Recent benchmarks comparing SteamOS and Windows 11 Pro on identical AMD hardware reveal game-dependent performance variations at 4K Ultra settings, with neither OS holding a consistent advantage across AAA titles.
Linux gaming continues gaining momentum as recent SteamOS benchmarks demonstrate competitive performance against Windows 11 Pro in demanding AAA titles. YouTuber ETA Prime's comprehensive testing compares both operating systems running on identical AMD hardware at 4K Ultra settings, providing valuable insights for gamers considering Linux alternatives.
The test platform features:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D ($469 on Amazon) with 8 cores/16 threads
- GPU: AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX ($889 on Amazon) with 24GB VRAM
- RAM: 32GB DDR5 @ 7000 MT/s dual-channel
- Storage: Dual 1TB NVMe SSDs (separate OS installations)
- Motherboard: ASRock B850 Challenger
- PSU: 850W Gold-rated
SteamOS 3.7.17 was installed on the stable channel with full hardware compatibility, utilizing BIOS-level tuning for CPU/GPU optimization rather than third-party tools. Variable refresh rate and scaling options were enabled where supported.
Performance Comparison Highlights
Cyberpunk 2077 (4K Ultra, no FSR):
- Windows 11: 84 FPS
- SteamOS: 85 FPS
Borderlands 4 (4K Ultra, FSR Quality):
- Windows 11: 74 FPS
- SteamOS: 69 FPS
Forza Horizon 5 (4K Extreme, no FSR) showed the widest gap:
- Windows 11: 191 FPS
- SteamOS: 157 FPS
The discrepancy in Microsoft's flagship racing title suggests potential ecosystem optimizations.
Marvel's Spider-Man 2 (4K Very High, FSR Quality) reversed the trend:
- SteamOS: 111 FPS
- Windows 11: 103 FPS
Red Dead Redemption 2 (4K Ultra, no FSR):
- Windows 11: 96 FPS
- SteamOS: 88 FPS
Additional testing included The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Doom: The Dark Ages, with full results available in ETA Prime's YouTube analysis.
Key Takeaways
Performance varies significantly by title, with SteamOS matching or exceeding Windows 11 in some games (Cyberpunk 2077, Spider-Man 2) while trailing in others (Forza Horizon 5, Red Dead Redemption 2). The dual-boot approach provides flexibility, allowing gamers to leverage SteamOS's growing compatibility while maintaining Windows for titles with performance advantages or compatibility requirements.
As Linux gaming evolves, these benchmarks demonstrate SteamOS's viability for high-end gaming when paired with AMD hardware. The choice between operating systems increasingly depends on specific game optimization rather than blanket performance superiority.
Source: ETA Prime's YouTube Channel
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