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System Requirements

Before installing TunaOS, ensure your system meets the following requirements.

Hardware Requirements​

Minimum Requirements​

ComponentSpecification
Processorx86_64 (64-bit Intel/AMD) or ARM64
Memory4 GB RAM
Storage20 GB free disk space
GraphicsIntegrated graphics or discrete GPU
NetworkInternet connection for initial setup
ComponentSpecification
Processorx86_64 or ARM64 with 2+ cores
Memory8 GB RAM or more
Storage50 GB+ SSD storage
GraphicsDedicated GPU (for GDX variant)
NetworkBroadband internet connection

Architecture Support​

x86_64 (Standard)​

  • Modern Intel and AMD 64-bit processors
  • Most common desktop and laptop systems
  • Full feature support

x86_64_v2 (Legacy Compatibility)​

  • Older CPUs from before 2013
  • Available for Albacore and Yellowfin variants
  • Slightly reduced performance optimizations

ARM64​

  • Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, etc.)
  • Raspberry Pi 4 and newer
  • Other ARM64 single-board computers
  • Modern ARM-based laptops and desktops

Storage Considerations​

Disk Space Usage​

  • Base installation: ~15-20 GB
  • With applications: 25-30 GB typical usage
  • Developer tools (DX variant): +5-10 GB
  • Graphics tools (GDX variant): +10-15 GB

Storage Types​

  • SSD recommended: Better performance and responsiveness
  • HDD supported: Minimum 7200 RPM for acceptable performance
  • NVMe: Optimal performance for development workflows

Memory Requirements by Variant​

Regular Edition​

  • Minimum: 4 GB RAM
  • Recommended: 8 GB RAM
  • Optimal: 16 GB+ RAM

DX (Developer Experience)​

  • Minimum: 6 GB RAM
  • Recommended: 16 GB RAM
  • Optimal: 32 GB+ RAM (for VMs and containers)

GDX (Graphical Developer Experience)​

  • Minimum: 8 GB RAM
  • Recommended: 16 GB RAM
  • Optimal: 32 GB+ RAM (for AI/ML workloads)

Graphics Requirements​

Integrated Graphics​

  • Intel HD Graphics 4000 or newer
  • AMD Radeon R5/R7 series or newer
  • Apple integrated graphics (M-series)

Discrete Graphics​

For Regular/DX Variants​

  • Any modern GPU with open-source drivers
  • NVIDIA cards (with nouveau drivers)
  • AMD Radeon cards (with AMDGPU drivers)

For GDX Variant​

  • NVIDIA GPU recommended (GTX 1060 or newer)
  • CUDA support for AI/ML applications
  • Minimum 4 GB VRAM for graphics work
  • 8 GB+ VRAM recommended for AI/ML

Network Requirements​

Installation​

  • Internet connection required for:
    • Initial system updates
    • Flatpak application installation
    • Homebrew package downloads

Bandwidth Recommendations​

  • Minimum: 10 Mbps for comfortable updates
  • Recommended: 25 Mbps+ for development workflows
  • Optimal: 100 Mbps+ for container workflows

UEFI/BIOS Requirements​

Supported Boot Methods​

  • UEFI (recommended)
  • Legacy BIOS (limited support)

Security Features​

  • Secure Boot: Supported (may need configuration)
  • TPM: Optional but recommended
  • Intel TXT/AMD SVM: Supported for virtualization

Compatibility Notes​

Supported Hardware​

  • Most standard PC hardware from 2013 onwards
  • Apple Silicon Macs (ARM64 variant)
  • Many ARM single-board computers

Known Limitations​

  • Very old hardware may require x86_64_v2 variants
  • Some proprietary hardware may need additional drivers
  • WiFi adapters may need firmware packages

Virtualization​

  • Hypervisors: VMware, VirtualBox, QEMU/KVM, Parallels
  • Minimum VM specs: 4 GB RAM, 25 GB disk
  • Recommended VM specs: 8 GB RAM, 50 GB disk

Before Installation​

Checklist​

  • Verify hardware compatibility
  • Backup important data
  • Check internet connection
  • Download appropriate ISO variant
  • Prepare installation media (USB drive)
  • Review installation method

Choosing Your Variant​

  • Albacore: Enterprise stability (AlmaLinux 10)
  • Yellowfin: Upstream compatibility (AlmaLinux Kitten 10)
  • Bonito: Cutting-edge (Fedora 42) - Development
  • Skipjack: CentOS base - Development

Need help deciding? Check our installation guide or ask in our Matrix chat.