In my current exploration of Microsoft’s Azure Linux 3, I used to be impressed by its environment friendly RAM utilization — simply 115MB upon booting. This sparked my curiosity in regards to the RAM consumption of varied Linux distributions. Is there a standout, a champion amongst Linux distros that’s the most light-weight and resource-friendly? This query prompted me to strive Linux containers, command-line variations, and desktop environments like GNOME and KDE to seek out if there actually is a winner. These are the Linux distros that use the least quantity of RAM.
Earlier than we dive in, I need to make clear that whereas I’ve lined a broad spectrum of Linux distributions, I may not have included your favourite. My focus was on generally accessible choices and people appropriate for testing between KDE and GNOME. There is likely to be ultra-light variations I haven’t examined, however it is a broader overview.
A notable exclusion from my assessments is Fedora. My purpose is simple: Fedora serves as a testing floor for Purple Hat, which then sells Purple Hat Linux with out releasing the supply code to the general public. Therefore, I selected to not embody Fedora in my evaluation.
Discover my findings under, however view the video above for a extra verbose explainer.
The very best container variations of Linux that use the least quantity of RAM
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Let’s begin with containers, which differ considerably from digital machines and Linux working on naked steel. Containers are recognized for his or her minimal useful resource utilization, making them enticing light-weight Linux choices.
I examined a number of container Linux variations, together with Ubuntu, Alpine Linux, AlmaLinux, and Debian. Their reminiscence utilization is remarkably low:
- Ubuntu: 32MB
- Alpine: 3MB
- AlmaLinux: 28MB
- Debian: 17MB
Alpine Linux is the best way to go for these in search of absolutely the minimal.
It’s necessary to notice that container RAM utilization additionally consists of some overhead on the host system. Regardless of this, the overall reminiscence consumption stays impressively low, permitting a number of containers to run with just some hundred megabytes in complete.
The very best command-line variations of Linux that use the least quantity of RAM
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Subsequent, I explored command-line variations of Linux, primarily used for servers. These variations are designed for distant administration, specializing in beginning and stopping companies and file uploads and not using a desktop atmosphere. Consequently, they’re additionally massively environment friendly and optimized for efficiency.
Listed here are the obtain sizes for some command-line variations: Alpine Linux is round 900MB, Azure Linux weighs in at round 700MB, Rocky Linux occupies 1.7GB, and Ubuntu Server a heftier 2.5GB. Tiny Core stands out, demanding a mere 20MB obtain.
Listed here are the preliminary RAM utilization figures upon booting:
- Alpine: 100MB
- Azure Linux: 115MB
- Rocky Linux: 288M
- Tiny Core: 64MB
- Ubuntu Server: 162MB
Once more, Tiny Core stands above the others, despite the fact that all the opposite contenders are admirable. A spread of 100 to 300MB for server functions ought to suffice for preliminary boot-up, although precise utilization will depend upon the software program and workload.
The very best desktop variations of Linux that use the least quantity of RAM
Lastly, I examined desktop or workstation variations of Linux, which range extensively concerning suppliers and desktop environments like GNOME and KDE. Right here’s a have a look at obtain sizes: Debian’s web set up is 700MB, Kubuntu is 4GB, Lubuntu is 3GB, and Mint ranges from 2 to 2.7GB. Rocky with XFCE is 1.7GB, whereas Pet is simply 700MB.
Preliminary RAM utilization upon reaching the desktop varies from desktop to desktop. Lubuntu makes use of 464MB, Kubuntu makes use of 828MB, Xubuntu makes use of 668MB, whereas Ubuntu calls for 830MB. Debian and Rocky Linux each require greater than 1GB of RAM at boot, whereas Pet Linux is the lightest Linux distro, using simply 229MB of RAM. Q4OS follows intently behind with 336MB.
Desktop environments considerably affect RAM utilization, with GNOME usually consuming extra and XFCE and LXQT being extra environment friendly.
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Nevertheless, it’s essential to do not forget that whereas selecting a light-weight distro is useful, the functions you run will in the end dictate reminiscence utilization. Internet browsers, specifically, are infamous for consuming RAM. See how the preliminary RAM figures balloon within the graph under.
Andy Walker / Android Authority
Even light-weight distros like Pet and Q4OS see vital will increase in RAM utilization when working functions.
What’s the greatest Linux distro for low RAM setups?
In brief, containers are the lightest possibility for those who’re searching for Linux distros that use the least quantity of RAM, particularly for command-line duties. Devoted command-line Linux variations are resource-efficient and perfect for servers. For common customers, light-weight desktop interfaces, like XFCE and LXQT, assist cut back useful resource consumption, however functions, particularly net browsers, are the first reminiscence shoppers. However, it’s spectacular that every one Linux distros I’ve examined used lower than 2GB of RAM, even with the online browser take a look at working.
Do you have got a favourite light-weight Linux distribution that excels in useful resource administration? Tell us within the feedback.
