CachyOS and CentOS Stream represent two different approaches to Linux distributions—one focuses on performance and Arch-based flexibility, while the other serves as a development preview for RHEL. This page dives into their features, strengths, and ideal use cases to guide your choice.
Performance-focused Arch
Preview of RHEL
TL;DR: Pick CachyOS for performance and Arch flexibility. Choose CentOS Stream for enterprise development and RHEL preview.
How they stack up across key categories.
CachyOS, while powerful, requires a steep learning curve due to its command-line focus and Arch base.
CentOS Stream, with its RHEL alignment, offers a more traditional Linux experience better suited for those familiar with enterprise environments.
CachyOS offers a customizable desktop experience, allowing users to tailor it to their liking, though setup can be complex.
CentOS Stream provides a stable and consistent desktop environment, ideal for users who prioritize reliability over customization.
As a rolling release, CachyOS can encounter stability issues with frequent updates.
CentOS Stream benefits from its close relationship with RHEL, offering a highly stable environment suitable for development.
CachyOS features frequent updates, providing the latest software but with potential risks.
CentOS Stream follows a rolling-release model, offering updates that preview upcoming RHEL features.
With access to the AUR, CachyOS users can install a vast array of software packages.
CentOS Stream provides software aligned with RHEL, focusing on stability and enterprise needs.
CachyOS, like most Arch-based distros, emphasizes user control and privacy without telemetry.
CentOS Stream, backed by Red Hat, adheres to enterprise-level privacy standards.
CachyOS benefits from an active community, though it relies heavily on Arch's documentation.
CentOS Stream enjoys strong community and official documentation, supported by Red Hat and its user base.
CachyOS, with its performance focus, can be optimized for gaming but may require configuration.
CentOS Stream is not typically aimed at gaming, focusing more on development and server environments.
Quick recommendations for common scenarios.
Pick: CachyOS
CachyOS offers a performance-oriented experience with extensive software availability through AUR.
Pick: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream's alignment with RHEL makes it ideal for tutorials related to enterprise environments.
Pick: Either
Both distributions can be tailored for older hardware, though CachyOS might require more manual optimization.
Pick: CachyOS
CachyOS's performance optimizations and AUR access make it suitable for gaming setups.
Pick: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream is designed for development and enterprise environments, aligning closely with RHEL.
Pick: CentOS Stream
CentOS Stream provides a stable and consistent environment, ideal for users who prefer reliability.
Quick answers to common questions.
CachyOS is an Arch-based distribution focused on performance, while CentOS Stream serves as a development preview for RHEL. They target different user bases and use cases.
CentOS Stream is generally more beginner-friendly due to its stable environment and comprehensive documentation, whereas CachyOS requires more manual configuration.
CachyOS is optimized for performance with custom kernels, making it ideal for users seeking maximum efficiency. CentOS Stream focuses on stability and reliability over cutting-edge performance.
Yes, both CachyOS and CentOS Stream offer live environments that allow you to try the system before committing to an installation.
CachyOS offers extensive software compatibility through AUR, while CentOS Stream provides stable, enterprise-level software aligned with RHEL.
Both distributions support a wide range of hardware, though CachyOS may require manual configuration for specific devices. CentOS Stream benefits from RHEL's extensive hardware support.
CachyOS follows a rolling-release model with frequent updates. CentOS Stream also follows a rolling release, serving as a preview of future RHEL releases.
Switching between CachyOS and CentOS Stream involves reinstalling the system due to their different bases and package managers. Each has unique configurations and dependencies.
Generate a clean "vs" page for any two distros.
