" dropdown
  • ** Warning**: Make sure it's the correct drive!
  1. Select the ISO:
  • Click "SELECT" button
  • Navigate to your CachyOS ISO file
  • Select it
  1. Configure settings:
  • Partition scheme: GPT (for UEFI) or MBR (for Legacy BIOS)
  • Target system: UEFI (non-CSM) or BIOS
  • File system: Leave as default
  • Most modern systems use GPT + UEFI
  1. Start the process:
  • Click "START"
  • Confirm any warnings
  • Wait for completion (5-15 minutes)
  1. Eject the USB:
  • Wait for Rufus to finish
  • Safely eject the USB drive

Advantages:

  • Windows-specific tool
  • Good for UEFI/BIOS compatibility
  • Shows progress

Verification

After creating the bootable USB, verify it works:

  1. Check the USB contents:
  • The USB should contain files and folders (not just the ISO file)
  • You should see directories like boot/, EFI/, etc.
  1. Test boot (optional but recommended):
  • Insert USB into your computer
  • Boot from USB (use boot menu or set in BIOS)
  • You should see the CachyOS boot menu
  • You don't need to install - just verify it boots

If the USB doesn't boot:

  • Try recreating it with a different tool
  • Try a different USB drive
  • Check BIOS/UEFI settings
  • Verify the ISO download wasn't corrupted

Next Steps

After Creating Bootable Media

You're now ready to install CachyOS!

Next guide to read:

Other helpful guides:

Installation Checklist

Before installing, make sure you have:

  • Backed up important data
  • Verified system requirements
  • Downloaded CachyOS ISO
  • Created bootable USB drive
  • Configured BIOS/UEFI settings
  • Prepared disk space (if dual booting)
  • Read the installation guide

Getting Help

If you need assistance:

Additional Resources

Summary

This guide covered:

  1. What CachyOS is - A performance-optimized Arch Linux distribution
  2. Why choose CachyOS - Performance benefits, user-friendly tools, optimizations
  3. Key features - BORE scheduler, optimized packages, multiple DEs, custom tools
  4. System requirements - Hardware needed for CachyOS
  5. Pre-installation setup - Backups, compatibility checks, BIOS configuration
  6. Downloading CachyOS - Where to get the ISO and how to verify it
  7. Creating bootable media - Multiple methods (Etcher, dd, Rufus)

Key Takeaways:

  • CachyOS is optimized for performance with modern CPUs
  • It provides both GUI and CLI installation options
  • Always backup your data before installing
  • Verify your hardware is compatible
  • Use the installation guide for the actual installation process

This guide is based on the CachyOS Wiki and expanded with detailed explanations for beginners. For the most up-to-date information, always refer to the official CachyOS documentation.