Linux vs Windows gaming

In a surprising twist in the gaming world, Windows 11 has been found to lag in performance when compared to three Linux gaming distributions. This finding, reported by German outlet ComputerBase, challenges the long-held belief that Windows is the superior platform for gaming. The Linux Advantage in Gaming The performance tests conducted by ComputerBase compared Windows 11 with three Linux distributions: Arch Linux, Nobara Linux, and Pop!_OS. These distributions were tested across five popular Windows games, revealing that Linux distributions generally outperformed Windows in terms of frames per second (FPS). This is particularly noteworthy as Linux, with the assistance of Valve’s Proton compatibility layer, was expected to introduce overhead and potential performance degradation, but the results indicate otherwise. The Standout Performers: Nobara and Arch Linux Among the Linux distributions tested, Nobara Linux emerged as the overall leader, followed closely by Arch Linux and Pop!_OS. Windows 11, while not significantly behind, trailed by approximately 6% compared to Nobara Linux. It’s a crucial milestone for Linux to consistently outperform Windows, especially in games that are originally designed for the Windows platform. Nobara Linux, maintained by GloriousEggroll (Thomas Crider) from Red Hat, is a Fedora-based distribution optimized for gaming. Its impressive performance in these tests highlights its effectiveness as a gaming-focused OS. Game-by-Game Breakdown The games tested included Cyberpunk 2077, Forspoken, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Starfield, and The Talos Principle II. In The Talos Principle II, Windows 11 scored the lowest at 65.1 FPS, while Nobara Linux led with 71.5 FPS. A Closer Look at Frame Times While Linux distributions boasted impressive FPS, it's important to note that their average frame times, measured as 1% lows, generally lagged behind Windows. However, these results were inconsistent, suggesting that a more detailed analysis is necessary. Interestingly, Windows showed its strength in 1% low frame times in The Talos Principle II, outperforming its Linux counterparts. Implications for Portable Gaming Systems Arch Linux’s performance in both FPS and frame times provides insight into why Valve chose it as the base for SteamOS on the Steam Deck. Gamers using portable systems like the ROG Ally or Lenovo Legion Go may find switching to Linux beneficial for maximizing performance. Final Thoughts These findings represent a significant development in the gaming industry, highlighting the potential of Linux distributions in providing a superior gaming experience compared to Windows 11. It opens up new possibilities for gamers and could influence future decisions regarding operating system choices for gaming setups. Also Read:

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Linux vs Windows gaming

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