#Random Linux
- Thread starter Ice Tea
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- 16 Jan 2005
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- 2,490
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- Wales
Found out this evening that my AirPods Pro 2 work exceptionally well on Linux (CachyOS in this case) compared to my Windows 11 installation. No lag when playing audio, super stable connection. Sweet.
I also found this out with my cheapy Soundcore bt earphones on Mint. The volume also goes much further than on W10, almost like they had an artificial limiter unlocked. The sync is also perfect from the start.
Been running Fedora for a few years on a Minisforum UM480 XT which I've decided to move out of my main work space. More necessity, but things like Microsoft Office and Roblox (daughters plays it) means I just can't ditch Windows 11 right now. And I've basically got annoyed at running two separate PCs. I could run a separate hard drive for a Linux installation, but that has it own issues.
So I've decided to repurpose the Minisforum PC as a Steam Machine in the lounge. Bazzite felt like the obvious choice with everything pre-installed and a Fedora base I'm familiar with. But I thought I'd give Steam OS a go. I've seen a few videos of people trying Steam OS and aware of the limitations. And although this is fairly low powered; Ryzen 7 4800H CPU, Vega based GPU it coped very well with desktop tasks, 4K video and 'light gaming'. I think I installed Steam OS version 3.7.7 and it was quite slow to install (might be the old USB stick and the 3GB+ image) but with only a few options to select; timezone, Steam login etc.
However given the AMD base it's gone OK, so far. I played Brotato, Vampire Survivors, Balatro and Helltakers (lost a few hours testing these!) and all played well. There are a couple of issues; the frame-rate seemed to have been halved. My monitor is 165hz LG, but on the HDMI inputs is limited to 144hz. Normally under Fedora + Steam Brotato would run 130-144fps depending on how much is going on. It was running at 60-72fps so I assumed is being halved for some obvious reason. Also I had to use a stock Xbox One S controller as my Guilikit KK3 Max went crazy the minute you pressed the Xbox Guide button (on 2.4g wireless adapter, or directly over USB - need to try Bluetooth.). This might be a firmware issue but this controller was fine on Fedora. Also rumble worked on the controller test screen, but can't remember it in game.
At some point I'm going to move this over to the louge and continue testing the 4K TV and see how it goes.
So I've decided to repurpose the Minisforum PC as a Steam Machine in the lounge. Bazzite felt like the obvious choice with everything pre-installed and a Fedora base I'm familiar with. But I thought I'd give Steam OS a go. I've seen a few videos of people trying Steam OS and aware of the limitations. And although this is fairly low powered; Ryzen 7 4800H CPU, Vega based GPU it coped very well with desktop tasks, 4K video and 'light gaming'. I think I installed Steam OS version 3.7.7 and it was quite slow to install (might be the old USB stick and the 3GB+ image) but with only a few options to select; timezone, Steam login etc.
However given the AMD base it's gone OK, so far. I played Brotato, Vampire Survivors, Balatro and Helltakers (lost a few hours testing these!) and all played well. There are a couple of issues; the frame-rate seemed to have been halved. My monitor is 165hz LG, but on the HDMI inputs is limited to 144hz. Normally under Fedora + Steam Brotato would run 130-144fps depending on how much is going on. It was running at 60-72fps so I assumed is being halved for some obvious reason. Also I had to use a stock Xbox One S controller as my Guilikit KK3 Max went crazy the minute you pressed the Xbox Guide button (on 2.4g wireless adapter, or directly over USB - need to try Bluetooth.). This might be a firmware issue but this controller was fine on Fedora. Also rumble worked on the controller test screen, but can't remember it in game.
At some point I'm going to move this over to the louge and continue testing the 4K TV and see how it goes.
Have you tried kludging it with fprintd/fingwit? I must admit I have had mixed success over the years (by mixed I mean it has either just worked or not worked at all, reason being manufacturers don't bother with Linux support).
In more random Linux; LACT has an odd "feature", which can catch you out. I run my 9070XT with a -75 undervolt and don't often bother with the memory, but thought I'd play around tonight (as the developers have raised the maximum watts to 374w on the 9070XT). Long story short, whatever settings I used it made no difference to the performance of the card. Turns out between changes you need to reset to get settings to properly apply. Worth noting if you notice you aren't getting the uplift you would expect.
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EXT4 is now taking some leads.
My two issues with my new Steam OS are solved. Nothing to do with Linux and more me being an idiot.
The halving of the frame rate was using an old HDMI cable that isn't 2.0 spec. And the Guilikit KK3 had autofire enabled on the B button (Xbox layout). So it's a case again of check for human error first!
Now hooked the minisforum PC up to the 4K TV in the lounge and it works beautifully. Although it worked well at native with auto-scaling I've set it at 1080p and it also looks fine. Brotato is looking and running great!
The halving of the frame rate was using an old HDMI cable that isn't 2.0 spec. And the Guilikit KK3 had autofire enabled on the B button (Xbox layout). So it's a case again of check for human error first!
Now hooked the minisforum PC up to the 4K TV in the lounge and it works beautifully. Although it worked well at native with auto-scaling I've set it at 1080p and it also looks fine. Brotato is looking and running great!
Nah, it was only after I did the upgrade on Friday night when I realised the device wasn't on the supported list. Oh well, just need to continue to log in the old fashioned way.
Not sure if this counts as Linux but I've bought myself a mini pc for retro gaming in the living room(Mega Drive, PS1, PS2, Dreamcast) ... Batocera is FANTASTIC! running on a GMKtec K6 mini pc.
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