So I have a situation. I really want to switch to Linux as my main gaming/production OS but need the Adobe suite as I am a graphic designer. Adobe is the golden standard for this industry (and likely to always be) so while Gimp and Inkscape might work, they are not feasible for my career. I also know that there will be situations where games just don’t run well or at all on Linux.

Dualbooting works but is not really worth it for me as I would have to stop what I’m doing and restart my PC. I heard that you can set up a single GPU passthrough for games and software but it seems complicated. How difficult would that be to set up for a new user to Linux? I would consider myself a tech savvy person but I know very little about the ins and outs of Linux. I have a massive GPU (XFX RX 6900 XT) with a big support bracket that covers the second PCIE slot so buying another GPU isn’t really feasible either.

I do have an Unraid server with decent specs that I use for a hosting Minecraft servers and Jellyfin so setting up a VM on that might be a good option.

What would you guys recommend me to do?

  • WildlyCanadian@lemmy.ca
    10·
    1 year ago

    Dual boot is really your only option aside from straight up staying on Windows. You can game and general use on Linux, then switch to Windows when it’s time to work. Not the most ideal and I know you said you don’t want to do that, but if you rely on Adobe products (which sadly many people do) you kind of need a Windows install or a Mac.

    Another, much more expensive, option is to get a MacBook (or another laptop I suppose, not sure if the goal is to fully cut out Windows) and have that at your desk for your Adobe uses, and have Linux on your desktop. Not really feasible for most people but I don’t really know your situation so I thought I’d throw it out there.

    • Jayden@reddthat.comOP
      1·
      1 year ago

      Getting a MacBook might be a good option to be honest. I am still in college and transferring soon. The art school requires a MacBook so I would have to get one anyway. My main goal is to try steer away from Windows. I am tired of it installing MS software and resetting some settings every update. I’m not sure if Mac OS does something similar though.

      • heartsofwar@lemmy.world
        1·
        1 year ago

        As a 20 year Linux user personally and professionally that has tried every conceivable situation, I would strongly urge you to either dual hard drive boot (not dual boot single hard drive) or buy a separate gaming machine for Linux (refurbished Steam Deck from Valve comes to mind).

        The reason I say this is:

        • Dual hard drive boot instead of dual boot single hard drive, because Windows will give you some problems down the road at random times as it does not like to share the disk with other OSs.

        • Buy a Steam deck because it has the backing of Valve and will give you the best gaming experience on Linux even if the hardware is getting long in the tooth now. When you have enough experience under your belt, you can move on to making your own Linux gaming rig.