New benchmarks show Linux gaming nearly matching Windows on AMD GPUs

[Daniel Sims]

The takeaway: As numerous controversies and Microsoft's relentless push for generative AI damage Windows 11's reputation, Linux continues to make strides in performance and compatibility. Handheld PCs have made Linux gaming more viable than ever, but the jury is still out on whether it's time to switch from Windows on high-end desktops.

A recent benchmark from PC Games Hardware suggests that, at least for some games, Proton has nearly eliminated the performance cost of running Windows code on Linux. AMD Radeon RX 9000 GPU owners uninterested in online games should seriously consider switching to Linux.

The outlet tested 10 games on 10 graphics cards to compare Windows 11 performance with CachyOS, an Arch Linux distro that comes packaged with gaming-specific optimizations. Although Windows remains ahead in most titles, especially on Nvidia graphics cards due to the lack of proper Linux GeForce drivers, Linux achieves some notable victories.

For example, Anno 117: Pax Romana runs 1 to 5 percent faster on Linux with RX 9000 GPUs and the RX 7800 XT, while Nvidia graphics cards perform roughly 15 percent worse. The story is similar in A Plague Tale: Requiem, and The Outer Worlds 2 heavily favors Linux and AMD. Driver issues prevent Obsidian Entertainment's latest RPG from booting in Linux on RTX 50-series GPUs, but Team Red's cards see a roughly 5 percent performance uplift.

Meanwhile, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II is an unusual case in which the RTX 5080, 5070 Ti, and 5070 run 1 to 2 percent faster on Linux, while the RX 9000 series cards lag by roughly 7 percent. In Baldur's Gate 3, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and other titles, Windows 11's advantage on Radeon GPUs is usually less than 5 percent, but it can extend to 20 percent on GeForce, especially on the RTX 5090. Linux also continues to struggle with Cyberpunk 2077's high-end ray tracing settings.

PC Games Hardware also noted that the average framerate numbers mask performance stability, which is better on AMD graphics cards on Linux. However, further testing is required to determine how Proton handles different CPU and memory configurations. Although an earlier benchmark indicated that SteamOS has not overcome Windows on dedicated GPUs, the situation may change after Valve launches the Steam Machine and begins optimizing its Linux distro for discrete graphics and split memory pools.

Following recent breakthroughs with Proton, 90 percent of Windows games can now boot on Linux. Furthermore, the recently released Wine version 11 boasts substantial performance improvements and may soon support Adobe Photoshop. Secure Boot and kernel-level anti-cheat remain the primary obstacles to running some of the most popular multiplayer PC games on gaming-optimized Linux distros, such as CachyOS and Bazzite.

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New benchmarks show Linux gaming nearly matching Windows on AMD GPUs

 

[yRaz]

I really want to people to stop talking about how SteamOS doesn't match custom PC builds performance to Windows. SteamOS is made specifically for valve hardware and only approved for use on those systems even though valve lets you do wantever you want with it. This is why people are Choosing to benchmark on Bazzite. I'm big on Mint but I'm seriously considering ZorinOS whenever I have to do my next reinstall. I know somepeople like configuring ever aspect of their Linux install, but I like having every mostly configured and with all the applications I use already there. While Mint was really the only option for a long time, ZorinOS has been making a big slash this last year

 

[opckieran]

IIRC, the biggest advantage in gaming on Linux wasn't the framerate or frame stability, but power consumption. You'd get 20-40% better battery life over Windows.

 

[fazy shah]

I want Linux gaming for all platforms, so I'll kick Windows out of my pc.

 

[poshflamingos]

I really want to people to stop talking about how SteamOS doesn't match custom PC builds performance to Windows. SteamOS is made specifically for valve hardware and only approved for use on those systems even though valve lets you do wantever you want with it. This is why people are Choosing to benchmark on Bazzite. I'm big on Mint but I'm seriously considering ZorinOS whenever I have to do my next reinstall. I know somepeople like configuring ever aspect of their Linux install, but I like having every mostly configured and with all the applications I use already there. While Mint was really the only option for a long time, ZorinOS has been making a big slash this last year

Mint is my favorite distro, but it's a huge pain in the *** that it still uses X and doesn't officially support Wayland yet. If you have multiple monitors (especially with different refresh rates) or use modern features like freesync or HDR, Mint is not viable. Anyone moving to Linux for gaming should look for a Wayland-based distro.
This is a big problem the Linux ecosystem needs to address still. It's unacceptable that one of the major, most popular distros is taking this long to switch to a modern display server. Especially when more casual users have no idea what display servers or X/Wayland are, will not understand why their monitors are not working properly if they pick an X-based distro (like Mint), and are likely to just bounce off Linux as a whole because of it.

 

[Rapob]

Nearly and with no 1% or 0.1% low testing = Useless test, avg. fps tells you little how games run

Also, these are cherrypicked games, that actually runs decent on Linux and don't use advanced anti cheat, or anti cheat at all

Unless they fix anti cheat support on Linux, Linux gaming will remain niche

Only bad anti cheat works on Linux, meaning it is easy to inject code while it is running and cheaters will cheat anyway

Valve uses bad anti cheat in their games, to make them work on Linux / Steam OS.
This is why actual good players and professionals don't play on public CS servers, but on closed ones, which are invite-only and requires you to use ID on top

Public servers are riddled with cheaters

 

[Kirby1]

99% of the complains "gamers" have with windows comes from 5-6 YouTube channels and tech sites. In real life people don't struggle to download steam and run games on a windows machine and they would never even consider switching to Linux.

 

[GeforcerFX]

I really want to people to stop talking about how SteamOS doesn't match custom PC builds performance to Windows. SteamOS is made specifically for valve hardware and only approved for use on those systems even though valve lets you do wantever you want with it. This is why people are Choosing to benchmark on Bazzite. I'm big on Mint but I'm seriously considering ZorinOS whenever I have to do my next reinstall. I know somepeople like configuring ever aspect of their Linux install, but I like having every mostly configured and with all the applications I use already there. While Mint was really the only option for a long time, ZorinOS has been making a big slash this last year

Zorin is my go to now. Very smooth and you have all the control you could want in the layout and look of the OS. They have a built in wine system for installing windows programs that I have been testing over the last few weeks. I still like Mint for being a community project distro but I think if linux is going to truly start making headway on desktops and laptops it's going to be distros made by dedicated companies like Ubuntu and Zorin, Pop OS and Elementary OS etc. I am starting my move to Linux on my main system during this summer and by October I won't be running windows as my main OS on any of my computers ( except my air gap PC with windows 10 and 7)

 

[Greggs]

This article doesn't say Linux is a better choice for gaming, only that it continues to improve. In a few very specific instances, it shows a small improvement, suggesting it might be a viable choice in the future.

 

[Theinsanegamer]

99% of the complains "gamers" have with windows comes from 5-6 YouTube channels and tech sites. In real life people don't struggle to download steam and run games on a windows machine and they would never even consider switching to Linux.

They come from their experiences with the garbage that is Windows. In real life there will always be those who want to meatshield for the megacorps.

 

[amghwk]

Switched to Linux more than a decade ago, and never looked back ever since. Even AAA games are playable even better than in Windows itself, using WINE/Proton, both in Steam and Heroic games launcher.

Using Debian in my laptops and Fedora in my desktop.

 

[yRaz]

Mint is my favorite distro, but it's a huge pain in the *** that it still uses X and doesn't officially support Wayland yet. If you have multiple monitors (especially with different refresh rates) or use modern features like freesync or HDR, Mint is not viable. Anyone moving to Linux for gaming should look for a Wayland-based distro.
This is a big problem the Linux ecosystem needs to address still. It's unacceptable that one of the major, most popular distros is taking this long to switch to a modern display server. Especially when more casual users have no idea what display servers or X/Wayland are, will not understand why their monitors are not working properly if they pick an X-based distro (like Mint), and are likely to just bounce off Linux as a whole because of it.

Zorin is my go to now. Very smooth and you have all the control you could want in the layout and look of the OS. They have a built in wine system for installing windows programs that I have been testing over the last few weeks. I still like Mint for being a community project distro but I think if linux is going to truly start making headway on desktops and laptops it's going to be distros made by dedicated companies like Ubuntu and Zorin, Pop OS and Elementary OS etc. I am starting my move to Linux on my main system during this summer and by October I won't be running windows as my main OS on any of my computers ( except my air gap PC with windows 10 and 7)

Mint was what finally got me to start daily driving Linux on, but something about it just lacks "polish". 5-6 years ago, Mint was one of the best options available, but Linux has come a LONG way since then. I really Like Zorin, but I'm just not in the mood to hack everything up and reconfigure my main desktop right now.

I was considering even buying the paid version. $50 for something that has all that software installed and preconfigured is worth it. It's not like Windows is asking me for $300 to be spied on and told what to do. Zorin Pro is asking me for $50 basically as a convenience fee. I can spend twice that in a night out at the pub so I'm seriously considering it.

 

[Lowhangingfruit]

There seem to be a lot of these "boutique" linux distros these days. Their marketing pages are flashy, but I prefer to stick with distros that have large groups of contributors that can be easily verified. This Zorin OS seems to be built by a couple of guys in Ireland. No thanks.

I have computers running windows, macos, and linux. Steam on Linux just works. It works way better than on macos. It's wonderful. Valve deserves yet another medal for supporting, building and advancing gaming on linux. Making tons of money while following a righteous moral compass. Who knew?

The Windows OS makes a profit for microsoft, but it's not huge by big tech standards. However considering the massive user base, there is potential there for Microsoft to make a lot MORE money by selling additional things to its windows users. Herein lies the problem, microsoft wants to treat users like a product. With Windows 11 they are pursuing additional user revenue more aggressively - injecting ads, AI integration, defaulting search to shopping etc. Windows is becoming a sales platform with an operating system attached.

I personally don't want that.

 

[Rowzdowr]

They come from their experiences with the garbage that is Windows. In real life there will always be those who want to meatshield for the megacorps.

Found the guy that watched all 6 videos. Lol

I've had almost zero issues gaming on Win 11, and honestly, I don't know anyone else that has to the degree the online Linux community seems to think they do. If it was really that bad, Linux would make up more than the around 3% of gaming that it does. It just isn't a widespread crisis like tech influencers want you to believe it is.

 

[VariableSpike]

There seem to be a lot of these "boutique" linux distros these days. Their marketing pages are flashy, but I prefer to stick with distros that have large groups of contributors that can be easily verified. This Zorin OS seems to be built by a couple of guys in Ireland. No thanks.

I have computers running windows, macos, and linux. Steam on Linux just works. It works way better than on macos. It's wonderful. Valve deserves yet another medal for supporting, building and advancing gaming on linux. Making tons of money while following a righteous moral compass. Who knew?

The Windows OS makes a profit for microsoft, but it's not huge by big tech standards. However considering the massive user base, there is potential there for Microsoft to make a lot MORE money by selling additional things to its windows users. Herein lies the problem, microsoft wants to treat users like a product. With Windows 11 they are pursuing additional user revenue more aggressively - injecting ads, AI integration, defaulting search to shopping etc. Windows is becoming a sales platform with an operating system attached.

I personally don't want that.

I mean, all sorts of developers deserve props, the linux kernel maintainers themselves, the wine team, the people who have developed dxvk and so on that have then enabled Valve's support via proton and the like utilising these technologies and more and now supporting arch's development, so its more of a circular cycle

 

[dangh]

I sit on Tumbleweed and it is a great distro to keep bleeding edge libs and build in safety, with all libs tested. It is crazy how nice it is to use, and the moments I have to look at my family Windows systems are very frustrating. And you can make or use any kind of small variation of Linux and it is still great! You can choose whatever you want, and you are in control. That is a great approach.

 

[Alpine7995]

The most surprising part is how small the gaps are now. A few years ago, “Linux gaming” meant compromises everywhere; now it’s basically fine unless your favorite game has kernel-level anti-cheat or you’re deep into Nvidia’s ecosystem.

 

[VariableSpike]

The most surprising part is how small the gaps are now. A few years ago, “Linux gaming” meant compromises everywhere; now it’s basically fine unless your favorite game has kernel-level anti-cheat or you’re deep into Nvidia’s ecosystem.

Exactly, I switched to Linux a year and a half ago and I haven't even gone into windows on my PC once, so its very useable, Linux is not for beginners, but those who are Windows power users will probably be able to adapt if they are willing to learn the terminal and various Linux quirks, it is very adaotable, but it will not hold your hand and trusts you know what you are doing vs Windows once you go beyond the surface level, the option for gaming distros is great even if I am just a user of Endeavouros myself (which is just arch with an easier installer and light tweaks), from Bazzite to Cachy and all (though any flavour of Ubuntu / Arch (so long as its not the hell that is Manjaro) should do the trick)

 

[HarryLemon]

I can´t believe there's been no mention of Nobara here - it's like Bazzite but not immutable.. Amazing OS - been loving it and it runs great - perfect for gamers as well as content creators!

 

[OortCloud]

Whatever happens at least this competition is making Microsoft genuinely uncomfortable.

As I've said before, it's pretty embarrassing when your OS is so bogged down with sh1te that an emulation layer in another OS runs your API's as quickly and sometimes even quicker than the native code. If NVidia ever sorts out their Linux driver the charts would look far worse for MS.

 

[bviktor]

I really want to people to stop talking about how SteamOS doesn't match custom PC builds performance to Windows. SteamOS is made specifically for valve hardware and only approved for use on those systems even though valve lets you do wantever you want with it. This is why people are Choosing to benchmark on Bazzite. I'm big on Mint but I'm seriously considering ZorinOS whenever I have to do my next reinstall. I know somepeople like configuring ever aspect of their Linux install, but I like having every mostly configured and with all the applications I use already there. While Mint was really the only option for a long time, ZorinOS has been making a big slash this last year

Mentioning SteamOS is utterly pointless as their official stance is that you shouldn't use it on custom hardware.

 

[abactuon]

We need native Vulkan API support in games. The achievements of Paralympic athletes are certainly impressive, but comparing them to regular athletes is unfair.

 

[abactuon]

How is this advantage achieved?
No disk encryption or antivirus?
Or is there a complete lack of background activity?
Simply compiling the kernel (march=native) probably won't achieve this.

 

[yannus]

I hear so many people switching to Linux around me, it's great news. And it has become so simple. No antivirus needed, much less disk space. On MX linux, debian based I never have to install a driver. Rockstable, lightweight, blazing fast. For work I sometimes have to use Windows, but it hurts so much !

 

[EvilRebar]

But you still have all of the annoyances of running Linux, especially if you do more than game. It's not worth the hassle to cheap out on a Windows key - which was like $15 or $20 for my last build spread over 5+ years.

If your time has any value and tinkering with your OS is not your hobby or your perceived cause, it's a solution in search of a problem.