Omarchy over CachyOS v3 – BORE Kernel Test, GameScope Fix & Kernel Manager Update
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This is Version 3 of the Omarchy-over-CachyOS hybrid build — less about FPS chasing and more about structural stability.
website : https://www.no-signal.uk
The previous build worked… mostly. But under real testing, a few cracks showed. Rather than patch over them, I rewrote sections properly.
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🔹 Why v3 Exists
While working through benchmarks and switching kernels, I hit three core issues:
- GameScope Git conflicts
- Kernel stacking filling the boot partition
- Minor dependency inconsistencies
None were catastrophic — but they were the kind of silent problems that eventually cause a system to implode during an update. So v3 is about tightening everything up.
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🔹 GameScope Installer Fix
The previous script accidentally mixed references between Cachy's GameScope Git and the Chimera-based build. That caused instability and update weirdness.
This version removes the incorrect Cachy Git pull, switches fully to the Chimera-based source, cleans up install order, and fixes the Steam wobble that appeared during launch.
GameScope switching (Super + Shift + S) now behaves consistently again. No compositor conflicts. No strange Steam relaunch behaviour.
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🔹 Kernel Manager Rework (The Big One)
The boot partition has limited space — roughly ~1GB usable for kernels. Stack BORE + standard + test builds without cleanup, and you will fill that partition. Once full, GRUB can break, kernel installs can fail, and updates become unstable.
So I rebuilt the kernel manager logic. It now includes a "View Current Kernel States" check, cleaner display of installed kernels, logic to discourage stacking, and clearer warnings about boot space.
⚠️ Do NOT use this manager on stock CachyOS. It is not intended for that use case.
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🔹 BORE Kernel Testing
Benchmarks: Returnal (Epic quality, 67% scaling) and Helldivers II (Ultra settings).
The difference is tiny. Returnal peaks around 97 FPS, averaging mid-90s. Compared to standard kernels — 1–3 FPS shifts. Not dramatic. Not transformative. But measurable.
The important thing: the hybrid remains stable under BORE.
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🔹 Overlay Reality
I always benchmark with MangoHud active. The overlay may cost a few frames — but consistency matters more than theoretical maximums. This project is about controlled comparison, not leaderboard chasing.
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🔹 Thermal Notes
CPU sits around 90°C under load, even with five fans. Undervolting is an option but that's another rabbit hole. Thermals are acceptable — but this machine won't last forever at those temps.
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🔹 Steam & Proton Behaviour
Proton GE used for both games. No Cachy Proton testing this run. Identical settings across tests. The goal is eliminating variables — seeing what kernel-level changes actually do.
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🔹 What Members Get
Included: Omarchy-over-CachyOS v3 script, updated GameScope launcher, kernel manager with boot-space awareness, dependency fixes, and cleaner install logic.
This is a testing release. Not public. Not "stable". Not production certified.
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🔹 The Real Test – Omarchy 3.4
Everything so far has been internal validation. The real moment comes when Omarchy 3.4 releases.
That migration will show whether kernel management holds, GameScope survives update cycles, dependencies remain intact, and boot space logic prevents corruption.
If something explodes — it'll happen there. And we'll document it.
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🔹 What This Project Actually Is
This isn't about squeezing every last FPS out of Linux. It's about building a controlled hybrid environment, understanding kernel behaviour, making GameScope predictable, managing boot partitions properly, and avoiding silent system decay.
Linux experimentation — but disciplined.
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🔹 Important Warnings
⚠️ Experimental. Use at your own risk. Not regression tested. Not designed for stock CachyOS. Boot partition misuse can break your system.
Do not stack kernels mindlessly. Do not ignore boot space. Do not assume this is production safe.
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🔹 What's Next
Hybrid testing under Omarchy 3.4, further cleanup if dependency reports come in, and potential public release if stable over time.
Version 4 depends on member feedback. If you spot missing dependencies, kernel oddities, or GameScope inconsistencies — tell me. That's the whole point of this phase.
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As ever — thanks for supporting the experiments.
Let's see if 3.4 survives.