With the ongoing evolution of operating systems, the shift from Windows to Linux, particularly with the emergence of SteamOS, has sparked a growing interest in Linux testing among gamers. This trend is not limited to a niche audience; it has expanded to include a wider array of users eager to explore the capabilities of Linux for gaming.
After an extensive three-week testing period, complemented by an additional two to three weeks dedicated to setup and management, initial GPU results for the Bazzite distribution have emerged. This endeavor has been a learning experience, requiring meticulous attention to detail and rigorous controls to ensure accurate benchmarking. As first-time Linux users, we encountered various challenges, but collaboration with Bazzite maintainers proved invaluable in establishing effective test controls.
While Linux may not yet be the ideal environment for every user, it offers a relatively straightforward opportunity for those primarily engaged in gaming and web browsing to experiment with a new operating system. Our testing revealed a range of issues, including crashes, freezes, and lengthy shader compilation times. Nonetheless, the performance of Linux for gaming has improved significantly over time. If the initial learning curve encourages users to transition away from Windows and its associated privacy concerns, we consider that a positive outcome.
It is essential to clarify that our testing methodology for GPUs and CPUs on Windows is highly refined and automated, a level of precision that does not yet translate seamlessly to Linux. The differences in test software and measurement tools mean that even the metrics we present may vary slightly. We are committed to transparency in our findings, acknowledging that Linux is inherently less rigid and subject to frequent updates, complicating the testing process.
Test Setup
Our methodology for this round of testing is crucial, as it is both new and sensitive to change. It is important to note that these results are not directly comparable to our Windows testing due to variations in methodology and measurement tools. We aimed to strike a balance between thoroughness and scope, ensuring timely publication before further developments arise.
We began with our standard GPU test suite on a consistent platform, selecting Bazzite as our distribution of choice. While SteamOS was initially appealing, its desktop availability remains limited. We opted for Bazzite due to its popularity among gamers, its developers’ proactive engagement with our testing process, and recommendations from trusted sources. Bazzite’s Desktop Edition offers two main versions: NVIDIA and non-NVIDIA, both equipped with pre-installed drivers and game launchers to facilitate a smooth testing experience.
Bazzite is designed as an atomic bootable container image, prioritizing stability and compatibility. The developers have opted to forgo certain gaming-oriented kernel optimizations to enhance overall performance and reliability. This decision reflects a commitment to providing a stable user experience, even if it means sacrificing some cutting-edge performance capabilities.
During our testing, we faced the challenge of managing the rapid pace of updates in the Linux environment. Unlike Windows, where updates can be paused during testing, Linux requires a more dynamic approach. We decided to freeze the Bazzite OS, drivers, and Proton during our testing cycle while documenting other updates meticulously. This compromise allows us to maintain a level of consistency in our testing results.
As we navigated through the testing process, we encountered various issues, including inconsistencies in performance across different games and hardware configurations. Our focus remains on delivering numerical data while acknowledging that stability testing is outside the current scope of our GPU test suite. We encourage users to interpret these results with caution, understanding that they reflect performance on Bazzite rather than a direct comparison with Windows.
Bazzite Linux GPU Comparison Benchmarks
Our benchmarking journey began with Dragon’s Dogma 2, tested at 1080p with maximum settings. The results revealed that the RTX 5090 led the chart with an impressive average of 176 FPS, closely followed by the 9070 XT and 5070 Ti. As we increased the resolution to 1440p, the RTX 5090 maintained its lead, showcasing the performance capabilities of high-end GPUs on Linux.
In contrast, testing Black Myth: Wukong at 1080p highlighted performance disparities, particularly with NVIDIA cards. The RTX 5090 exhibited a high average framerate but suffered from significant lows, indicating potential issues with driver and game interactions. The RX 9070 XT, on the other hand, provided a more consistent gaming experience, reinforcing AMD’s competitive edge in the Linux environment.
As we continued our testing with titles like Resident Evil 4 and Cyberpunk 2077, we observed similar trends. NVIDIA cards struggled with performance consistency, while AMD GPUs often outperformed their counterparts. This pattern suggests that while high-end NVIDIA hardware is capable, the software environment on Linux may not yet fully harness its potential.
Our exploration of ray tracing benchmarks revealed further insights into the performance landscape. In Cyberpunk 2077, the RTX 5090 maintained a significant lead over the 5080, but the overall experience was marred by inconsistent lows. AMD’s performance in ray tracing scenarios was less favorable, highlighting the complexities of optimizing for different hardware configurations.
Overall, our testing indicated that while many games performed well on high-end hardware, the Linux gaming environment is still evolving. Users should remain aware of potential issues, particularly with Intel cards and those with lower VRAM capacities. As the Linux ecosystem continues to grow, we anticipate improvements in compatibility and performance, paving the way for a more robust gaming experience.
