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Mattscreative edited this page Dec 5, 2025 · 2 revisions

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.

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