Start with the Steam games and online modes you actually play, then check whether each works on Linux or through Proton and whether its anti-cheat supports Linux. For the PC itself, verify operating-system and driver support for the exact model, and compare graphics performance at your target resolution. A Linux label—or an AMD GPU—does not guarantee that every Steam game will work.
Check whether your games work on Linux
Steam compatibility is a game-by-game question. Proton, Valve’s compatibility layer, lets many Windows games run on Linux, but results can vary by title and change after game updates. Valve says the SteamOS library covered over 18,000 titles “last we checked”; that is Valve’s point-in-time estimate, not a guarantee for a particular game. Valve’s SteamOS page describes Proton and its compatibility work.
- Make a list of games you consider essential, including any multiplayer or competitive titles.
- Check each game’s current compatibility status and look for reports about its launcher, middleware, and online modes.
- Recheck after major game or system updates if a game’s compatibility is important to you.
Pay special attention to anti-cheat and multiplayer
A PC can have enough raw performance and still be unable to access an online game if its anti-cheat software does not support Linux. Valve includes anti-cheat and middleware support in its compatibility criteria, and notes that some providers are unsupported in its Steam compatibility review documentation.
A concrete example is Apex Legends: Respawn said in an update dated October 31, 2024, that it would block Linux OS access, including on Steam Deck running Linux. Its developer update illustrates why you should check the online modes you plan to use rather than infer compatibility from a game launching or from the PC’s specifications.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Use Steam Deck ratings as a clue, not a desktop guarantee
Valve’s Verified program evaluates input, display, seamlessness, and system support for the Steam Deck experience. That includes controller behavior and button prompts, legibility at the Deck’s default resolution, launcher usability, and whether the game and its middleware work through Proton. Read the Steam Deck Verified criteria for details.
The rating describes the Deck, not every desktop GPU, Linux distribution, or hardware setup. Valve’s support guide explains the categories:
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Verified: works well out of the box on Deck.
- Playable: may require manual configuration.
- Unsupported: not currently considered playable on Deck.
- Unknown: has not been checked.
These labels can help you decide what to investigate, but they do not certify an arbitrary Linux desktop. Steam also lets you select a compatibility tool for an individual game through that game’s properties. Trying another tool can be a troubleshooting step; forcing Proton is not proof that every game will become compatible. See Valve’s Steam Deck software and troubleshooting guide.
Compare the PC’s actual hardware and Linux support
Confirm operating-system and driver support
Check that the manufacturer supports the exact components and model on the Linux distribution or SteamOS setup you intend to use. Valve says compatibility with other AMD-powered PCs, including desktops, improved with recent Steam and SteamOS 3.8 updates. That is a reason to consider an AMD-powered desktop, not a promise that every AMD PC is supported or that a particular model ships with SteamOS. See Valve’s SteamOS information.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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Match graphics performance to your resolution and games
Choose a GPU based on the games, resolution, and settings you want. Compare independent benchmarks for the specific GPU and games you care about; the compatibility sources cited here do not establish a universal best GPU, CPU, or desktop configuration, and they do not provide comparative game benchmarks.
Consider updates, upgrades, and the complete configuration
Look at how the PC will receive operating-system, firmware, and driver support, and whether its components can be upgraded in the way you need. Valve describes SteamOS updates for SteamOS devices; that should not be treated as a description of update support for every desktop Linux installation. Compare the whole configuration and warranty rather than choosing by a processor or GPU name alone.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
A practical comparison checklist
When comparing candidate PCs, work through these checks for each one:
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
- Game library: verify every must-play game, launcher, middleware component, and relevant online mode.
- Anti-cheat: confirm Linux access for multiplayer games where it matters; do not assume that single-player launch success means online access works.
- Operating system and drivers: confirm support for the exact model and the Linux distribution or SteamOS setup you plan to use.
- Performance: compare independent benchmarks for your games at your target resolution and settings.
- Long-term support: check how updates, firmware, drivers, warranty service, and upgrades will work for the complete PC.
- Price and configuration: compare the complete system against your needs rather than treating one component label as a compatibility guarantee.
