How to Use This Cheat Sheet#

Pick your Make → Model Family → Year Range and install from the Distros / Notes block.

  • Tier A (Semi-modern / capable hardware, usually ≥4–8 GB RAM, SSD recommended):
    Ubuntu (LTS), Linux Mint Cinnamon, Fedora Workstation, Zorin OS Core
  • Tier B (Older / constrained hardware, ≤4 GB RAM or HDD, or netbooks):
    Linux Mint XFCE or MATE, MX Linux (XFCE), Lubuntu (LXQt), Zorin OS Lite (XFCE), Linux Lite (XFCE), LXLE (LXDE), antiX, Puppy Linux

Rule of thumb: Newer models need only Tier A. Older models list an ideal highest distro from Tier A (if feasible) plus lighter Tier B options when needed.

Need to get the bootable usb working? See this guide: /guides/boot-from-usb-every-major-system/

Vendor & Distro Certification Links#

Quick Reference Table / Cheat Sheet#

Here is a quick reference to coordinate suggested distros. More detailed specs below.

Quick Compatibility Table#

MakeModel / SeriesYear RangeSuggested Distros (Optimal → Lightweight)
DellLatitude E / 5xxx–7xxx2008–2023Ubuntu LTS, Mint Cinnamon, Fedora → MX Linux, Lubuntu, antiX
Inspiron Series2008–2023Mint Cinnamon, Ubuntu LTS → Zorin Lite, Linux Lite
XPS2010–2023Ubuntu (Dev Edition lineage), Fedora, Mint
OptiPlex Desktops2008–2023Ubuntu, Mint XFCE → MX Linux, antiX
HPPavilion / Envy2008–2023Ubuntu LTS, Mint Cinnamon → Lubuntu, LXLE, Linux Lite
EliteBook / ProBook2008–2023Ubuntu LTS, Fedora → MX Linux, Mint XFCE
ProDesk / EliteDesk2010–2023Ubuntu, Mint → Lubuntu, antiX
LenovoThinkPad T / X Series2008–2023Ubuntu LTS, Fedora, Mint → MX Linux, Lubuntu, antiX
IdeaPad Series2008–2023Mint Cinnamon, Zorin Core → Lubuntu, Puppy Linux
ThinkCentre Desktops2008–2023Ubuntu LTS, Mint → MX Linux, antiX
AcerAspire / Aspire One2008–2023Ubuntu, Mint → MX Linux, Lubuntu, Puppy, ChromeOS Flex
ASUSVivoBook / ZenBook2012–2023Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora → Xubuntu, MX Linux
Eee PC Netbooks2008–2012Lubuntu 18.04 (32-bit), antiX, Puppy
AppleMacBook Pro / Air2008–2019Ubuntu LTS, Mint Cinnamon → Lubuntu, antiX
iMac / Mac Mini2009–2020Ubuntu, Mint → Lubuntu, Linux Lite
ToshibaSatellite / Tecra2008–2015Mint MATE/XFCE, Ubuntu → Lubuntu, antiX
OthersSony VAIO, Compaq, etc.2008–2015Ubuntu, Mint → Zorin Lite, Lubuntu, antiX

Linux Distributions Mentioned#

Tier A – Full-Featured / Modern Systems#

Tier B – Lightweight / Older or Constrained Systems#

Specialized / Alternate Mentions#

Notes#

  • Always verify checksum signatures from the official sites.
  • For long-term stability, prefer LTS (Long-Term Support) releases when available.
  • Most distributions listed above also offer Live USB testing — no install required.

Compatability / Suggested Distro List#

Here is the more detailed list of Make / Model / Year Distro information.

Dell#

Inspiron (Consumer Laptops & Desktops)#

2020–2023#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 22.04+, Fedora 37/38, Linux Mint 21, Zorin OS Core
  • NVMe, Wi-Fi 6/BT5, Intel Iris Xe / AMD iGPU supported OOTB on modern kernels.
  • Secure Boot: OK with Ubuntu/Fedora; disable or enroll MOK if installing NVIDIA.

2017–2019#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 18.04/20.04, Mint Cinnamon, Fedora, Zorin Core
  • MX150/MX250 or GTX 10-series require NVIDIA proprietary driver for best perf.

2014–2016#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu LTS, Mint Cinnamon, Fedora
  • If HDD/4 GB: MX Linux / Linux Lite for snappier UX.
  • Skylake/Haswell OK; Optimus needs PRIME/NVIDIA driver.

2011–2013#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu LTS or Mint Cinnamon (with SSD & ≥4 GB)
  • Otherwise Tier B: MX Linux, Mint MATE/XFCE, Zorin Lite, Lubuntu.
  • Early UEFI/Secure Boot; Broadcom Wi-Fi may need proprietary driver.

2008–2010#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Mint XFCE/MATE (with 4 GB & SSD)
  • Recommended: Lubuntu, Linux Lite, LXLE, antiX, Puppy (2–3 GB RAM).
  • Legacy BIOS; Intel GMA or very old NVIDIA/ATI.

Latitude (Business Laptops)#

2017–2023 (7xxx/5xxx)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 20.04/22.04, Fedora, Mint, Zorin Core
  • TB3/USB-C docks, Wi-Fi 6, fingerprint readers widely supported on recent kernels.

2014–2016 (E7450/E7470, 5th–6th Gen)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu LTS, Mint Cinnamon, Fedora
  • Mostly Intel graphics; dGPU models use NVIDIA/AMD driver.

2010–2013 (E64x0→E64x0/E65x0/E6430)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu LTS / Mint Cinnamon (8 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: MX Linux, Lubuntu, Mint XFCE for HDD/4 GB systems.
  • Optimus on some—use PRIME/Bumblebee.

2008–2009 (E6400/E6500)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu / Mint MATE (with RAM/SSD upgrades)
  • Tier B: Linux Lite, MX Linux, antiX on stock 2 GB.
  • Legacy BIOS; Intel Wi-Fi usually OOTB.

XPS (High-End Consumer)#

2019–2023#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 22.04 (Dev Edition lineage), Fedora, Mint, Zorin Core
  • HiDPI/OLED, TB4/USB4, latest Intel/AMD iGPU fully supported on current kernels.

2015–2018 (InfinityEdge)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu, Fedora, Zorin Core, Mint
  • PRIME offload for XPS 15 dGPUs; TB3 works with bolt.

2012–2014 (Ultrabook era)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu (Dell Dev Edition), Fedora, Mint
  • HiDPI scaling available; Optimus requires NVIDIA driver.

2008–2011 (Studio XPS, early XPS)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu / Mint XFCE (with 4 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: LXLE, Mint XFCE if ≤3 GB RAM.
  • Older NVIDIA/ATI need legacy drivers or Nouveau/Radeon.

OptiPlex (Business Desktops)#

2016–2023#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu/Fedora/Mint—everything OOTB (NVMe, multi-monitor).

2012–2015#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu, Zorin Core, Mint
  • If HDD/4 GB: Lubuntu/LXLE recommended.

2008–2011#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu / MX Linux (with 4–8 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: Linux Lite, antiX for 2 GB DDR2 era boxes.

HP#

Pavilion / Envy (Consumer Laptops)#

2020–2023#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 22.04, Fedora 37, Mint 21, Zorin Core
  • Ryzen/iRIS Xe OK; Secure Boot + MOK for NVIDIA if needed.

2017–2019#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 18.04/20.04, Fedora, Mint
  • Early Ryzen mobile fixed on newer kernels; MX/GTX need NVIDIA driver.

2014–2016#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu LTS, Mint Cinnamon, Zorin Core
  • If HDD/4 GB: Mint MATE, Lubuntu, LXLE.
  • Realtek/Broadcom Wi-Fi may need firmware/driver.

2011–2013#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu / Mint Cinnamon (SSD & ≥6 GB)
  • Tier B: MX Linux, Mint XFCE, Zorin Lite (HDD/4 GB).
  • Switchable Intel/AMD or Optimus; use open AMD or NVIDIA driver.

2008–2010 (dv-series, etc.)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Mint MATE / XFCE (with 4 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: Lubuntu, Linux Lite, Puppy/antiX on 2–3 GB.
  • Broadcom Wi-Fi usually needs proprietary driver.

EliteBook / ProBook (Business Laptops)#

2019–2023#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 22.04, Fedora 36/37, Mint 21
  • TB3 docks, WWAN, fingerprint—good support; fwupd for BIOS updates.

2015–2018#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 20.04, Fedora, Mint
  • Intel-only SKUs are effortless; Quadro/AMD require proprietary/open drivers.

2011–2014#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu LTS, Fedora, Mint (8 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: MX Linux, Lubuntu (HDD/4 GB).
  • Broadcom/Intel Wi-Fi; switchable graphics needs config.

2008–2010#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu / Mint (with RAM/SSD upgrades)
  • Tier B: Linux Lite, antiX (stock 2 GB).
  • Legacy BIOS; some AMD dGPUs need legacy drivers or open Radeon.

Compaq / ProDesk / EliteDesk (Desktops)#

2016–2023#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint—plug-and-play.

2012–2015#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu/Mint; if HDD/4 GB, Xubuntu/LXLE recommended.

2008–2011#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu / MX Linux (with 4–8 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: Linux Lite, Lubuntu for 2 GB systems.

Lenovo#

ThinkPad T-Series (Business)#

2020–2023 (T14/T14s, T15)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Fedora 37+, Ubuntu 22.04+, Mint 21
  • Intel 11th/12th gen & AMD Ryzen PRO fully supported with modern kernels.

2017–2019 (T470/T480/T490)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 22.04/20.04, Fedora, Mint
  • TB3, Power management (TLP) excellent; MX150/MX250 via NVIDIA driver.

2014–2016 (T440/T450/T460)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu LTS, Mint, Fedora
  • T440/T450 clickpad OK with libinput; discrete GPUs need NVIDIA driver.
  • If HDD/4 GB: MX Linux / Mint XFCE.

2011–2013 (T420/T430/T520/T530)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu LTS / Mint Cinnamon (8–16 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: Mint XFCE, MX Linux for base configs.
  • Optimus supported with PRIME; everything else works OOTB.

2008–2010 (T400/T500/T410/T510)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu / Mint (with upgrades)
  • Tier B: Lubuntu, MX Linux, antiX for 2–3 GB setups.
  • Switchable graphics: set Intel-only in BIOS for simplicity.

ThinkPad X-Series / X1 Carbon (Ultraportables)#

2012–2023 (X1 Carbon Gen1→Gen11, X220/X230 etc.)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu LTS, Fedora, Mint
  • HiDPI, TB3, WWAN, fingerprint widely supported on modern kernels.
  • Older X200/X201: use Tier B if ≤2–4 GB (Lubuntu/Mint XFCE/antiX).

IdeaPad (Consumer)#

2017–2023#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 22.04, Mint 21, Zorin Core
  • Low-end IdeaPad 1/3 with 4 GB benefit from Lubuntu/Linux Lite.
  • Some newer AMD models: S3 sleep quirks; update BIOS/kernel.

2013–2016#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu, Zorin Core, Mint Cinnamon
  • If HDD/4 GB: Linux Lite, MX Linux, Lubuntu.
  • Change BIOS SATA from RAID/RST to AHCI if disk not detected.

2008–2012#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Mint / Ubuntu MATE (upgraded RAM/SSD)
  • Tier B: Lubuntu, Puppy for Atom/Celeron netbook-class units.
  • Broadcom/Realtek Wi-Fi may need firmware/driver.

ThinkCentre (Business Desktops) / IdeaCentre (Consumer Desktops)#

2016–2023#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint—no caveats.

2012–2015#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu/Mint; HDD/4 GB → Lubuntu/MX Linux.

2008–2011#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu / MX Linux (with 4–8 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: antiX, Lubuntu for 2 GB DDR2 systems.

Acer#

Aspire (Laptops)#

2019–2023#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 22.04, Fedora 37, Mint 21
  • Alder/Ryzen need newer kernels; set BIOS password to toggle Secure Boot on some models.

2015–2018#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 18.04/20.04, Mint, Fedora
  • Some Acers require “Trust” of EFI file or disable Secure Boot to boot Linux.

2011–2014#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu, Mint, Zorin Core (i3/i5 models)
  • Tier B: Xubuntu/MX Linux for Pentium/AMD E-series.
  • Some UEFI firmwares only boot “Windows Boot Manager” name—use legacy/rename workaround.

2008–2010#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Mint XFCE / Xubuntu (with 4 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: antiX, Puppy, Lubuntu for 1–2 GB systems.
  • Netbook-class devices need very light distros.

Aspire One (Netbooks)#

2008–2011#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier B only: antiX, Puppy, Lubuntu 18.04 (32-bit) / Debian-LXDE
  • Atom N270/N450 with 1 GB RAM: run in RAM (Puppy) for best results.

ASUS#

VivoBook / ZenBook / X-/A-/K-Series#

2020–2023#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 22.04, Fedora 37, Mint 21
  • OLED/HiDPI supported; ScreenPad works as 2nd display; RTX via NVIDIA driver.

2016–2019#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 20.04, Fedora, Mint
  • Touchpads needing newer kernel quirks now supported; TUF gaming OK with NVIDIA driver.

2012–2015#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu, Mint, Zorin Core
  • If 2–4 GB/HDD: Xubuntu/MX Linux.
  • Intel Smart Response (cache) → disable for Linux; Optimus needs PRIME.

Eee PC (Netbooks)#

2008–2012#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier B only: Puppy Linux, antiX, LXLE / Debian-LXDE, Lubuntu 18.04 (32-bit)
  • 1–2 GB RAM & small SSD; use lightweight browsers and swap on SD if needed.

Apple (Intel Macs)#

MacBook Pro / Air#

2012–2015 (Retina / modern Intel)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu 20.04/22.04, Fedora, Mint
  • Broadcom Wi-Fi needs STA driver; HiDPI scaling OK; dGPU MBPs: prefer iGPU-only or NVIDIA/AMD driver with tweaks.

2008–2011#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu LTS / Mint XFCE (with 4 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: Lubuntu, Mint XFCE for 2 GB units.
  • iSight firmware extract, Broadcom Wi-Fi driver, and GPU switching workarounds often required.

2016–2019 (USB-C, Touch Bar/T2)#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A (advanced users): Ubuntu with newer kernels + community tweaks
  • Touch Bar & T2 (2018+) complicate storage/audio/BT; external boot may be needed on T2.

iMac (All-in-One)#

2009–2020#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu / Mint for mid/high-spec units
  • Tier B: Lubuntu/Xubuntu for ≤4 GB.
  • AMD/NVIDIA dGPU needs appropriate driver; iSight firmware on early models.

Mac mini#

2009–2018#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu Server/Desktop, Debian (media/server)
  • Tier B: Linux Lite for kiosk/HTPC on low-RAM models.
  • 2018 T2 models: internal SSD not usable by Linux—boot external.

Toshiba (Dynabook)#

Satellite (Consumer Laptops)#

2011–2015#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier A: Ubuntu LTS, Mint MATE/Cinnamon
  • If HDD/4 GB: Mint XFCE / Lubuntu.
  • Some Realtek audio jack quirks—fixed in newer kernels.

2008–2010#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Mint MATE (with RAM/SSD upgrades)
  • Tier B: Lubuntu, antiX for Celeron/2 GB setups.
  • BIOS oddities rare; most hardware standard.

Other Notables (Sony VAIO, eMachines, Fujitsu, Compaq Presario)#

2008–2015#

Distros / Notes:

  • Highest ideal: Ubuntu / Mint (≥4–8 GB & SSD)
  • Tier B: Lubuntu, Zorin Lite, antiX for ≤2–4 GB RAM.
  • Some VAIO Nvidia/ATI require proprietary/legacy drivers; check exact GPU.

Ultra-Old Desktops (Pentium 4 / Core Duo) — “Last Resort”#

Distros / Notes:

  • Tier B only: antiX (very low resources), Puppy, Lubuntu 18.04 (32-bit), LXLE
  • Great for kiosk/web-terminal use; add lightweight browsers and disable compositing.

Quick Prep Checklist#

  • Update BIOS/UEFI; set AHCI (not RAID/RST) and manage Secure Boot as needed.
  • Prefer SSD and ≥8 GB RAM for Tier A distros.
  • Test with Live USB (Wi-Fi, sound, suspend, touchpad, external displays).
  • For Broadcom Wi-Fi, plan to install bcmwl-kernel-source (Ubuntu/Mint “Additional Drivers”).
  • For NVIDIA/Optimus, install proprietary driver and enable PRIME offload if hybrid.

Certified hardware: Start with Ubuntu’s lists for fastest success:
Laptops: https://ubuntu.com/certified/laptops • Desktops: https://ubuntu.com/certified/desktops
Fedora HCL: https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/HCL