Gaming PC owners have long wondered which operating system is the best for gaming. Nowadays, there are various choices; from Windows, to Mac, Linux, Chrome, and more. Windows is the most popular and common choice for gaming PCs, but Mac, Linux, and Chrome OS can also run games. This article will compare the pros and cons of the four main OSs to determine which is the best OS for gaming computers.
Windows Pros
When it comes to Windows, there are lots of pros. It’s the most popular, versatile and powerful of the available operating systems. It’s compatible with the vast majority of games, both old and new, and it’s highly customizable. Additionally, it has powerful hardware acceleration, and fully downloadable drivers for almost all popular gamepads, joysticks and other gaming peripherals. Lastly, Windows is known for its excellent user interface, making it an ideal choice for gamers who may not have much experience with computers.
Windows Cons
Unfortunately, Windows is not without its downsides. It has a reputation for being heavy on system resources, which can also affect the performance of games. Additionally, there are a variety of updates and patches which need to be downloaded and installed frequently, which can become tedious. Lastly, Windows has had many security issues over the years, which can make PCs vulnerable to viruses and malware.
Mac Pros
Macs can be a great choice when it comes to gaming PCs. They are known for their excellent performance; the hardware is powerful and the OS is lightweight. It’s also user-friendly and secure, with Apple’s latest macOS edition having created an even better UI and security than before. Furthermore, Macs have superior gamepad and other game peripheral compatibility, and are widely known for their powerful hardware acceleration for high-end gaming.
Mac Cons
Although Macs have many advantages, there are also a few drawbacks. For one, their compatibility with certain games may be limited, as some are made exclusively for Windows. Also, Macs tend to be more expensive than Windows machines; and due to their higher price, they often have less powerful hardware. Lastly, Macs do not come with the same range of downloadable drivers for gamepads and other gaming peripherals as Windows.
Linux Pros
Linux is a free, open-source OS that has become increasingly popular in recent years as a gaming platform. Its most attractive feature is its wide range of compatible devices; Linux gaming PCs are available in a wide variety of configurations, from low-end laptops to full-fledged gaming rigs. Linux also has excellent hardware acceleration and performance, meaning it’s a great choice for those looking for an inexpensive but powerful PC gaming experience.
Linux Cons
The main issue with Linux is that it isn’t as user-friendly as Windows or Mac OS, and its compatibility with certain games may be limited. Additionally, it can be difficult to find the latest drivers and patches for the system, as they often require the user to manually download them. Lastly, Linux is known to have a poorer gaming experience than Windows; while its performance can be better, many games lack the quality and detail found in Windows versions.
Chrome OS Pros
Chrome OS has become increasingly popular as an OS for gaming PCs, as it offers a range of features for gamers. It offers a wide range of gaming options, from Android games to PC games, and has improved hardware compatibility for gaming pads, joysticks and more. Additionally, Chrome OS is lightweight and secure, and it’s faster and more efficient than other operating systems.
Chrome OS Cons
However, Chrome OS does have some drawbacks compared to other operating systems. For one, it comes with limited support for certain games, as many developers only create Windows versions. Additionally, some of the features that make Chrome OS attractive, such as its lightweight nature and high performance, may not be suitable for more demanding games. Lastly, while it has improved hardware compatibility, the drivers available are not always up-to-date and can be difficult to find.
Conclusion
With all this in mind, it’s clear that there is no one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to choosing an OS for gaming PCs. Each OS has its strengths and weaknesses, and it’s up to the user to decide which is best for their gaming needs.
