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FydeOS Help Center

Choose the Right FydeOS for PC Variant

Last Updated: 2025-04-18

What are FydeOS variants? Why create variants?

Due to the constraints of the Linux kernel and the unique features of FydeOS itself, it is difficult to create and release a single image that fits all mainstream computer devices out there in the wild; doing so would dramatically increase the file size of the image and, thus, the maintenance cost. Therefore, we have split the general-purpose release of FydeOS, “FydeOS for PC,” into several variants to adapt to different types of computer devices based primarily on CPU and Graphics hardware.

FydeOS for PC variants matching guide

  1. Obtain Your Device Information

    For Windows systems, we recommend using any of these tools:

    • CPU-Z
    • Speccy
    • HWiNFO

    For other operating systems, you can obtain key device information through relevant system tools or by consulting your computer supplier. Key information includes your CPU Manufacturer (e.g., Intel, AMD), CPU Model/Generation (e.g., Core i5-8250U, Ryzen 5 5600X), and Graphics Card (GPU) model (e.g., Intel UHD Graphics 620, AMD Radeon RX 6600, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060).

  2. Choose Your Variant

    Based on your device information, particularly your CPU and Graphics Card, select the appropriate FydeOS variant from the tabs below.

    If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, please also read the NVIDIA Support section after the tabs.

    This variant works best on older (circa 2011-2014) Intel Core series processors primarily using their integrated graphics.

    Note: Intel may use multiple codenames for their processors during different periods, and these may represent different processor series. As a result, each generation, codename, and model may vary. The table provided below is not comprehensive but rather a summary. If you find that important functions such as Wi-Fi and touchscreen cannot be used normally when using the Intel Legacy variant, you can try the Intel Modern variant.

    Be aware that only CPUs with support for the SSE4.2 instruction set can utilize FydeOS’s Android and Linux subsystems.

    Intel Core processors compatible with Intel Legacy variant:

    SeriesCode NameRelease YearGenerationCompatible Variant
    Intel CoreSandy Bridge*20112ndIntel Legacy
    Intel CoreIvy Bridge20123rdIntel Legacy
    Intel CoreHaswell20134thIntel Legacy
    Intel CoreBroadwell20145thIntel Legacy
    • While certain users have claimed that Sandy Bridge is capable of running FydeOS, we have yet to perform thorough testing to verify this assertion.

NVIDIA Support Considerations

FydeOS currently does not officially support NVIDIA graphics cards. If you attempt to boot FydeOS on a system with an active NVIDIA GPU, you will likely encounter display issues such as distortion, glitches, or a black screen.

If your system has both an Intel/AMD integrated GPU and an NVIDIA discrete GPU (common in gaming laptops), you have the following options to potentially use FydeOS:

  1. Physically remove the NVIDIA graphics card (if possible, usually only on desktops).
  2. Disable the NVIDIA discrete graphics card in your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings. Look for options like “Switchable Graphics”, “Graphics Device”, or “Hybrid Graphics” and set it to “Integrated Only” or “UMA Only”.
  3. Use this tutorial to disable your NVIDIA graphics card via GRUB configuration after installing FydeOS (this is more advanced).

After successfully disabling the NVIDIA card, choose the appropriate FydeOS variant based on your CPU (refer to the Intel Legacy, Intel Modern, Intel Slim, or potentially AMD Graphics if using an AMD CPU with its iGPU after disabling NVIDIA) using the tabs above.