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- Written by: INsane
- Category: Day of Defeat Player Guides
- Hits: 150
1. Introduction — Why Save Your Old Windows 10 PC?
Most Windows 10 PCs being retired today are not broken — they’re simply “not Windows 11 compatible.”
That doesn’t mean they’re useless. In fact, these machines are often:
- perfectly stable
- quiet
- low‑power
- ideal for 24/7 tasks
- still faster than many commercial NAS boxes
Instead of sending them to e‑waste or leaving them in a cupboard, you can turn them into something genuinely useful:
- a easy file transfer between Linux and your Windows PC's
- a home lab for learning Linux
- a DoD 1.3 dedicated server and for that matter Half-Life 2 games too
This guide shows you how to take an old Windows 10 PC and, in about 30 minutes, turn it into a friendly, reliable Linux‑powered game server — even if you’ve never used Linux before.
The goal is simple:
A Windows‑friendly Linux system that anyone can install, anyone can use, and that safely transfers files across your home network.
So the "problem" becomes a solution. The old PC has life left and you could be missing out here... turn that negative into a positive.
Being a windows user do not be afraid to ask AI chat programs to help with Terminal... you can tell the AI what you are doing, what Linux you are on.
The AI chat will provide a copy and paste of commands, you can paste the output for it to read... then advise of the next steps.
Now in saying 30 minutes of work isn't that easy if you are like me and want dod1.3, DoD:S with a updated MetaMod:Source requirement to run well.
I advise you to choose your OS with care. I have my story in Appendix 4. It was the final pick after trying and failing on four other Linux distro's.
The Linux kernel has just been updated and for the moment not every distro is using it. You could miss out on new drivers for legacy AMD cards and a lot more just plonking on any old Linux.
Read my success story in Appendix 4 using this new kernel, it really may be the difference in success or failure.
Index
2. Before You Begin — What You Need
You don’t need much to get started. Most people already have everything required.
Required
- Your old Windows 10 PC Any brand, any age
- Works best with 4GB RAM or more
- A USB stick (8GB or larger) Used to install Linux
- Your main PC (Windows 11 or macOS) Used to download Linux and create the USB installer
- 30 minutes of your time... more if you do a pre-install investigation on hardware.
- A home network if using peer-to-peer file sharing
- Wi‑Fi works, but Ethernet is ideal for a server
Optional but recommended
- A second internal drive
Perfect for storing backups, photos, documents, game files Keeps the Linux OS separate from your storage
- Ethernet cable
Improves reliability for a 24/7 home server
Before you wipe the old PC
If the old PC still has files you care about:
- copy them to a USB stick
- or transfer them to your main PC
- or upload them to cloud storage
- Copy your system specs with CPUZ to text file and save it.
Once Linux is installed, everything on the old PC will be erased.
3. Choosing Your Linux Distro (Top 4 for Windows Refugees)
If you are using VERY OLD 10 yrs + hardware... and you want to make a game server but also play some games too... like dod and dod:s
Before you choose a Linux distro, I want to share my experience as I dragged my 2009-2012 spec' "gaming rig" out of storage.
I installed Kubuntu 24.04 LTS - Plasma 5. Ran Day of Defeat:Source and it returned... 11 FPS on a GPU that was fine for that game "back in the day".
After some research (with my AI Assistant helping in Linux and you should try that) I worked out why... the OS was a "Mis-Match" for that OLD hardware.
I picked Linux Mint 21.3 Cinnamon as it was more suited to the hardware. The result... 250-300 FPS, smooth... not a issue.
So in Appendix 1. Stabilizing Old GPUs on Linux Mint 21.3 I tell that story and just how bad it was, not only the game performance but other things.
So... be careful if using old hardware.
Now after that in a final test I found Linux Mint 21.3 and its latest version... had issues with some game mods in DoD:S.
So was going back to an older version, that did fix some drivers, the right thing to do? Yes but no right now.
As told in the introduction, the latest Linux kernel that Nobara Linux is using... solved all driver issues on dod 1.3 and DoD:S tests.
Using the AI assistant isn't something I normally do... but the many Linux fixes required... the AI did way better than I could do, had the answers and in 20 minutes it was done
If you are using newer hardware. You are likely fine to install the latest...although I still recommend Linux Mint for ease of use.
Linux has hundreds of distributions, but only a few are genuinely friendly to Windows users who want something simple, stable, and familiar.
This guide focuses on the Top 4 that make sense for reviving an old Windows 10 PC.
1. Linux Nobara 43 - Best by a long way. Solved all issues I had in testing.
Disk space: ~15–20 GB
Recommended minimum: 50 GB
- Linux Kernel 6.18.2 has AMD Legacy GPU updated drivers.
- Its made for gamers by a gamer.
- It is a "all you can eat" install, normally "bloat" is bad, but the bloat is software a gamer needs.
- A windows like desktop (KDE or GNOME if you like)
- Updates are easy
- Awesome hardware support, especially GPU's.
- Well documented.
2. Linux Mint Cinnamon — 2nd Best Overall (Windows‑like, stable, friendly)
Disk space: ~15–20 GB
Recommended minimum: 50 GB
Linux Mint Cinnamon is the closest thing to Windows without being Windows.
It has:
- a Start‑menu style layout
- a taskbar
- familiar file manager
- simple settings
- excellent hardware support
- stable updates
- no surprises
For most people, this is the best choice.
It’s perfect for a home server, a shared storage hub, or a DoD dedicated server.
3. Zorin OS Core — Most Polished (premium Windows‑style experience)
Disk space: ~20–25 GB
Recommended minimum: 60 GB
Zorin OS is the “premium” option:
- extremely polished
- very Windows‑like
- modern UI
- beginner‑friendly
It’s slightly heavier than Mint, so it’s best for PCs with:
8GB RAM
500GB+ storage
mid‑range CPUs
If someone wants a modern, elegant desktop and doesn’t mind the extra disk usage, Zorin is a great choice.
4. Linux Lite — Best for Small Drives & Older PCs (lightest footprint)
Disk space: 8–12 GB
Recommended minimum: 20–30 GB
Linux Lite is the hero for older or smaller systems.
If your old PC has:
- a 250GB drive
- a 120GB SSD
- a slow HDD
- 4GB RAM or less
…then Linux Lite is the smartest choice.
It gives you:
- the smallest install size
- the fastest performance on old hardware
- a simple, Windows‑friendly interface
- maximum free space for storage
This is the distro that makes a tiny drive feel usable again.
Quick Decision Guide
To help readers choose instantly: After you have looked at your hardware, mainboard and GPU...
✔ If your PC has 500GB or more and have complex needs (AMD GPU, modding):
Choose Linux Nobara 43 or a Distro with the newest Liniux Kernel.
✔ If your PC has 500GB or more:
Choose Linux Mint Cinnamon, latest or back to 21.3
✔ If your PC has 250GB or less:
Choose Linux Lite.
✔ If you want the most polished Windows‑style desktop:
Choose Zorin OS Core.
4. Download Linux & Create the USB Installer
This step is done on your main PC (Windows 11 or macOS).
You’ll download the Linux ISO and write it to a USB stick so the old PC can boot from it.
4.1 — Download your chosen Linux distro
Go to the official website for the distro you selected:
Linux Mint Cinnamon: https://linuxmint.com
Zorin OS Core: https://zorin.com/os/download
Linux Lite: https://www.linuxliteos.com/download.php (linuxliteos.com in Bing)
Download the 64‑bit ISO.
This is a single file containing the entire operating system.
4.2 — Download Balena Etcher
Balena Etcher is the easiest tool for writing the ISO to a USB stick.
Download it from:
https://www.balena.io/etcher/
Install it like any normal application.
4.3 — Write the ISO to your USB stick
Insert your USB stick (8GB or larger).
- Open Balena Etcher.
- Select the Linux ISO you downloaded.
- Select your USB stick.
- Click Flash.
Etcher will erase the USB stick and write the Linux installer to it.
This usually takes 2–4 minutes.
5. Booting the Old PC From USB
Now move to your old Windows 10 PC — the one you’re reviving.
5.1 — Insert the USB stick
Plug the USB installer into the old PC.
5.2 — Open the Boot Menu
Turn on the PC and immediately press one of these keys:
- F12 (most common)
- F10
- ESC
- DEL
This opens the Boot Menu, where you can choose the USB stick.
5.3 — Select the USB stick
Choose the USB drive from the list.
The PC will now boot into a live Linux desktop — a fully working system running from the USB stick.
5.4 — Start the installer
On the desktop, double‑click:
- Install Linux Mint
- Install Zorin OS
- Install Linux Lite
(depending on your distro)
6. Installing Linux Nobara / Mint / Zorin / Lite
This is the step where the old Windows 10 PC becomes a Linux machine.
6.1 — Choose your language
Select English (or your preferred language).
6.2 — Keyboard layout
The default is usually correct.
6.3 — Installation type
Choose:
Erase disk and install Linux
This wipes the old Windows installation and gives you a clean Linux system.
Important:
This does not affect any other PCs — only the old machine you’re installing on.
But if you multiple disks on the older PC... normally you will want the largest capacity drive... pick that one.
If your old PC has multiple internal drives:
Most older desktops and some laptops have:
- a small SSD (120–250GB)
- a larger HDD (500GB–2TB)
- or multiple mixed‑size drives
In that case:
Choose the largest capacity drive for the Linux installation. Why?
- It gives Linux more room for updates
- It leaves space for your shared storage folder
- It avoids filling a tiny SSD too quickly
- It keeps the system stable long‑term
In saying that, if you plan to use a second drive exclusively for storage, that’s fine too.
6.4 — Timezone
Select your region.
6.5 — Create your user account
Enter:
- Your name
- A username
- A password
Important
You can enable automatic login if this PC will act as a home server.
6.6 — Install
Click Install Now.
The installer will:
- format the disk
- copy the OS
- set up drivers
- configure the system
This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
6.7 — Reboot
When the installer finishes, remove the USB stick and reboot.
You now have a fresh Linux system ready to become (a few more steps soon):
- a backup hub
- a DoD dedicated server
- or all of the above
7. Using Warpinator (Linux Mint) instead of Samba and shared network folders
Optional Samba and the painful task of sharing files on your LAN: There are guides you can use to enable the sharing of files over a network, lets say with Windows 11.
Its a little more time but could help if you don't have a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device.
Follow this guide may be best...https://www.zdnet.com/article/how-to-share-folders-to-your-network-from-linux-its-easier-than-you-think/
I was looking at that for ages... Sure you finally get it working. IT - IS - HARD...annoying, and not worth it.
A better way Warpinator...
All you really need is file sharing on a home network that is EASY!
Here is a video from Explaining Computers that shows you just how simple it is to use.
This can work with Linux (installed in Linux mint by default) Apple iOS and Android.
| Warpinator: Easy Network File Transfer between Windows, Linux, Android & iOS |
Just look at the video, he has links in the video description to the downloads.
Just a note, he references a link to install on Windows (32 or 64 bit) from the main site. The link didn't work but I found a GITHUB link that did here.
8. Optional: Install a DoD Dedicated Server
This step is optional — but highly recommended if you want to turn your revived PC into a 24/7 Day of Defeat 1.3 server.
Your old Windows 10 PC is perfect for this:
- low power usage
- stable hardware
- can run 24/7
- Linux Mint and Others are extremely reliable
- Marine Bot works beautifully on Linux
This existing Linux DoD guide covers everything you need, especially made for Linux Mint but will suit others.
8.1 — Why Linux is ideal for DoD servers
- No Windows updates interrupting gameplay
- No forced reboots
- Lower RAM usage
- Lower CPU usage
- Better long‑term uptime
- Easy to manage remotely
Even a 15‑year‑old PC can host a full DoD server with bots.
Your client PC will work better!
8.2 — Follow the Linux DoD guide
DoD server guide covers:
- Installing HLDS
- Installing Metamod
- Installing AMX Mod X
- Installing Marine Bot
- Configuring server.cfg
- Adding plugins
- Managing bots
And... it uses steamcmd.
That means installing Counter-Strike 1.6... other HL1 mods and... Half-Life 2 mod servers too, like dod:s... RCBot2 and admin mods.
If you do install Half-Life 1 then install Half-Life 2 mods using that guide... make the mod folder a different name, see below.
That dodbits guide for Day of Defeat:Source dedicated servers does warn...
Before we continue - We are about to make a new folder called "c:\server\".
The warning is ONLY for persons who may have installed Half-Life 1 games in a "c:\server\" directory folder.
If you already have a folder "c:\server\" then where I say type "force_install_dir c:\server\" make your folder different!
Use the command "force_install_dir c:\server_hl2\" instead to make a different folder.
That way steamcmd doesn't overwrite HL2 files over HL1 server files.
So if you had to change that folder name, just remember later in the guide where C:\server is mentioned yours will be C:\server+hl2
8.3 — Recommended setup for a home DoD server
- Use Ethernet, not Wi‑Fi (so set up the PC near your home router if you can)
- Set a static IP on your router
- Keep the server on 24/7
- Use your Storage folder for logs, configs, and backups
- Keep the OS on its own partition
This gives you a stable, long‑running DoD environment.
9. Final Tips & Maintenance
Your revived PC is now a home server — and Linux makes it extremely low‑maintenance.
Still, a few small adjustments will make it even more reliable.
9.1 — Enable automatic login
If this PC is acting as a server, auto‑login ensures it boots straight into the desktop without waiting for a password.
Mint:
Menu → Login Window → Users → Automatic Login
9.2 — Disable sleep mode
Servers should never sleep.
Mint:
Menu → Power Management → On AC Power → Put computer to sleep: Never
9.3 — Keep the OS on its own partition
This prevents:
- disk‑full crashes
- update failures
- Samba issues
Your Storage folder or second drive should hold all large files.
9.4 — Use Ethernet if possible
Wi‑Fi works, but:
- Ethernet is faster
- more stable
- better for large file transfers
- better for DoD servers
In saying that... if storage is your only use...wifi is fine. Slower but fine.
9.6 — Your revived PC will now run for years
With this setup:
- the OS is safe
- storage is isolated
- Windows/macOS access is easy
- Samba is stable
- DoD servers run flawlessly
- the hardware gets a second life
This is a perfect “set it and forget it” home server.
Note that if your old PC is VERY OLD... a new power supply maybe a good idea if you have important data.
Just on that... servers have a "RAID Array" that means the data is never just on one disk... yours has one disk.
That's OK if it is not important... just make sure any important data... has at least two separate disks to live on.
Also... maybe a power point with surge protection too.
10. Troubleshooting Appendix
This section covers the most common issues you may encounter when installing Linux, setting up your storage folder, or accessing your home server from Windows/macOS.
Each item is short, direct, and designed to get you unstuck quickly.
10.1 — The PC won’t boot from the USB stick
Symptoms:
- It keeps booting into Windows
- You never see the Linux installer
- USB stick not listed in boot menu
Fixes:
- Reboot and press F12, F10, ESC, or DEL repeatedly
- Try a different USB port (USB 2.0 ports work best on older PCs)
- Recreate the USB stick using Balena Etcher
- Enter BIOS and enable:- USB Boot or Legacy Boot (if the PC is very old)
- Disable Secure Boot if present
10.2 — The Linux installer doesn’t show my hard drive
Symptoms:
- “Erase disk” option missing
- No drives listed
- Installer says “No root file system defined”
Fixes:
- Enter BIOS → ensure the drive is detected
- If the drive is very old, reseat the SATA cable
- If the drive is failing, replace it
- For NVMe drives (rare on old PCs): Disable RST/Intel RAID in BIOS - Set storage mode to AHCI
10.3 — Linux installed, but the PC boots to a black screen
Symptoms:
- No login screen
- Black screen after boot
- Cursor blinking
Fixes:
- Reboot → press Shift → choose Advanced Options → boot older kernel
- Try the Compatibility Mode from the USB installer
- Update drivers:In Terminal of Linux
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade
- Very old NVIDIA cards may need the Nouveau driver disabled
10.4 — The Storage folder doesn’t appear on the network
Symptoms:
- Windows Network is empty
- macOS can’t find the server
- “Path not found” errors
Fixes:
- Make sure the Linux PC is on the same network
- Ensure Samba is installed: In Terminal of Linux
sudo apt install samba
- Restart Samba:In Terminal of Linux
sudo systemctl restart smbd
- Ensure the folder is shared with Guest access
- Reboot both PCs (Windows sometimes caches network lists)
10.5 — Windows asks for a username and password
Symptoms:
- Windows 11 prompts for login
- “Access denied” errors
Fixes:
- Re‑enable Guest access in the folder’s Sharing tab
- Ensure permissions were applied automatically
- Try connecting directly: In Explorer address bar.. \\mintserver\Storage
If Windows still asks for a password:
- Open Control Panel → Credential Manager
- Remove any saved credentials for the Linux PC
10.6 — macOS can’t connect to the share
Symptoms:
- “Connection failed”
- “Server not available”
Fixes:
- Use the direct path: smb://mintserver/Storage
- Connect as Guest
- Ensure the Linux PC is awake (sleep disabled)
- Restart Samba: In Terminal of Linux
sudo systemctl restart smbd
10.7 — The second drive doesn’t mount at boot
Symptoms:
- /mnt/storage disappears after reboot
- Samba share breaks
- Drive shows as “unmounted”
Fixes:
- Open Disks → select the drive → enable Mount at system startup
- Ensure the mount point is set to: /mnt/storage
- If needed, create the folder manually: In Terminal of Linux
sudo mkdir /mnt/storage
10.8 — File transfers are slow
Symptoms:
- Copying files takes too long
- Network feels sluggish
Fixes:
- Use Ethernet instead of Wi‑Fi
- Replace old 10/100 switches with gigabit
- Avoid USB 2.0 external drives for large transfers
- Ensure the Linux PC’s NIC is running at 1Gbps: In Terminal of Linux
ethtool eth0
10.9 — The Linux PC disappears from Windows Network
Symptoms:
- It was visible yesterday, now it’s gone
- Windows Network list is empty
Fixes:
- Windows 11 sometimes hides SMB servers
- Use direct path instead: \\mintserver\Storage
-
Ensure the Linux PC hostname hasn’t changed
-
Restart the Windows Function Discovery services:
-
Function Discovery Provider Host
-
Function Discovery Resource Publication
-
10.10 — The Linux PC shuts down unexpectedly
Symptoms:
- Random power‑offs
- Reboots under load
- Storage corruption
Fixes:
- Replace the power supply (old PSUs degrade)
- Use a surge‑protected power board
- Check CPU temps (old thermal paste dries out)
- Avoid dusty environments
10.11 — The disk is full and Linux behaves strangely
Symptoms:
- Can’t save files
- Updates fail
- System freezes
Fixes:
- Delete large files from the Storage folder
- Empty the Trash
- Check disk usage: In Terminal of Linux
df -h
- Move large files to another or an external drive
- If the OS partition is full, reinstall Linux on the larger drive
10.12 — DoD server won’t start
Symptoms:
- HLDS crashes
- “Missing library” errors
- Bots not spawning
Fixes:
- Follow your Linux DoD guide’s troubleshooting section
- Ensure 32‑bit libraries are installed
- Check file permissions
- Verify Metamod and AMXX paths
- Ensure the server is launched from the correct working directory
10.13 — When in doubt, reboot
Linux is extremely stable, but after major changes:
- Samba restarts
- Drive mounts
- Network discovery
- Hostname changes
…a reboot often clears cached states.
Appendix 1. Stabilizing Old GPUs on Linux Mint 21.3
This appendix summarizes my real hardware scenario using a 2009 PC with an AMD Radeon HD 7950 (Tahiti). It shows the safe, correct 6 step process for stabilizing Mint on older GPUs and ensuring Source games run reliably.
This is the recommended configuration for older AMD GPUs on Mint 21.3. NVIDIA GPU's may vary.
Some older AMD GPUs (especially GCN 1.0 cards like the HD 7950) have unstable Vulkan support on modern Linux. If a game tries to start with Vulkan, the GPU may crash, causing:
- Screen shaking
- Missing panel
- Broken desktop icons
- Cinnamon not fully loading
This is normal for this hardware — and fully fixable.
The 6 Steps to a Stable System (Safe for All Users)
1. Verify hardware acceleration
Open and place in Terminal...
glxinfo | grep "OpenGL renderer"
Look for TAHITI or radeon. Avoid llvmpipe (software rendering).
2. Install 32 bit OpenGL libraries
Required for some Source engine games
Open and place in Terminal...
sudo dpkg --add-architecture i386
sudo apt update
sudo apt install libgl1-mesa-dri:i386 libgl1:i386 libstdc++6:i386 libgcc-s1:i386 libcurl4:i386 libtinfo5:i386
3. Install Steam and verify your library
Mint detects existing DoD:S installs automatically.
4. Force OpenGL for Source games
Steam → Game → Properties → Launch Options:
-gl
5. Remove Vulkan drivers (recommended for GCN 1.0 GPUs)
Prevents compositor crashes:
Open and place in Terminal...
sudo apt remove mesa-vulkan-drivers mesa-vulkan-drivers:i386
sudo apt autoremove
6. Enable TearFree to eliminate screen tearing
Open and place in Terminal...
sudo mkdir -p /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d
sudo nano /etc/X11/xorg.conf.d/20-radeon.conf
Paste in:
Section "Device"
Identifier "Radeon"
Driver "radeon"
Option "TearFree" "on"
EndSection
Reboot.
Result after these steps:
- DoD:S runs smoothly (190–328 FPS on HD 7950)
- No shaking
- No tearing
- No compositor crashes
- Cinnamon panel and desktop remain stable
- System becomes reliable for screenshots and guide work
Appendix 2 — How to Ask AI for Help Effectively (Windows → Linux)
AI is a safety net for a windows user fumbling around Linux.
It turns “I’m stuck” into “copy, paste, fixed” — often in minutes not days of needless pain and lost time.
The learning curve for Linux is steep, you don't have to learn every thing before you start, using AI YOU WILL LEARN.
In saying that, for items like this... why would you waste your time on a PC that isn't your main choice.
Then again it could be as Linux can do a lot of things with Open Source that cost a fortune in Windows for a application you may only use a few times.
This appendix teaches you the exact way to talk to AI so you get fast, accurate, copy‑paste answers without confusion.
AI Tip: When in doubt, paste the error into your AI chat — Linux becomes easy when you don’t troubleshoot alone.
1. Tell the AI your Linux distro
This matters because commands differ slightly between:
- Linux Mint
- Ubuntu
- Fedora / Nobara
- Debian
- Arch‑based distros
Example:
“I’m on Linux Mint 21.3 Cinnamon. I’m trying to install a package.”
This gives the AI the right context immediately.
2. Tell it what you’re trying to do
Be direct and simple.
Example:
“I’m trying to install MetaMod for Day of Defeat 1.3.”
or
“I’m trying to move a file into the DoD folder but I get a permission error.”
This keeps the AI focused.
3. Paste the exact Terminal output
This is the magic step and make sure you copy the code correctly.
AI can read:
- errors
- warnings
- missing dependencies
- wrong paths
- permission issues
Example:
“Here’s the error I get:”
(paste the full terminal output)
This lets the AI diagnose the problem instantly.
4. Ask for copy‑and‑paste commands
This is the Windows‑refugee superpower and avoids wasted time.
Example:
“Give me the exact commands to fix this.”
The AI will respond with:
the command
what it does
the next step
You don’t need to understand everything — just follow the workflow.
5. If something fails, paste the new output
Linux troubleshooting is iterative.
Example:
“I ran the command. Here’s the new error:”
(paste output)
The AI will adjust the fix based on the new information.
This is why Linux + AI feels like having a technician sitting next to you.
6. Tell the AI when you’re done
This resets the context so it doesn’t keep assuming you’re still troubleshooting.
Example:
“Okay, that worked. I’m done with this issue.”
This keeps future answers clean and relevant.
Quick Example Conversation (Realistic)
You:
“I’m on Linux Mint 21.3. I’m trying to install AMX Mod X for DoD 1.3.
When I run the installer, I get this error:
(paste error)
Give me the exact commands to fix it.”
AI:
“Run this command:
sudo apt install lib32z1
Then run the installer again.”
You:
“Okay, here’s the new output:
(paste output)”
AI:
“Now run:
sudo chmod +x amxxinstaller
Then try again.”
You:
“It worked. Done.”
That’s the entire workflow — simple, fast, and beginner‑friendly.
Why This Appendix Matters
Because it reinforces your guide’s core message:
You don’t need to be a Linux expert.
You just need to know how to ask for help.
This appendix gives Windows users:
- confidence
- a safety net
- a repeatable workflow
- a way to avoid days of research
- a way to fix anything without fear
It turns Linux from “scary” into “manageable.”
Best of all... the "teacher" exposes you to knowledge and you do learn by exposure.
The "teacher" also waits for you, leave the chat if logged in... come back a day or so later, the teacher is there on your schedule not theirs.
Appendix 3 - A quick guide to the file system in Linux - Video
As a windows user the Linux file system is a mystery, here is a DorianDotSlash video on what that alien file system looks like and why.
It does help to know some basics.
| Linux File System/Structure Explained! |
Appendix 4: The best of the best Nobara 43 Gaming System
During writing down the guide, I found the best Linux OS for the hardware I had.
Now at first I was heading down a road of installing older releases (older kernels) and did have success with Linux Mint 21.3
However, every distro' I picked had something go wrong, dod 1.3 would work, adding bots OK, dod:s wouldn't work and if it did some mods would and would not.
Some distros had shocking Linux native in game performance, Kubuntu dod:s was 11 FPS, and horrible, Linux Mint 21.3 was much better reaching 340FPS as did Zorin 17.3 core.
Every one of those attempts... while yes going back to older releases seems like a good idea, it was not the answer.
But then I read about the latest Linux kernels and a 30% increase on older GPU's like my 2012 Radeon HD 7950.
Thanks to contributions from Timur Kristóf and Valve's Linux Open-Source Graphics Driver Group, GCN 1.0 and GCN 1.1 cards can now fully harness the power of the AMDGPU driver.
~
Thanks to the AMDGPU driver’s native support for the Mesa RADV Vulkan driver, GCN 1.0 and GCN 1.1 graphics cards now deliver significantly higher performance. While this upgrade won’t magically enable these GPUs to play the latest AAA games, the long-overdue transition to a modern driver brings substantial improvements and features for legacy hardware.
They really made these old GPU's fly. For the Goldsource and Source 1 games they make them run faster that they ever did on Windows.
So who in the pile of distro's has this new Linux Kenel? Well Nobara 43 uses Linux kernel 6.18.2.
The new Kernel isn't just about a improved driver, there is a lot more to it and also a lot more than just putting on a distro.
First I picked the "Official" download version of Nobara 43 with its huge pack of custom tools. It's install does take longer by the way.
Now next, I got my system specs...
- Motherboard: GA 970A D3 (rev 1.x)
- CPU: AMD FX 6300
- GPU: Radeon HD 7950
- RAM: 2x8GB kit 16GB HyperX® FURY DDR3 (black)
- Storage: SATA SSD - WD 250GB "Green" and another Crucial 250GB SSD
- USB: Mixed USB 2.0 / USB 3.0 ports
- Age: 2009–2012 era hardware
It cannot run Win 11, but I can tell you this, it was running Win 10 and with Nobara 43 on it... it is far more powerful, capable that windows ever was.
Next, I got a checklist on my Motherboard, is the bios up to date (Yes) and are the settings right... no they were not.
Key BIOS adjustments included:
I just loaded the Optimized Defaults for a start then changed these in particular...
- SATA Mode = AHCI
- Virtualization = Enabled
- PCIe Slot = Auto
- Advanced BIOS Features - IOMMU Controller = Enabled
Then I installed Nobara 43 the "Official" version as they call it. Note, it was a big install, it did have some issues.
- First install failed... not sure why I was getting checks by the install process, and I was on a 2.1 USB slot and the USB stick liked the USB 3 (only on the back of the MB) better.
- The install time was at least double of the others... Nobara has a lot more included for gamers
- The reboot after the install... screen went blank... that was only solved after I pressed the rest button, on the next try it booted up fine.
Other than that, all went well.
So I loaded Day of Defeat:Source first as Linux Mint 21.3 while it did run DoD:S fine, when I loaded the latest RCBot2 with MetaMod:Source it would not load RCBot2.
Nobara 43 loaded that DoD:S bot install fine, running Linux native and comparing to other distro's..
- RCBot2, the latest for Native Linux... loaded and ran - on other distros it would not load at all.
- Visually ran smoother, less 'tearing" on the screen, FPS up to 399, lowest with bots was 250 FPS.
- The fonts in the GUI and HUD, were slightly better, only the white chat on bright items (beach on dod_anzio) were a bit hard to read.
- The missing HUD backgrounds in most Linux distro's... were fine and displayed, they looked great.
- The "snow maps crash" in Linux... no crashes
- The missing textures... not sure yet as I need to test some low quality custom maps but none were seen in tests
So I installed DoD 1.3 native. Marine Bot. It too ran great on a team of 12 bots, good visual quality not hiccups and no Proton required.
For me, those tests that failed on all other Linux distro's passed with flying colors on Nobara 43.
So the inspection of your hardware, the bios update and settings, the newer Linux kernel 6.18.2 made the old PC... run better than it ever did.
I advise you to do the same... not sure what a Intel / NVIDA old card from 2012 would go but the AMD based CPU and GPU... runs great on this OS.
Monitor upgrade
Another small note, up to now I have been using a old LG monitor from 2009, 1920X1080 but backlight is bad.
Replacing it with a cheap MSI PRO MP245V (AU $60) 100Hz 1ms made these differences...
Test: In dod 1.3 and DoD:S some noticeable screen tear (jitter), move side to side and look at a wall. Normal for such an old GPU.
- In dod 1.3 some screen tear was less... but still there. A slight improvement.
- In DoD:S almost all of of the screen tear/jitter was gone. A significant improvement.
So does a cheap monitor upgrade help? Seems so for some newer games, also the desktop and videos look sharper.
Yes, do add a cheap new monitor.
So this entire setup, dragged out of the cupboard added under AU$100 is a working capable gaming PC that can run some decent games.
Hand that to a family member (like your little siblings that invade your new PC) or a friend who can't afford a upgrade... it really isn't just a pile of junk is it.
I can only imagine the amount of gaming laptops out there, with capable CPU and GPU's that Windows 11 said no to. This upgrade could help.
Appendix 5: Tests of some other games
What the New Linux Kernel Really Means for Old Hardware.
For older AMD cards like the HD 7950 / R9 280 (GCN 1.0), the new kernel finally forces:
- amdgpu instead of the old radeon driver
- Modern Vulkan (RADV)
- Modern OpenGL (radeonsi)
- ACO shader compiler
- Better frame pacing
- Better input handling
- Better compatibility with older CPUs and chipsets
Games tested other than dod 1.3 and DoD:S, tested by a family member who ran this old GPU with a AMD 200GE CPU 16GB ram Windows 10.
The CPU is very weak so results were likely to be better but overall, the tester said it was a overall improvment.
He gave and opinion Good - Looks better (lag visuals) OK - on average the same Poor - Struggled the same as the Win PC
| Game | Results |
| Turbo Dismount 2 | Good |
| Subnautica | Good |
| BeamNG.drive | Good — better by quite a bit (less lag) than a newer AMD 200GE system with the same GPU |
| Quarantine Zone | Good but only on Medium settings (High settings laggy) |
| Gang Beasts | Good |
| Teardown | Poor — expected, extremely GPU‑heavy same as the old Win PC. |
So there are some titles that maybe "little bro or sis" might play and keep him/her off your new Win 11 rig.
It shows while the new kernel may boost your AMD GPU... it is not a 100% tick that you can magically play AAA titles.
The stand out there was BeamNG.drive, likely that game improved due to the CPU, as old as it was, improved the game with the same GPU.
Overall, the system was improved as expected, the AMD 200GE CPU isn't for gaming.
But in dod 1.3 and especially DoD:S the AMD FX 6300 CPU and Radeon HD 7950 GPU combination with Nobara 43 did better than they did under Windows 10...by a long way.