CachyOS Setup Guide
Complete guide to installing and configuring CachyOS for maximum gaming performance.
What is CachyOS?
CachyOS is an Arch Linux-based distribution optimized for performance and cutting-edge features. It offers fine-tuned kernel patches, performance-focused package management, and gaming optimizations for maximum FPS.
- Optimized kernel with performance patches
- Latest software packages from Arch repos
- Gaming-oriented tweaks and optimizations
- Superior system responsiveness
- Multiple desktop environment options
Step 1: Download CachyOS
- Visit cachyos.org
- Navigate to the Downloads section
- Choose your preferred desktop environment:
- KDE Plasma - Feature-rich, customizable
- GNOME - Modern, clean interface
- XFCE - Lightweight and fast
- i3 - Tiling window manager for power users
- Download the ISO file
Step 2: Create Installation Media
Flash the downloaded ISO to a USB drive using one of these tools:
Step 3: Boot & Install CachyOS
- Boot from the USB drive (press F12, F2, or DEL during startup)
- Select "Boot CachyOS" from the menu
- Once booted, launch the CachyOS Installer from the desktop
- Select your language and keyboard layout
- Configure partitioning:
- Auto - Recommended for beginners
- Manual - For advanced users who want custom partitions
- Choose filesystem (Btrfs recommended for snapshots)
- Set your timezone and locale
- Create your user account and password
- Select kernel variant (cachyos kernel recommended for gaming)
- Review and confirm settings
- Begin installation (typically 10-15 minutes)
- Reboot when complete
Step 4: Post-Installation Setup
Update System
sudo pacman -Syu
Install Graphics Drivers
Nvidia:
sudo pacman -S nvidia-dkms nvidia-utils
AMD: (Usually pre-installed)
sudo pacman -S mesa vulkan-radeon
Intel:
sudo pacman -S mesa vulkan-intel
Step 5: Install Gaming Tools
Steam
sudo pacman -S steam
Lutris (for GOG, Epic, etc.)
sudo pacman -S lutris
Heroic Games Launcher
sudo pacman -S heroic-games-launcher-bin
Wine & Dependencies
sudo pacman -S wine-staging winetricks
GameMode & MangoHud
sudo pacman -S gamemode mangohud lib32-mangohud
Step 6: Performance Optimization
Configure Steam
- Launch Steam and log in
- Go to Settings → Steam Play
- Enable "Enable Steam Play for all other titles"
- Select "Proton Experimental" or latest GE-Proton
Install Proton GE
# Using ProtonUp-Qt (recommended)
sudo pacman -S protonup-qt
# Launch ProtonUp-Qt and install latest GE-Proton
Enable GameMode for Steam Games
Add to Steam game launch options:
gamemoderun %command%
Enable MangoHud for FPS Display
Add to Steam game launch options:
mangohud %command%
Combine both:
gamemoderun mangohud %command%
Step 7: CachyOS-Specific Optimizations
Using Performance Governor
sudo pacman -S cpupower
sudo cpupower frequency-set -g performance
Enable Automatic Updates (Optional)
sudo systemctl enable --now cachyos-update.timer
Optimize for SSD (if applicable)
sudo systemctl enable fstrim.timer
Useful Commands
Update System
sudo pacman -Syu
Install Package
sudo pacman -S package-name
Remove Package
sudo pacman -R package-name
Search for Package
pacman -Ss search-term
Install from AUR (using yay)
yay -S aur-package-name
Clean Package Cache
sudo pacman -Sc
Troubleshooting
Game Won't Launch
- Verify game files in Steam
- Try different Proton versions
- Check ProtonDB for fixes
- Install missing dependencies via Lutris
Poor Performance
- Ensure performance governor is enabled
- Enable GameMode for games
- Check graphics drivers:
glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer"
- Monitor CPU/GPU usage with
htop or MangoHud
System Update Issues
- Clear package cache:
sudo pacman -Sc
- Update keyring:
sudo pacman -S archlinux-keyring cachyos-keyring
- Force database refresh:
sudo pacman -Syy
Audio Issues
- Restart PipeWire:
systemctl --user restart pipewire
- Install audio utilities:
sudo pacman -S pavucontrol
- Check audio output in pavucontrol
Resources