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cachyos/linux-cachyos

Analysis updated 2026-05-18

★ 3,617ShellAudience · ops devopsComplexity · 4/5Setup · moderate

TLDR

CachyOS's linux-cachyos provides modified Linux kernels for Arch Linux, tuned with faster CPU schedulers and compiler optimizations for gaming and desktop performance.

Mindmap

mindmap
  root((linux-cachyos))
    What it does
      Optimized Linux kernels
      Multiple CPU schedulers
    Tech stack
      Linux kernel
      Arch Linux
      Shell scripts
    Use cases
      Gaming performance
      Steam Deck builds
      Server kernels
    Audience
      Arch Linux users
      Gamers

Code map

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What do people build with it?

USE CASE 1

Install a faster, gaming-tuned Linux kernel on an Arch Linux desktop or gaming PC.

USE CASE 2

Switch to the BORE scheduler for more responsive interactive performance.

USE CASE 3

Run a server or Steam Deck build with kernel patches specific to that hardware.

USE CASE 4

Use ZFS filesystem support and AMD power management improvements not in the stock kernel.

What is it built with?

ShellLinux kernelArch LinuxGCCClang

How does it compare?

cachyos/linux-cachyosconduktor/kafka-stack-docker-composeful1e5/bibata_cursor
Stars3,6173,6223,622
LanguageShellShellShell
Setup difficultymoderatemoderateeasy
Complexity4/53/51/5
Audienceops devopsops devopsgeneral

Figures from each repo's GitHub metadata at analysis time.

How do you get it running?

Difficulty · moderate Time to first run · 30min

Only works on Arch Linux and its derivatives, installed through pacman with a CPU-detecting setup script.

In plain English

This repository contains modified versions of the Linux kernel aimed at getting better performance out of desktop computers, gaming rigs, and servers running Arch Linux. The standard Linux kernel is a general-purpose piece of software that balances many competing goals. These kernels apply extra patches and configuration changes to shift that balance toward speed and responsiveness. The most significant difference is the choice of CPU scheduler, which is the part of the kernel that decides which programs get to run on the processor and when. Different schedulers suit different workloads. The BORE scheduler is designed for interactive tasks and gaming, where quick responses to user input matter more than raw throughput. The EEVDF scheduler is the default and is geared toward general computing. A third option, BMQ, is also available. There are also specialized builds for real-time workloads, long-term support users, servers, Steam Deck consoles, and security-focused setups. Beyond scheduler choices, the kernels are compiled with optimization flags tuned to specific CPU generations. Modern AMD and Intel processors can run certain instructions faster than older ones, and these builds take advantage of that. There is also support for a technique called Link Time Optimization, which produces faster code by analyzing the program as a whole during compilation rather than file by file. Other included improvements cover memory management to reduce slowdowns under low-memory conditions, better support for AMD power management features, HDR display support, patches for gaming hardware like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG devices, and built-in support for the ZFS filesystem. Installation is handled through Arch Linux's package manager. A script detects your CPU type automatically and sets up the right package repositories. Manual installation steps are also documented for users who prefer that. The kernels are only for Arch Linux and its derivatives, and the repository is primarily shell scripts and build configuration files.

Copy-paste prompts

Prompt 1
Explain the difference between the BORE, EEVDF, and BMQ schedulers in linux-cachyos.
Prompt 2
Show me how to run the automated CachyOS repository installer on Arch Linux.
Prompt 3
Help me pick the right linux-cachyos variant for a Steam Deck or gaming setup.
Prompt 4
What CPU architecture optimizations does the x86-64-v3 repository tier include?

Frequently asked questions

What is linux-cachyos?

CachyOS's linux-cachyos provides modified Linux kernels for Arch Linux, tuned with faster CPU schedulers and compiler optimizations for gaming and desktop performance.

What language is linux-cachyos written in?

Mainly Shell. The stack also includes Shell, Linux kernel, Arch Linux.

How hard is linux-cachyos to set up?

Setup difficulty is rated moderate, with roughly 30min to a first successful run.

Who is linux-cachyos for?

Mainly ops devops.

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