benchmarks Archives

Winsage

April 3, 2025

Is Windows 11 Finally Better Than Windows 10 For Gaming?

Windows 11 has introduced several gaming-focused enhancements that are not present in Windows 10, including: - DirectStorage: Optimized for Windows 11, this technology allows games to load data directly from an NVMe SSD to the GPU, reducing load times. - Auto HDR: Enhances older games by automatically applying high dynamic range lighting effects for users with HDR-capable monitors. - Improved Scheduling for Hybrid CPUs: Offers better task scheduling for Intel's 12th or 13th generation CPUs, resulting in smoother frame rates during CPU-intensive gaming sessions. Benchmark tests show minimal performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with slight FPS improvements in some titles on Windows 11, especially when using advanced hardware and DirectStorage. As of March 2025, over 55% of Windows users on Steam have transitioned to Windows 11, indicating growing confidence in the operating system among gamers. Windows 11 has addressed many early bugs and driver issues, providing robust stability on compatible systems. Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10, including the need for TPM 2.0 and UEFI secure boot. Windows 10 remains supported until October 2025, making it a viable option for users with older hardware. Windows 11 features a redesigned interface with a centered Start Menu and Taskbar, rounded corners, and expanded personalization options. It also simplifies the update process with annual feature updates and smaller, faster security updates. Windows 11 enhances integration with Microsoft services, supports Android apps through the Amazon Appstore, and introduces productivity tools like Snap Layouts and improved Task View. Security improvements include mandatory TPM 2.0, enhanced Windows Defender, and a redesigned privacy dashboard for better user control over app permissions. Despite its advancements, Windows 11 has limitations such as ongoing stability issues, driver compatibility concerns, and a simplified taskbar that lacks certain functionalities from Windows 10. Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 devices through Windows Update.

Winsage

April 1, 2025

The next-gen ROG Ally looks to be Xbox’s first steps toward handheld gaming

On April 1, 2023, Asus announced the ROG Ally, a handheld gaming PC powered by AMD's Ryzen Z1 APU, which received a four out of five stars rating. In 2024, Asus released the ROG Ally X, rated four-and-a-half stars. A teaser for a redesigned successor to the ROG Ally suggests enhanced performance and the possibility of being the first Xbox-branded handheld. The new device may feature AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme APU, which includes significant improvements over its predecessor. There are indications of collaboration between Microsoft and Asus for an Xbox-branded handheld, potentially linked to a new generation of consoles in 2027. Pricing and availability details for the new handheld have not yet been disclosed.

BetaBeacon

March 30, 2025

I tested game emulators on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, but found a better option instead

The Vulkan API is the future of Android gaming and provides a performance boost for modern mobile GPUs. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite is currently the best chip for emulation, offering steady frame rates across games and emulators.

BetaBeacon

March 22, 2025

This overkill Android Game Boy is better than my memories of the real thing

The AYANEO Pocket DMG is a luxury, Game Boy-styled handheld device that offers a classic vertical format for enjoying retro games.

AppWizard

March 21, 2025

A high schooler built a website that lets you challenge AI models to a Minecraft build-off

Developers are exploring new methods to benchmark generative AI models, with one initiative being the Minecraft Benchmark (MC-Bench), a platform for head-to-head competitions among AI models that generate unique Minecraft creations. Users vote on the performances without knowing which AI created each entry. The project, created by 12th-grade student Adi Singh, leverages Minecraft's universal recognition to evaluate AI capabilities. MC-Bench currently has eight volunteer contributors and has received support from major AI companies like Anthropic, Google, OpenAI, and Alibaba. The focus is on simple builds, with plans to scale to more complex tasks. MC-Bench requires models to write code for requested builds, making it easier for users to assess the quality of creations visually. Singh believes the scores from MC-Bench provide meaningful insights into AI performance compared to traditional text-based benchmarks.

AppWizard

March 18, 2025

Assassin’s Creed: Shadows PC Performance Analysis

Ubisoft has removed the review embargo for Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, which is powered by the AnvilNext Engine. Performance benchmarks were conducted using an AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, testing various graphics cards including AMD Radeon RX 6900XT, RX 7900XTX, RX 9070XT, and NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti, RTX 3080, RTX 4090, RTX 5080, and RTX 5090. The game includes a built-in benchmark tool and offers a range of graphics settings, supporting technologies like NVIDIA DLSS 3 and 4, AMD FSR 3, and Intel XeSS, as well as Ray Tracing without requiring an RT GPU. To achieve 60FPS at 1080p with Ultra High Settings and no RT, players need an AMD Radeon RX 7900XTX, NVIDIA RTX 4090, or RTX 5090. At 1440p with Ultra High Settings and no RT, both the RX 7900XTX and RTX 4090 provide smooth performance, while the RTX 5090 is necessary for 60FPS. No GPU managed satisfactory performance at Native 4K with Ultra High Settings and no RT, with the RTX 5090 struggling to maintain frame rates above 50FPS. Lowering graphics settings did not yield significant performance improvements, raising questions about potential CPU bottlenecks. The game is visually appealing but lacks RTGI effects, making it appear flat at times compared to Unreal Engine 5 titles.

Winsage

March 13, 2025

AMD’s most powerful processor ever actually runs better on Windows 10 than Windows 11

Recent benchmarks indicate that AMD's Ryzen 9 9950X3D performs better on Windows 10 than on Windows 11. In gaming tests, it achieved 729 fps on Windows 10 compared to 710 fps on Windows 11, with a further decline when virtualization-based security (VBS) was enabled. For example, in Fortnite, it recorded 591 fps on Windows 10 and 541 fps on Windows 11, with VBS causing a 9.2% performance drop. Other games also showed similar discrepancies between the two operating systems. A custom-tuned version of Windows 11 24H2 did not outperform a standard installation of Windows 10. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D was released on March 12, 2025, and is priced at 9/£699/AU,349. It features 16 cores, but only eight access the 3D V-cache, which may affect its performance compared to the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

Freeing Windows

Several projects have emerged as alternatives to Windows, including ReactOS, which aims to provide a free and open-source operating system. Wine allows users to run Windows applications on other platforms. Recently, Free95 was introduced, licensed under GPL-3.0, capable of running simple Windows programs, with plans for enhanced compatibility. Free95 is still in its early stages and seeks contributors on GitHub. Currently, Free95 does not pass the "Does it run Doom?" test, indicating significant challenges ahead in replicating Windows functionality. As virtualization technology improves, the need for lightweight alternatives like Free95 may decrease, although they could still benefit users with aging hardware.

Winsage

March 3, 2025

It looks like Microsoft might have broken Windows 11 24H2 again as performance plummets with Intel’s latest CPUs

Users of Windows 11 24H2 have reported issues after installing patches KB5050094 and KB5051987, particularly affecting those with Intel Core Ultra 9 285K processors, leading to game crashes and performance slowdowns. One user experienced crashes while playing The Settlers: New Allies, and others noted widespread instability across applications. An affected user with an ASRock Z890 Pro RS motherboard faced difficulties getting their system running without a beta BIOS due to an Intel microcode update. Users observed significant performance drops when applications were minimized, with CPU clock rates throttled. Performance issues were replicated across multiple applications, including 7Zip and Prime95, with benchmarks showing halved performance when minimized. A workaround involves adjusting power settings, but no definitive fix is available. Users with AMD Ryzen 9 9950X or older Intel Core i9-12900K processors have not reported similar issues, suggesting problems may be specific to Intel's LGA 1851 platform. Additional issues with Windows 11 24H2 include increased advertising in the Settings menu, high CPU utilization, and a glitch causing interface language discrepancies. The patches are optional, allowing users to revert to a more stable version or reinstall Windows 11.

Winsage

March 2, 2025

Windows 11 Task Manager update will show accurate CPU utilization, align with industry standards

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3360 for the Dev and Beta Channels, which includes enhancements to the Task Manager. The Task Manager will now use standardized metrics to present CPU workload across all pages, improving the accuracy of CPU utilization readings in the Details tab. Previously, the Task Manager reported CPU performance based on base clock speed, leading to inaccuracies, such as CPU utilization figures exceeding 100%. Additionally, Microsoft updated how Task Manager reports RAM speeds from MHz to MT/s in May 2024.