The ALC 1220 is a very common and not-so-new audio chip and it's drivers should already be in most current distributions that have a kernel beyond 4.11 (which should be the majority of them for what you are considering). There can still be issues depending the distribution and the rest of your hardware but those are commonly not a driver issue; rather sometimes a conflict with some other software/device.

In regards to an equalizer, look at Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA).

No drivers necessary. Kernel 4.11 was in 2017. Username might be fresh but that answer is very old.

For equalizer use EasyEffects.

Windows compatibility is enabled by default, install your games as usual and don't think about it too much until it doesn't work.

Someone else can answer on migration. I did that long ago.

Tip:
Get an USB stick and a cheap nvme/sata ssd for a secondary drive if possible. No switching, migrating, compromising - dual boot instead.

I don’t think I own a single game that doesn’t work on Linux. It can be an issue for some online games but usually not a problem for single player games.

Originally posted by jason:

No drivers necessary. Kernel 4.11 was in 2017. Username might be fresh but that answer is very old.

For equalizer use EasyEffects.

Windows compatibility is enabled by default, install your games as usual and don't think about it too much until it doesn't work.

Someone else can answer on migration. I did that long ago.

Maybe it went over your head but that was my point; ALC 1220 driver support was already built in back in 4.11; so anything newer than that shouldn't need to worry about drivers.

That doesn't mean there aren't other potential issues that crop up from conflicts but those are largely not due to drivers and/or needing to install/update a driver.

Anything the OP should be considering for their use case shouldn't have any issue supporting the ALC 1220.

Also for the OP; it could also be helpful to install CPUz and run the validator then post the results link here so people can see what your hardware looks like beyond just the audio chipset.

In regards to "migrating games" assuming you are wanting to not have to reinstall them through Steam. The primary issue you'll need to be aware of with that is that Windows and Linux use different filesystem types and file permissions are handled differently. Depending on the size of the files for a game you can potentially move them using a filesystem that works on both systems such as exFAT for a USB drive.

However, if your games use Steam Cloud sync it'd probably be simpler to get Steam installed on your Linux OS and then just install the games you want through Steam on that install.

For "Windows Games" as a separate thing from "Steam Windows Games" I'm assuming you mean other games that you have on Windows that were not purchased through Steam. If those games were through other stores like GOG or EGS then you'll want to check out Lutris and Heroic launcher which makes managing those types of games pretty easy. If you are instead referring to something specifically from the Microsoft Store that could be a bit more challenging depending on the game.

you have the option to try orther linux distros since your hardware is supported easyly. it would probaby even work on slackware. enjoy

Linux has always been good to include all the needed Realtek drivers as plug and play style. Built into the kernel since Realtek is been so common on Desktop and Laptop motherboards. Especially for Audio and WLAN. Should have what you might need for WIFI and BT as well. Just be sure that if you Motherboard or expansion card is fairly new/ modern that you have latest Linux build to sure latest driver support built-in.

Even way back when Ubuntu first came out I've never had an issue where it didn't have everything Realtek and AMD built in already. I'm fairly certain this is the case with most other Linux as well. Such as Mint or Manjaro. Now Pop_OS is more stripped down so it might be missing some things like that.