Gamers Nexus has released benchmark data showing impressive game performance on Bazzite, a popular gaming Linux distribution. The tests compared various GPUs, highlighting strong results for AMD cards over inconsistent Nvidia ones. While Linux offers a viable Windows alternative, compatibility issues persist.
Gamers Nexus conducted comprehensive GPU benchmarks on Bazzite, a gaming-friendly Linux operating system that has attracted Windows users frustrated with recurring issues. The tests aimed to evaluate game performance, but benchmarking challenges arose due to differences from Windows methods. The team could not use the same software for measuring frame rates and noted that some games have separate versions for Linux. To manage variables, updates were frozen in Bazzite, potentially missing performance patches. Steve Burke cautioned against direct comparisons with Windows benchmarks.
Tested GPUs included high-end options like the Nvidia RTX 5090 and AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT, as well as the RTX 5060, RX 9060 XT, and some Intel cards. AMD GPUs showed more consistent performance than Nvidia counterparts. In Black Myth: Wukong at 1080p, the RTX 5090 averaged 114.8 fps but suffered significant frame pacing issues, while the RX 9070 XT delivered a steadier 105.2 fps. The frame rate gap widened at higher resolutions, yet most gamers might prefer the AMD card for better experience despite the price difference.
Starfield at 4K saw the RX 9070 XT topping charts, with the RTX 5090 barely ahead. Nvidia cards produced bizarre marks in the Linux version of Baldur’s Gate 3, though scores improved using the Windows version through compatibility layers. Nvidia's proprietary drivers have disadvantaged it in Linux distributions like Bazzite.
Limitations include inability to run games with anti-cheat software; F1 24 was dropped, and Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7 remain unavailable. Ray tracing settings were grayed out in Dragon's Dogma 2, and more crashes could occur. Overall, Linux gaming has improved but faces hurdles before fully replacing Windows.