linux VS docs

Interesting! I've used Linux Mint for the last 5+ years (and am using the Xanmod kernel, which is on 6.6), but have always been Pop OS curious. This increases my curiosity, I may have to give it a go on my laptop.

https://xanmod.org/

For those on Linux mint you can install the xanmod kernel for improved performance, specifically tailored for gaming on Debian based distros.

Generally, Arch is the better platform for getting various kernel versions, but there's always stuff like Xanmod which is easy to do in any distro. Worst case, could always use linux-tkg script to build your own kernel - with that kind of hardware it shouldn't take long for the kernel to be built.

Still a bit of a noob. I haven't heard of that one. Do you mean this: https://xanmod.org/? Is there any stability or compatibility issues that come with it?

The ArchWiki has some tips that can help tuning your system to squeeze more performance: https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/gaming

This launcher does help too: https://github.com/FeralInteractive/gamemode

On top of that, you can use a patched kernel like: https://xanmod.org/

You can check support status for games here: https://www.protondb.com/

If you run games via Proton with DXVK, you can use the environment variable DXVK_HUD=1 to show a HUD with an FPS meter. Some others prefer mangohud.

Setting your CPU frequency scaling governor and GPU to performance mode also helps.

Xanmod Kernel

There are different drivers available but the best way is to install linux kernel 6.3 which has built in support for rtl wifi. I also have similar adapter and had the problem. I recommend xanmod kernel because it is newer and has the needed driver and it is focussed on desktop performance.

For Debian : https://xanmod.org

Alternatively, try the xanmod kernel https://xanmod.org/

System76 customers can get personal support at https://support.system76.com/

I am just wondering whether it will be beneficial to have a pinned post with not only resources (e.g. the official System76 support page which many have ignored or simply don't know about!!, custom theme, snapshot support (timeshift, snapper), etc.) but also troubleshooting flowcharts/categories with common problems and potential fixes.

Same ^ I switched my gaming / streaming PC over last year and haven't had a single issue (that I didn't create myself, lol). It's a remarkably solid OS. System76 also has a WEALTH of documentation for new and experienced users, including how to install Steam and Proton for gaming. Docs can be found here: https://support.system76.com/

Always check the distro user guide/wiki for additional information. In case of PopOS check https://support.system76.com/ Also https://wiki.ubuntu.com/

Remember you can also open a support ticket if you'd like someone from System76 to try and help determine what's causing the fans to spin up more than you expect. And you should not need to replace thermal paste on a brand new system, but you can see how the cooling system is laid out here: https://tech-docs.system76.com/models/gaze17/repairs.html#replacing-the-cooling-system