AMD RDNA 3.5 Benchmark: Windows 11 vs Ubuntu 25.04 Performance Review

AMD’s latest RDNA 3.5 graphics technology is setting the stage for an intriguing performance duel between modern operating systems. In a recent hands-on benchmark using a Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 equipped with the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 SoC—boasting the Radeon 880M RDNA 3.5 integrated GPU—we’re treated to a side-by-side comparison of Windows 11 and Ubuntu 25.04. This discussion, originally featured by Phoronix Media , provides Windows enthusiasts and Linux aficionados alike with valuable insights into how integrated graphics solutions fare under two vastly different driver approaches.

Setting the Scene: The Test Environment​

The heart of the study is the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6. This modern workstation pairs AMD’s Zen 5 architecture with a Radeon 880M RDNA 3.5 iGPU—a setup ideally tailored for both productivity and multimedia tasks. With Windows 11 Pro pre-installed and the system subsequently updated with the latest AMD drivers and Windows updates, the stage is set for a rigorous performance assessment. On the flip side, the emerging Ubuntu 25.04 release leverages open-source AMD graphics drivers that have evolved significantly over time.
Key details of the test environment include:

• The AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 SoC with Radeon 880M RDNA 3.5 iGPU
• A comparison between proprietary AMD drivers on Windows 11 and open-source drivers on Ubuntu 25.04
• Benchmarks designed to stress different aspects of integrated graphics performance, from gaming to multimedia rendering
• A focus on improved power efficiency and driver optimizations after a half-year after the platform’s launch

In essence, this benchmark explores the race between cutting-edge hardware optimization and the maturity of two distinct operating system ecosystems.

Dissecting Windows 11: A Closer Look at Proprietary Performance​

Windows 11, with its sleek interface and robust support for gaming and multimedia, continues to be the go-to for many users. In this test, the proprietary AMD drivers on Windows 11 have been pushed to their limits to showcase the potential of RDNA 3.5:

• Proprietary drivers on Windows offer tightly optimized routines designed for the integrated GPU architecture.
• The enhancements provided by Windows 11 updates play a substantial role in ensuring low-latency performance and streamlined multitasking capabilities.
• Benchmarks indicate that for many workloads, particularly in gaming and heavy multimedia processes, the Windows ecosystem’s mature API implementations (such as DirectX 12 Ultimate) leverage the full suite of hardware features.

However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. While the proprietary drivers provide excellent performance, they sometimes trade off openness and flexibility for optimization. Enthusiasts are well aware that updates can occasionally introduce performance regressions or compatibility challenges with a subset of applications. Nonetheless, Windows 11 remains a solid platform for leveraging AMD’s technological advances—especially in a business environment where stability and support are paramount.

Windows 11 Performance Snapshot​

In benchmark comparisons, Windows 11 often pulled ahead in:

• 3D rendering tasks where DirectX 12 optimizations played to the hardware’s strength
• Applications requiring efficient multitasking and speedy driver updates
• Real-world gaming scenarios that benefit from a well-supported driver ecosystem

Experts note that these strengths are highly relevant for users who rely on a consistent and commercially supported environment for both work and play.

Ubuntu 25.04: Open-Source Progress and Innovation​

Under the hood of Ubuntu 25.04, the open-source AMD graphics drivers have seen significant advancements. Linux enthusiasts have long championed the open-source approach, which promises transparency and community-driven innovations. In this latest round of benchmarks, Ubuntu 25.04 offers several compelling attributes:

• A continually evolving open-source driver model that adapts rapidly to new hardware challenges.
• Enhanced support for real-time kernel level updates and community feedback, allowing for rapid iterations and custom optimizations.
• Competitive performance in various graphical benchmarks, especially in scenarios that favor open-source API implementations like Vulkan and OpenGL.

While the open-source drivers have made great strides, they sometimes lag behind the proprietary drivers in areas where vendor-specific optimizations come into play. For instance, certain gaming titles and professional multimedia applications still see improved results on the Windows platform due to optimized driver pathways and tailored API support. However, for users committed to a Linux environment, Ubuntu 25.04 represents a significant leap forward in ensuring that integrated graphics are no longer a weak link.

Ubuntu 25.04 Performance Highlights​

The benchmarks revealed that:

• In tasks fueled by Vulkan and OpenGL, Ubuntu’s drivers have closed many of the performance gaps traditionally seen in Linux environments.
• Although marginal differences in peak performance exist compared to Windows 11, the open-source drivers shine in stability and modularity.
• The community-driven drivers offer promising avenues for future optimizations, especially as AMD continues to collaborate with the open-source kernel community.

For users willing to tweak and optimize their systems, Ubuntu 25.04 provides a sandbox for creativity, and the performance remains more than adequate for everyday computing tasks and moderate gaming.

A Comparative Look: What Do the Benchmarks Really Tell Us?​

The crux of the matter revolves around understanding the trade-offs between proprietary enhancements and open-source innovation. While the benchmarks clearly showcase the prowess of Windows 11 in pushing the hardware to its maximum potential through vendor-optimized routines, the gap narrows significantly when compared to Ubuntu 25.04’s evolving open-source drivers.

Key Comparative Takeaways​

• Both operating systems deliver robust performance with AMD’s RDNA 3.5 iGPU—though each takes a different route to get there.
• Windows 11 benefits from highly optimized, proprietary driver support, leading to top-tier performance in scenarios that demand the best out of the hardware.
• Ubuntu 25.04’s open-source approach demonstrates marked improvements and promises a future of even better performance as community contributions continue to drive innovation.
• The performance differences, while evident in benchmark scores, might be negligible for everyday users who prioritize system stability and the open-source philosophy over minute performance gains.

This benchmark is a testament to the progress in Linux graphics drivers, highlighting how far the open-source community has come in competing with the tightly controlled environments of Windows. It also raises interesting questions about the future of driver development—especially in an era where multi-OS compatibility is becoming a critical consideration for many businesses and personal tech enthusiasts.

Real-World Implications for Professionals and Gamers​

The implications of these performance comparisons extend well beyond raw benchmarks. For professionals who rely on integrated graphics for video editing, 3D rendering, or even AI workloads, the choice between Windows 11 and Ubuntu 25.04 becomes a matter of balancing performance against flexibility and support.

Considerations for Different User Groups​

• Business Users: For those in enterprise environments, Windows 11’s support guarantees and optimized performance make it the obvious choice. The proprietary driver ecosystem ensures that commercial applications run smoothly and benefit from regular updates.
• Developers and Enthusiasts: Ubuntu 25.04 offers a playground for those who enjoy customizing their systems and exploring the cutting edge of open-source technology. The performance improvements can be an added bonus when combined with the transparency and control Linux offers.
• Gamers: While Windows 11 retains an edge in many gaming scenarios—thanks to DirectX optimizations and mature driver support—Linux gamers are increasingly seeing improvements, with support for Vulkan-based games narrowing the gap significantly.

Each side of the coin—whether it’s the rock-solid performance of Windows 11 or the innovative strides in Ubuntu 25.04—offers distinct advantages that cater to different user priorities.

What Lies Ahead: Future Trends in Graphics Driver Development​

The enduring competition between proprietary and open-source drivers is shaping the trajectory of integrated graphics development. AMD’s continued investment in its RDNA architecture and the accompanying driver ecosystems will likely result in even more significant performance improvements in the near future. Consider these trends:

• Cross-platform Optimization: As open-source drivers mature, we may see the differences between Linux and Windows performance fading even further, a boon for users who work in dual-boot environments.
• Increased Collaboration: The gap between proprietary optimizations and community-driven innovations is closing thanks to increased collaboration between hardware manufacturers like AMD and open-source projects.
• Enhanced Customization: Linux users stand to benefit from further enhancements that allow for deep system-level customizations—making Ubuntu not just a viable alternative but, in some cases, the preferred platform for power users and developers.

As these trends merge with user demands for flexible, secure, and high-performance systems, the next few years could witness a dramatic rebalancing of the integrated graphics market. The technology landscape is evolving, and both Windows 11 and Ubuntu 25.04 are poised to play significant roles in that future.

Wrapping Up: Performance Beyond the Benchmarks​

The comparison between Windows 11 and Ubuntu 25.04 on AMD’s RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics is more than just a technical exercise; it’s a window into the future of computing on diverse operating systems. The benchmarks not only highlight the strengths and limitations of both proprietary and open-source drivers but also hint at a convergence where users may eventually decide based on ecosystem preference rather than raw performance alone.
Key points to remember include:

• Windows 11 offers a highly optimized environment for AMD’s proprietary driver stack, lending itself well to high-demand applications and professional tasks.
• Ubuntu 25.04 demonstrates the significant potential of open-source drivers, with ongoing developments that continue to close the performance gap.
• The future of integrated graphics driver development is likely to see a blend of the best attributes from both systems, benefiting users across the board.
• Real-world performance is influenced by a variety of factors—from system updates and driver optimizations to community innovations and hardware advancements.

In conclusion, whether you lean towards the tried-and-true environment of Windows 11 or the evolving, flexible playground of Ubuntu 25.04, this benchmark serves as a reminder that the future of integrated graphics is bright. AMD’s RDNA 3.5 technology is not only a technical marvel in its own right but also a harbinger of what’s possible when cutting-edge hardware meets innovative driver software. As the technology race continues, one thing is for sure: the battle of the drivers is far from over, and users stand to gain immensely from the competitive advancements on both fronts.
For readers of WindowsForum.com, this analysis highlights the importance of keeping an eye on future Windows 11 updates and exploring Linux alternatives that are steadily improving. Whether you’re a business professional seeking reliable performance or a tech enthusiast ready to push the boundaries, the evolving driver landscape offers exciting opportunities to redefine what integrated graphics can achieve.

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Source: Phoronix [Phoronix] AMD RDNA 3.5 Graphics On 2025 Drivers: Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu 25.04 iGPU Performance Image (Amd Rdna35 1)