Windows vs. Linux with AMD and Nvidia GPUs: Retesting Gaming Performance

Linux gaming performance shows significant improvements with AMD GPUs, often matching or exceeding Windows in many titles.

Hardware by Masaru Hoshino on Aug 14, 2025

In a follow-up to earlier tests, a new series of benchmarks has been carried out to compare gaming performance between Windows and Linux, this time including both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards.

The purpose of the retest was to determine how each operating system performs under identical hardware conditions and to see whether Linux can match or even surpass Windows in specific scenarios.

Windows, Linux with AMD, Nvidia GPUs, Retesting Gaming Performance, NoobFeed

The hardware remained the same across both platforms, and games were run at the same graphical settings and resolutions. On Linux, Proton and native ports were used where available, while Windows relied on the latest DirectX drivers.

Nvidia cards were tested using the proprietary Linux driver, while AMD used the open-source Mesa drivers.

AMD Performance on Linux

The results for AMD hardware were particularly impressive on Linux. Linux performance was on par with or marginally better than Windows in a number of games, particularly those with well-optimized Vulkan compatibility. Stuttering was rare, and frame timing was fluid, making the experience highly playable.

The combination of the AMDGPU open-source driver and Mesa's ongoing refinements appears to deliver gaming performance that is not only competitive with Windows but, in some cases, superior, without the drawbacks often associated with proprietary software.

Nvidia's Mixed Results

NVIDIA's performance on Linux presented a more mixed outcome. Some games had noticeable lag, but others performed well and had frame rates similar to those of their Windows equivalents.

Given that Nvidia's Linux drivers continue to exhibit flaws, in particular Vulkan and OpenGL implementations, these variations appear to be mostly related to driver optimization.

Some games have framerate stability issues and microstutters that weren't seen in the Windows environment, which could be signs of driver-level inefficiencies.

The Vulkan Advantage

One of the key factors influencing the results was the use of Vulkan. Games developed around Vulkan or featuring well-implemented Vulkan backends generally performed better on Linux, regardless of whether AMD or Nvidia hardware was used.

In many of these cases, Linux offered not only comparable frame rates but also faster load times and more consistent frame pacing, benefiting from reduced overhead and more direct communication between the GPU and the graphics API.

Windows, Linux with AMD, Nvidia GPUs, Retesting Gaming Performance, NoobFeed

Key Takeaways

As a gaming platform, overall, Linux has made substantial progress, as the retest indicates. Linux offers a solid and dependable gaming experience for AMD users, frequently matching or beating Windows in terms of performance.

Although Nvidia users can still play a wide range of games on Linux, their experience may differ depending on the game's compatibility and driver maturity.

The difference between the two operating systems is getting smaller, even though Windows still has an advantage in some games, especially those that are directly related to DirectX.

Linux gaming is now a feasible alternative for daily use thanks to continuous improvements in Proton, Mesa, and native game support.

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