---
type: reference
title: CachyOS
description: Arch-based rolling release with performance-optimized kernels, repositories, and gaming stack. Running on the workstation.
tags:
  - cachyos
  - arch
  - linux
  - kernel
  - performance
timestamp: 2026-08-06
verified: 2026-10-19
---

# CachyOS

CachyOS is an Arch Linux-based rolling release distribution focused on performance. It ships with custom kernels featuring the EEVDF scheduler, LTO compilation, AutoFDO profiling, and Propeller scheduling patches.

---

## System Information

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| **OS** | CachyOS (rolling) |
| **Kernel** | `linux-cachyos` (performance series — 7.2.9-2 at 2026-10-19 probe) |
| **LTS Kernel** | `linux-cachyos-lts` (6.18.55-2 at 2026-10-19 probe) |
| **Package Manager** | pacman |
| **Init** | systemd |
| **Display Manager** | SDDM |

## Kernel Features

The CachyOS kernel includes:

- **EEVDF Scheduler** — Earliest Eligible Virtual Deadline First, successor to CFS
- **LTO** — Link-Time Optimization for better code generation
- **AutoFDO** — Auto Feedback-Directed Optimization from profiling data
- **Propeller Scheduling** — Reduced latency scheduling patches

## Repositories

CachyOS uses v3 repositories alongside standard Arch repos:

| Repository | Purpose |
|------------|---------|
| `[cachyos-v3]` | CachyOS-specific packages (kernels, tools) |
| `[cachyos-extra-v3]` | CachyOS extra packages |
| `[cachyos-core-v3]` | CachyOS core packages |
| `[cachyos]` | Legacy CachyOS repo |
| `[core]` | Arch core |
| `[extra]` | Arch extra |
| `[multilib]` | 32-bit compatibility |

## CachyOS-Specific Packages

| Package | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| `cachyos-kernel-manager` | Simple kernel manager |
| `cachyos-hello` | Welcome screen |
| `cachyos-gaming-meta` | Gaming dependencies meta-package |
| `cachyos-gaming-applications` | Common gaming applications |
| `cachyos-ananicy-rules` | Process auto-categorization rules |
| `cachyos-fish-config` | Fish shell configuration |
| `cachyos-alacritty-config` | Alacritty terminal config |
| `cachyos-hooks` | libalpm hooks |
| `cachyos-micro-settings` | Micro settings utility |

## Gaming Stack

CachyOS ships with a comprehensive gaming stack:

- **Proton-CachyOS-SLR** — Proton with Same-Level-Root patches
- **Wine-CachyOS-Opt** — Optimized Wine build
- **UMU Launcher** — Universal Minecraft/Unity launcher
- **ProtonTricks / Winetricks** — Wine configuration utilities
- **Vulkan Tools** — Vulkan validation and utilities
- **32-bit libraries** — Full lib32 support for Steam

## Default Userspace

CachyOS with Niri ships with a curated set of applications:

- **Niri** — Scrollable-tiling Wayland compositor
- **Noctalia Shell** — Desktop shell (launcher, wallpaper, session menu, lock screen)
- **Shelly Notifications** — Notification daemon
- **Ghostty** — Terminal emulator
- **Firefox** — Web browser
- **Chromium** — Alternative browser
- **Nautilus** — File manager
- **Neovim** — Text editor
- **Steam** — Gaming platform
- **PipeWire + WirePlumber** — Audio
- **grim/slurp/swappy** — Screenshots
- **wf-recorder** — Screen recording
- **hyprpicker** — Color picker
- **wl-clipboard** — Clipboard management
- **wlr-randr** — Display management
- **NetworkManager** — Network management
- **BlueZ** — Bluetooth
- **pavucontrol** — Audio mixer
- **gvfs** — Virtual filesystem
- **GNOME Keyring** — Credential storage
- **xdg-desktop-portal-gnome** — Portal services

---

## See Also

- ](../system/index.md) — system overview
- [niri](niri/index.md) — Compositor documentation
- [[noctalia-shell|noctalia-shell]] — Desktop shell documentation
- [[applications|applications]] — Application reference