Introduction
In the dynamic world of computing, performance benchmarks can significantly influence your choice of operating system. If you’re curious about how Linux stacks up against Windows 11 on cutting-edge hardware, this article dives into an in-depth comparison of the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 SoC running on an HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a laptop. We’ll explore performance metrics across various workloads, revealing whether Ubuntu 25.04 can hold its own against Microsoft’s latest OS.
Linux vs. Windows 11: An Overview
Performance analysis in Linux versus Windows is crucial for developers, gamers, and tech enthusiasts. In this benchmark review, we focus on an HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a outfitted with the powerful 16-core AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 SoC and Radeon 8060S integrated graphics.
Specifications of the Test System
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395
- Graphics: Radeon 8060S integrated GPU
- RAM: 128GB LPDDR5-8000
- Storage: 2TB Western Digital SN810 NVMe SSD
- Display: 2.8K resolution at 120Hz
Testing Methodology
The benchmarks were conducted under controlled conditions, beginning with Windows 11 as pre-installed by HP. A clean installation of Ubuntu 25.04 followed, utilizing Linux Kernel 6.14 and Mesa 25.0. All measurements included default power settings and configurations, ensuring a fair comparison.
Windows 11 Performance Insights
Upon initial testing, Windows 11, while powerful, displayed specific performance bottlenecks primarily due to pre-installed security software. The HP Wolf Security application was found cumbersome and was uninstalled to improve performance. This move allows users to experience a less interrupted workflow, enhancing responsiveness across various applications.
Ubuntu Linux Performance Insights
In contrast, the clean Ubuntu installation leveraged the full potential of the hardware with minimal overhead. Users experienced smoother operation, particularly in applications requiring intensive graphics processing. Let’s dive into what this means in practical terms.
Benchmark Results
The real showdown of Windows 11 versus Ubuntu begins with gaming and compute workloads, showcasing how each OS benefits or hinders the powerful Ryzen hardware at play.
Gaming Performance: A Closer Look
Benchmarks like Counter-Strike 2, Batman, and synthetic tests such as 3DMark and GravityMark were employed to quantify gaming performance. Initial reports indicate that both operating systems performed admirably, but Ubuntu demonstrated slightly higher frame rates in graphically demanding scenarios.
Graphics Workloads and Vulkan Compute
Moving on to graphics computing tasks, both Windows 11 and Ubuntu showed robust handling of Vulkan workloads. However, Linux’s open-source drivers may offer advantages in optimization and performance over proprietary solutions, particularly with cutting-edge graphics applications like Quake II RTX and Unigine Benchmarks where frame rates and load times were scrutinized.
Content Creation Benchmarks
For creators relying on software like LuxCore and OSPRay Studio, we found that Linux offered superior resource management allowing for faster rendering times and efficient memory usage. Additionally, video encoding tasks utilized under Linux demonstrated a marked increase in speed, suggesting the operating system’s favorable architecture for creative workloads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is Ubuntu more efficient than Windows 11 for gaming?
While both systems perform well, Ubuntu has shown potential for better optimization with certain game titles, leading to higher average frame rates and more stable performance in graphics-intensive games.
Question 2: How does the Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 perform under Linux compared to Windows 11?
In our benchmarks, the Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 displayed less hardware overhead in Ubuntu, resulting in better CPU utilization and faster processing times across various tasks.
Question 3: What unique advantages does Linux offer over Windows for developers and creators?
Linux provides unparalleled access to system resources, lower latency, and a simplified command-line interface. These features facilitate a flexible development environment that can significantly improve workflow efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 demonstrates impressive capabilities on both Windows 11 and Ubuntu 25.04. However, Linux’s performance edge in GPU-heavy tasks, content creation, and overall efficiency makes it a compelling choice for tech-savvy users looking to maximize their hardware potential. As operating systems continue evolving, these findings highlight the importance of considering Linux for your next computing adventure.