Embracing the Future of Gaming: The Framework Desktop & Bazzite Experience
For years, I’ve envisioned a seamless gaming experience on a singular platform: a versatile, upgradeable PC that brings my extensive Steam library to life, allowing me to play wherever and however I choose. While the Steam Deck has made significant strides as a portable gaming console, when it comes to gaming in my living room, I crave something with more power—something that can deliver exceptional performance on my TV as well as at my desk.
Let me share my journey into this quest for a perfect PC gaming solution.
The Search for the Perfect Gaming Setup
Like many, I’ve ventured into different territories in search of the ideal gaming setup. Gaming laptops, while mobile, often come with drawbacks such as annoying fan noise and less-than-ideal ergonomics. Desktops, on the other hand, can be bulky and inconvenient, often requiring a labyrinth of wires and accessories. Navigating through Windows without a keyboard and mouse can feel cumbersome, making me pine for simplicity.
I once held hope for Valve’s Steam Machine initiative, believing it would be a game-changer. Unfortunately, that endeavor missed the mark. In a world where consoles like the PlayStation 5 effortlessly deliver plug-and-play gaming experiences, my dream of a comparable PC alternative felt perpetually out of reach.
But optimism rekindled when I turned my attention to the Framework Desktop in conjunction with a clever Linux distribution called Bazzite, which presents an intriguing, open-source take on gaming. The setup mirrors the Steam Deck’s game mode, complemented by a Proton compatibility layer for smoothly running Windows games, yet it also allows easy access to desktop functions for work-related tasks.
Setting Up: Quick and Efficient
My initial experience setting up the Framework Desktop was pleasantly straightforward. Within an hour, I was engrossed in gaming on my TV at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second—on a system smaller than a PS5 that stayed relatively quiet. Even more impressive was its ability to wake from sleep with a gamepad—this function feels essential in the modern gaming era.
Though the Framework Desktop isn’t as portable as handheld devices or laptops, its compact design makes it easy to shift from one room to another. I’ve found myself utilizing it for work during the day and then moving it to the living room for evening play. This dual-purpose functionality is magnetic; after spending hours at a desk, the last thing I want is to game in the same spot.
I genuinely hope that this setup represents the future of PC gaming—a harmonious blend of power, portability, and versatility.
The Dawn of Linux in Gaming
Welcome to what could be heralded as the year of Linux on the desktop, particularly in the gaming realm. The Framework Desktop is a conceptual successor to past Steam Machines but carries forward lessons learned from their failures. At a compact 4.5 liters, the Framework Desktop is smaller than most traditional gaming PCs while significantly outperforming average home theater setups or streaming devices.
The starting price of $1,099 (or $1,999 for higher-spec models) is a steeper investment compared to a typical console, but it presents gamers with a robust and dynamic alternative. The top-tier version I tested includes a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 processor, boasting 16 CPU cores, 40 graphics cores, and a whopping 128GB of RAM—plenty to satisfy even the most demanding gaming experiences.
Transitioning Away from Windows
While I had previously reviewed the Framework Desktop as a capable Windows PC, my experience with Bazzite marks a pivotal departure from Microsoft’s ecosystem. Bazzite is user-friendly and designed for gamers who want to escape the complexities and frustrations of Windows 10 and 11, particularly with the upcoming changes in updates and the pervasive push for subscriptions and services.
The installation process proved straightforward, offering an intuitive user experience that beckons anyone interested in breaking the chains of Windows. If you require Windows for specific applications—like Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite—you can easily set up a dual-boot system. But many mainstream applications, including Chrome, Slack, Signal, Spotify, and Discord, either run natively on Linux or can be managed through Wine compatibility layers.
Using Bazzite in desktop mode harked back to my college days of exploring Ubuntu, where the thrill of tinkering and the charm of open-source software were intoxicating. Bazzite maintains a minimalistic aesthetic that appeals to users seeking something fresh and refined.
Navigating the Learning Curve
However, Linux does come with its quirks. For the unacquainted, the operating system may lead you down rabbit holes of confusion—understanding hidden features or remapping keys often requires a degree of technical savvy. I encountered this firsthand with tasks as simple as figuring out what the KDE Wallet Service does or how to remap the Caps Lock key.
Such minor frustrations, however, are outweighed by the liberating feeling of distancing myself from the frequently oppressive grip of corporate software giants. The combination of Bazzite and the Framework Desktop gives me a glimpse into a future where users can have meaningful control over their computing environments.
The Setup Process: Dual Booting with Ease
Getting started with Bazzite is relatively simple if you’re someone who enjoys tinkering. For those who relish a challenge, here’s a brief overview of how I set it up:
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Hardware Configuration: I opted to use a second internal NVMe drive for Bazzite, avoiding complications associated with dual-booting. Keeping the two operating systems completely separate ensures that updates or changes in Windows won’t disrupt my Linux experience.
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Installation: Bazzite offers an easy installation process via a user-friendly ISO picker. You can create a bootable USB drive using tools like Rufus, or you can follow video guides for visual assistance.
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Boot Configuration: After gazing at the sleek operating screen post-installation, you can strategically configure the Framework Desktop’s boot order to prioritize the Bazzite drive, allowing for quick access to my new gaming paradise.
Most importantly, to make the transition between operating systems as seamless as possible, I established a script that enables me to reboot into Windows right from the Bazzite interface. A few simple Terminal commands integrated with Steam allow me to switch between platforms without hassle.
Navigating Technical Hurdles
Despite these enhancements, I experienced some technical hiccups—one notable challenge was with my audio setup. Initially, there was no sound through the HDMI connection to my TV; however, a quick adjustment in desktop mode resolved this issue. Such quirks are common in the world of Linux but are often easily fixed with patience and perseverance.
Once set up, the integration of Bazzite and the Framework Desktop offered me a truly compelling gaming experience, particularly as I switched back and forth between Linux and Windows for my gaming needs.
Gaming Performance: A Mixed Bag
As for gaming performance, Bazzite proved capable. Many titles I enjoy performed admirably, though there are caveats. While I anticipated a minor dip in quality with Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K, the reality was pleasantly surprising—medium preset settings with FSR enabled yielded performance hovering around 60fps. The addition of frame generation pushed that number into the mid-80s, showcasing the potential of the Framework’s power.
Game Performance Overview
Here’s a rundown of various games I’ve tested:
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Cyberpunk 2077: Surprisingly playable at 4K and around 60fps while set to medium. With frame generation, performance increased further into the mid-80s.
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Helldivers 2: This game offered fantastic visuals and smooth play at 4K, with frame rates around 60fps, dipping only in intensive scenes.
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Street Fighter 6: This title adheres to a lock at 1080 resolution and 60fps. However, I successfully pushed it to 4K while maintaining smooth gameplay.
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Monster Hunter Wilds: A real test, due to its notorious performance. By adjusting settings and turning on FSR, the game managed decent frame rates (70fps) at 4K.
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Elden Ring Nightreign: This title worked well, running at 4K / 50fps or locked at 60fps at 2.5K.
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Peak: Performed exceptionally well at 4K on medium settings, often exceeding 80fps.
While many games thrive on Linux, some still falter. Notably, titles such as Fortnite and Valorant continue to sidestep compatibility, showcasing the challenges that remain. Even though performances can differ between operating systems, the stunning graphics and gameplay opportunities available on Bazzite are inspiring.
The Future: A Leap into Tomorrow
As I reflect on my experiences with the Framework Desktop and Bazzite, it’s clear that the landscape of gaming is evolving. We’re on the cusp of a new age where flexibility and performance merge into an unprecedented user experience. This setup speaks to a generation of gamers looking for alternatives to the mainstream, where customized and optimized systems reign supreme.
The resurgence of Linux—a platform once relegated to tech-savvy enthusiasts—now emerges as a viable contender in the gaming space. As more users break free from monopolistic software, the community behind projects like Bazzite will likely expand, transforming what it means to game in a living room environment.
This journey has solidified my belief that we’re not far from a renaissance in the realm of PC gaming; one where tailored experiences can eclipse traditional console gaming. With systems like the Framework Desktop and versatile distributions like Bazzite leading the charge, I genuinely feel that the future is bright for gamers seeking a powerful, stylish, and user-friendly alternative to conventional setups.
I’m genuinely excited for what’s to come. It’s a thrilling time to be a gamer, and as the landscape evolves, I look forward to the adventures that await.
