Best OS/Desktop Enviroment for performance ?

[cyb3r_sn4k3]

I know this question has risen many times. But even then.

Which OS/DE do you recommend for pure performance I hav a machine which I wont use daily and usually makes it do very CPU heavy process'. So I need a OS/DE built for speed. Ubuntu 12.04 wont fit the bill cuz of unity.

Is using a server install and a light DE(XFCE) my best bet ?
I know arch and gentoo and all are great for this but I just dont have the time as I am a student ? An recommendation which uses ubuntu as its base would be nice as I am used to it.

Ohh BTW whats your opinion on MATE ? As I love the "old" gnome (as in 2.0)..

Also, If there is a guide to customize an install to make it as performance oriented as BackTrack that would be great!

Thanks!

[mips]

If you like debian based distros have a look at Crunchbang.
http://crunchbanglinux.org/

I would try out the new Waldorf testing image seeing debian is at the beta2 stage. Else there is the stable release.

[neu5eeCh]

If you like debian based distros have a look at Crunchbang.
http://crunchbanglinux.org/

Ditto. Antix also claims to be designed for older systems. You might also want to consider Bodhi?

[Mikeb85]

openSUSE with IceWM (easy to make images with SUSE Studio), or Debian with a minimal WM.

Ubuntu on the BRTFS filesystem with IceWM would probably be very quick too. I currently run Ubuntu/Unity on BRTFS, seems to give a performance boost...

[Majorix]

Try out FreeBSD with LXDE or some WM.

[whatthefunk]

Crunchbang Crunchbang Crunchbang

I run it on an ancient decade old Sony Vaio and it occasionally out performs my new KDE machine. It uses Openbox for a DE so you dont get any bells or whistles, but if you want something thats lightweight yet still fully functional, you really cant beat it.

[mips]

I run it on an ancient decade old Sony Vaio..

Mind sharing the specs?

[snowpine]

Openbox or Fluxbox are my favorites for this purpose.
You don't even need to reinstall, you can just install fluxbox (or openbox) package from the software center, then choose it from the login screen.

[nothingspecial]

I know this question has risen many times

You're right.

Thread moved to Recurring Discussions.

[cyb3r_sn4k3]

If you like debian based distros have a look at Crunchbang.
http://crunchbanglinux.org/

I would try out the new Waldorf testing image seeing debian is at the beta2 stage. Else there is the stable release.

Thanks. I'll give waldorf a try its seems really cool. (Mostly Ill install XFCE though )