Hardware Compatibility
Linux supports a huge range of hardware out of the box, but some components need a little extra attention. These pages will help you figure out what works, what needs drivers, and what to avoid.
Hardware Topics
NVIDIA GPUs
Proprietary vs open source drivers, installation per distro, Wayland support, CUDA, and laptop hybrid graphics.
WiFi Chipsets
Which WiFi chips work out of the box, which need firmware, and how to get stubborn adapters running.
Laptops
Linux-friendly laptop brands, things to check before buying, power management, HiDPI, and docking stations.
Bluetooth
Pairing devices, audio codecs, troubleshooting earbuds and controllers, and per-distro setup.
General Tips
Before installing Linux on new hardware, a few minutes of checking can save hours of troubleshooting.
How to check your hardware before installing
The simplest approach: boot a live USB of your chosen distro and see if everything works. WiFi, sound, display, trackpad, suspend/resume. If it works in the live session, it will work installed.
If you want to check specifics before you even boot Linux, you can look up your components:
- Check your laptop model on the Linux Hardware Database
- Search the Arch Wiki for your laptop model -- it usually has detailed compatibility notes
- Check the WiFi chipset in your device specs -- Intel and Qualcomm/Atheros are safest
Identifying your hardware from the command line
Once you are in a Linux environment (live USB or installed), these commands show you exactly what hardware you have:
# List all PCI devices (GPU, WiFi, Ethernet, etc.)
lspci
# List USB devices (WiFi adapters, Bluetooth dongles, webcams)
lsusb
# Detailed hardware summary
sudo lshw -short
# CPU information
lscpu
# Block devices (disks, partitions)
lsblkTo narrow down specific hardware:
# Find your WiFi chipset
lspci | grep -i net
# Find your GPU
lspci | grep -i vga
# Find your audio devices
lspci | grep -i audioLive USB testing checklist
When you boot a live USB, run through this checklist:
- WiFi -- Does it see networks? Can you connect and browse?
- Display -- Correct resolution? No tearing or artifacts?
- Sound -- Play a video on YouTube. Does audio come through speakers and headphones?
- Trackpad -- Multi-finger gestures, tap-to-click, scrolling?
- Suspend/resume -- Close the lid, open it. Does everything come back?
- Bluetooth -- Can you see and pair a device?
- Webcam -- Open Cheese or any camera app
- External displays -- Plug in HDMI/USB-C. Does it detect?
- Function keys -- Brightness, volume, keyboard backlight