AMD Ryzen 9000 CPU runs on Linux for higher performance than Windows 11

While AMD's claim may not be wrong, the overall performance of the processor is not only a byproduct of IPC, but also comes from clock speed. This is an aspect that many media outlets that have reviewed this chip feel it lacks. For example, the 8-core Ryzen 7 9700X is much more efficient than the 7700X, but still leaves a gap in real-world performance, at least on Windows 11.

According to a comparison from German website PC Games Hardware (PCGH), it appears that Windows 11 version 24H2 is not a suitable operating system choice for systems running Ryzen 9000 series processors based on the architecture. AMD's Zen 5. This website found that in most test and comparison cases, Ryzen 9000 series CPUs running on the Nobara Linux distribution (optimized for gaming) are faster than Windows 11 24H2. Additionally, the performance gap isn't just limited to gaming as productivity tests also show the Ryzen 9700X performs better on Linux.

For example, the relatively clear difference in performance of the Ryzen 7 9700X processor when running on Linux Nobara and Windows 11 24H2 can be seen in the game Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, which is known to be very CPU intensive. Game developers have warned about the exceptionally good heat dissipation that the system must have if it wants to run this game.

In the title, Linux Nobara has a faster average frame rate as well as percentage value, indicating a better and smoother overall gaming experience compared to Windows 11 24H2.

AMD Ryzen 9000 CPU runs on Linux for higher performance than Windows 11 Picture 1

Additionally, Nobara also shows great performance with file storage capabilities. Both compression and decompression are significantly faster (image below). This shows that it is better than Windows 11 24H2 in terms of overall resource management, be it memory or CPU.

AMD Ryzen 9000 CPU runs on Linux for higher performance than Windows 11 Picture 2

Phoronix also conducted a series of tests on Linux and found the Zen 5 architecture to be a significant improvement over Zen 4, again implying that users of Ryzen 9000 series CPUs can expect a capable setup. better performance if they switch to a lighter Linux distribution.

AMD Ryzen 9000 CPU runs on Linux for higher performance than Windows 11 Picture 3

Note, however, that Windows 11 24H2 is not yet generally available for non-Copilot+ PCs. That implies that optimizations may still be pending, although the Ryzen AI 300 series processors that will power the Copilot+ PCs are also built on Zen 5, like the Ryzen 9000 series.

Jessica Tanner

Update 17 August 2024