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CachyOS Setup Guide

CachyOS

CachyOS is an Arch-based Linux distribution optimized for performance, featuring the BORE scheduler and CPU-optimized packages. It offers the best performance among tested distributions for the BC-250.

Status: Works out-of-box (as of late 2025) Difficulty: Intermediate (Arch-based, but has installer) Performance: Best overall (BORE scheduler, optimized packages) Kernel: Ships with compatible kernels by default

Updated November 2025

CachyOS now ships with compatible kernels by default. The complex custom ISO build procedures from earlier guides are no longer needed. Simply download the standard ISO and install normally.

Why Choose CachyOS?

Advantages

  • Best gaming performance - BORE scheduler improves frame times and latency
  • Optimized packages - x86-64-v3/v4 CPU optimizations for faster execution
  • Mesa 25.1+ included by default
  • Kernel Manager GUI - Easy kernel management and patching
  • Rolling release - Latest packages and drivers
  • Active development - Regular updates and optimizations

Considerations

  • Rolling release - Requires occasional maintenance
  • Arch-based - More advanced than Fedora/Bazzite
  • Package availability - AUR may be needed for some software
  • Not beginner-friendly - Recommended for users comfortable with Linux

Installation

CachyOS can now be installed directly on the BC-250 using the standard ISO.

Requirements: - 8GB+ USB drive - Internet connection - 15-30 minutes

Steps:

  1. Download CachyOS ISO:
  2. Visit cachyos.org

  3. Download latest ISO (KDE or GNOME edition)

  4. Create bootable USB: 

    # Linux
sudo dd if=cachyos.iso of=/dev/sdX status=progress conv=sync && sync
# Replace /dev/sdX with your USB drive (check with lsblk)

# Or use Ventoy, balenaEtcher, Rufus, etc.

  5. Boot BC-250 from USB:

  6. Insert USB into BC-250

  7. Power on and select USB in boot menu

  8. Run installer:

  9. Launch CachyOS installer from live environment

  10. Follow installation wizard:

    • Partitioning: Auto or manual (GPT, EFI partition)
    • Desktop: KDE Plasma or GNOME
    • Bootloader: GRUB (recommended)
    • Kernel: Default selection (should be compatible)

  11. Verify kernel version: 

    # After installation completes
uname -r
# Should show compatible version (6.12-6.14 LTS or 6.15.7-6.17.7)

  12. Reboot and enjoy

If Installation ISO Doesn't Boot

If you have issues with the standard ISO (black screen, GPU panic), the installer may have reverted to a broken kernel version. See the Legacy Installation Method below or try the Arch Migration method.

Arch Migration (Alternative Method)

Install Arch Linux first, then migrate to CachyOS repositories for optimized packages.

Steps:

  1. Install Arch Linux:

Follow the Arch Installation Guide

Key selections: - Kernel: linux-lts (6.12.x - 6.14.x) or linux (verify version is 6.15.7-6.17.7) - Desktop: KDE Plasma or GNOME - Bootloader: GRUB

  1. Boot into Arch Linux

  2. Run CachyOS migration script: 

    wget https://mirror.cachyos.org/cachyos-repo.tar.xz
tar xvf cachyos-repo.tar.xz
cd cachyos-repo
sudo ./cachyos-repo.sh

# Select x86-64-v3 optimization (best compatibility for Zen 2)
# Or x86-64-v4 for maximum performance (verify CPU support)

  3. Install CachyOS kernel (optional): 

    # For LTS stability
sudo pacman -S linux-cachyos-lts linux-cachyos-lts-headers

# Or for latest features (verify version is compatible)
sudo pacman -S linux-cachyos linux-cachyos-headers

# Update GRUB
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
sudo reboot

  4. Verify: 

    uname -r  # Check kernel version
pacman -Sl cachyos  # Should show CachyOS packages

Post-Installation Setup

Install GPU Governor

GPU is locked at 1500MHz without governor. CachyOS has COPR packages available.

Method 1: Install from COPR (Easiest) 

# Add CachyOS extra repos if not already enabled
# Install oberon-governor
sudo pacman -S oberon-governor

# Enable and start
sudo systemctl enable --now oberon-governor.service

# Verify
systemctl status oberon-governor

Method 2: Build from source 

# Install dependencies
sudo pacman -S base-devel cmake git

# Clone and build
git clone https://gitlab.com/mothenjoyer69/oberon-governor.git
cd oberon-governor
cmake .
make -j$(nproc)
sudo make install

# Enable and start
sudo systemctl enable --now oberon-governor.service

Verify it's working: 

cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_sclk
# Should show multiple frequencies, * moves based on load

Configure Sensors

# Install lm_sensors
sudo pacman -S lm_sensors

# Load nct6687 for PWM control
echo 'nct6687' | sudo tee /etc/modules-load.d/nct6687.conf

# Rebuild initramfs
sudo mkinitcpio -P
sudo reboot

# Verify
sensors

Kernel Parameters

# Edit GRUB
sudo nano /etc/default/grub

# For kernels 6.10+, amdgpu.sg_display=0 not needed
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet"

# With performance boost (disables security mitigations):
GRUB_CMDLINE_LINUX_DEFAULT="quiet mitigations=off"

# Update GRUB
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
sudo reboot

Install Gaming Essentials

# Steam and gaming tools
sudo pacman -S steam mangohud goverlay gamemode gamescope

# Monitoring tools
sudo pacman -S nvtop htop fastfetch

# Proton GE
sudo pacman -S protonup-qt

Legacy Installation Method

Only If Standard ISO Fails

This method is only needed if the standard CachyOS ISO doesn't boot (black screen, GPU panic). Most users should use the Standard Installation above.

This was the original installation method when CachyOS shipped with broken kernel 6.15.0-6.15.6. It may still be useful if CachyOS reverts to incompatible kernel versions.

Option A: Install on Another PC 1. Remove BC-250's storage drive 2. Install drive in another PC (use SATA/NVMe adapter if needed) 3. Boot CachyOS ISO and install to BC-250's drive 4. Install compatible kernel before removing: 

sudo pacman -S linux-cachyos-lts linux-cachyos-lts-headers
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
5. Install drive back in BC-250

Option B: Custom ISO Build 1. On another Linux PC: 

sudo pacman -S archiso git
git clone https://github.com/CachyOS/CachyOS-Live-ISO
cd CachyOS-Live-ISO
# Replace standard kernel with LTS
grep -rl 'linux-cachyos' ./ | xargs sed -i 's/linux\-cachyos/linux\-cachyos\-lts/g'
# Build ISO (follow repo instructions, takes 20-40 min)
2. Flash custom ISO to USB and install normally

Performance Optimizations

BORE Scheduler

Already enabled in CachyOS kernel - no configuration needed. Provides better gaming performance and lower latency compared to standard CFS scheduler.

Benefits: - Improved frame time consistency - Lower input latency - Better multi-tasking during gaming

Optimized Packages

CachyOS repos include CPU-optimized builds of packages.

During CachyOS migration script: - Select x86-64-v3 for best compatibility (Zen 2 fully supports v3) - Select x86-64-v4 for maximum performance (verify your CPU supports AVX-512)

Performance gains: - ~5-10% better FPS in some games vs stock packages - Faster compilation, compression, encoding - More responsive desktop

GPU Frequency Patch

Increases GPU range from 1000-2000MHz to 350-2230MHz. See Overclocking Guide for details on GPU frequency modifications.

Quick install: 

# Use CachyOS Kernel Manager GUI
cachyos-kernel-manager
# Download and apply BC-250 GPU frequency patch
# Rebuild kernel with patch (8-45 minutes depending on method)

Fan Control

# Install CoolerControl
yay -S coolercontrol

# Enable service
sudo systemctl enable --now coolercontrold

# Launch GUI to set custom fan curves
coolercontrol

Verification Checklist

# 1. Check kernel
uname -r  # Expected: 6.12.x-lts or 6.15.7-6.17.7

# 2. Check Mesa
glxinfo | grep "OpenGL version"  # Expected: Mesa 25.1.x+

# 3. Check GPU
vulkaninfo | grep deviceName  # Expected: AMD Radeon Graphics (RADV GFX1013)

# 4. Check governor
systemctl status oberon-governor  # Expected: active (running)

# 5. Check GPU frequency
cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_sclk  # Expected: Multiple frequencies

# 6. Check sensors
sensors  # Expected: nct6687, GPU temp, fan speeds

Known Issues

Governor Doesn't Start on Boot

Symptom: GPU stuck at 1500MHz on boot, works after launching game

Known issue on CachyOS/Arch (works fine on Fedora)

Workaround: Launch any game once to activate, works normally afterward

Kernel Compatibility

Compatible kernels: - 6.12.x - 6.14.x LTS - Most stable, recommended - 6.15.7 - 6.17.7 - Works well, newer features

Broken kernels (avoid): - 6.15.0 - 6.15.6 - GPU initialization failures, kernel panics - 6.17.8+ - GPU driver issues

If you accidentally install a broken kernel: 

# Install working kernel
sudo pacman -S linux-cachyos-lts linux-cachyos-lts-headers
# Or
sudo pacman -S linux-lts linux-lts-headers

# Update GRUB
sudo grub-mkconfig -o /boot/grub/grub.cfg
sudo reboot

Why Choose CachyOS for BC-250?

Performance: - BORE scheduler improves frame times and reduces latency - Optimized packages (x86-64-v3/v4) provide 5-10% better FPS in some games - Latest Mesa and kernel updates for best GPU performance - More responsive desktop feel compared to other distros

Advanced Features: - Kernel Manager GUI for easy kernel patching (including BC-250 GPU frequency patch) - Rolling release always has latest drivers and features - Arch-based access to AUR packages and Arch Wiki

Trade-offs: - More complex than Fedora/Bazzite (Arch-based) - Rolling release requires occasional maintenance - Better suited for users comfortable with Linux

Summary

CachyOS now works well on BC-250 with standard installation. The complex custom ISO builds from earlier guides are no longer needed in most cases. Simply download the standard ISO, install normally, and enjoy the performance benefits of BORE scheduler and optimized packages.

Quick Start: 1. Download CachyOS ISO from cachyos.org 2. Install normally (follow installer wizard) 3. Verify compatible kernel is installed (6.12-6.14 LTS or 6.15.7-6.17.7) 4. Install oberon-governor for GPU frequency scaling 5. Configure sensors, install gaming tools, enjoy

Community Resources

Related Guides: - Arch Linux Setup - For manual Arch installation - Fedora Setup - Easier alternative for beginners - Bazzite Setup - Gaming-focused alternative - GPU Governor - Essential for BC-250 performance