Lecture Notes: Installing and Testing Bazzite on a Complex Hardware Setup

Introduction

• The stream is a continuation of the previous session focused on installing Bazzite on the main desktop.
• Bazzite, a Linux distribution, is being installed to test its compatibility with complex hardware setups.
• The presenter anticipates challenges due to the unusual configuration of the system.

System Specifications

• The desktop has multiple drives:
  • A couple of NVMe drives.
  • Several SSDs and spinning platters.
  • RAID configurations.
• Dual GPUs:
  • Nvidia and AMD 7800 XT.
• Running on a Xeon system with 64GB RAM.

Installation Process

• Bazzite was downloaded and placed on a Ventoy drive for installation.
• Anticipating potential installation failures due to complex hardware.
• Installation involved:
  • Powering off to add a new SSD.
  • Multiple reboot attempts due to BIOS and keyboard recognition issues.
  • Finally managed to boot using the Escape key to enter BIOS settings.

Encountered Challenges

• Initial attempts to boot the installer led to gray screens and failures.
• Troubleshooting involved switching to basic graphics mode and avoiding Nvidia GPU issues.
• Documentation was disregarded, relying on trial and error.

Successful Installation

• Managed to install using a 500GB drive without wiping existing data.
• Bazzite loaded successfully with a KDE desktop environment, although slightly slow to start.
• Post-installation tasks included enabling virtualizations and updating packages.

Testing Bazzite Functionality

• Attempted to run Hell Divers 2 to test compatibility and performance.
• Utilized NeoFetch and TTY for system information and troubleshooting.
• Verified that most games run flawlessly without additional configurations.
• Noted that mutable distros like Bazzite are the future for regular users due to stability and ease of use.

VFIO Passthrough Attempts

• Attempted to enable VFIO passthrough for the Nvidia GPU but encountered issues.
• Followed guidance from chat to adjust RPM OS Tree kernel arguments.
• Despite efforts, Nvidia GPU remained unstubbed.

Observations and Conclusions

• Impressed with Bazzite's performance, especially on an atypical hardware setup.
• Issues with Hell Divers 2 were resolved by using Wayland instead of Xorg.
• Bazzite provides a "Steam Deck" like experience on PCs, supporting Steam games seamlessly.
• Further exploration of RPM OS Tree and potential customizations with DWM suggested for future streams.

Closing Remarks

• Stream concluded with a successful test of Hell Divers 2 and further plans to explore Bazzite's capabilities.
• Anticipation for future content focused on Linux immutable distros and gaming setups.