AMD RDNA 3.5 Graphics: Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu 25.04 Performance Benchmarks

AMD RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics have long been a topic of interest among Windows and Linux enthusiasts, and the recent testing on a Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 with an AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 SoC provides fresh insights into how far driver optimizations have come. In a head-to-head comparison of performance between a fully updated Windows 11 Pro installation and a clean Ubuntu 25.04 beta, the benchmarks zero in on native iGPU workloads. With both platforms leveraging the latest drivers—Radeon Software on Windows versus the fresh Mesa 25.0 and Linux 6.14 kernel stack on Ubuntu—the results are a fascinating study in how open-source solutions are closing gaps that once seemed insurmountable.

Testing Environment & Hardware Overview​

Before diving into the benchmark results, it’s worth taking a closer look at the testing environment and the hardware setup:

• Platform: Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 laptop
• Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360—a Zen 5 SoC that powers both CPU and iGPU performance
• Graphics: Radeon 880M, using RDNA 3.5 architecture for integrated graphics
• Memory: 32GB LPDDR5-7500, ensuring smooth operation across both operating systems
• Operating Systems:
  • Windows 11 Pro: Pre-installed on the device and fully updated with the latest AMD drivers and patches
  • Ubuntu 25.04 beta: Featuring Linux 6.14 and Mesa 25.0, delivering the newest open-source driver optimizations

The test was conducted with an eye toward native graphics workloads. By avoiding translation layers and API emulation (like Proton, DXVK, or VKD3D), the benchmarks focused squarely on the raw performance capabilities of the respective graphics drivers. This approach not only provides insights into driver efficiency but also highlights how much extra juice is available when bypassing additional translation overhead.

Benchmarking Methodology: Keeping It Native​

What makes this test particularly interesting is its focus on native workloads present on both Windows and Linux. Instead of pitting gaming performance (where various API translation layers might muddy the water), the benchmarks stress the underlying graphics stack itself. This means:

• Testing was performed using applications and workloads that run natively on both operating systems.
• Tasks were carefully selected to stress the GPU drivers’ ability to handle complex rendering and compute operations without any intermediary layers.
• Both platforms were optimized for their respective environments: Windows 11 came pre-loaded with the latest Radeon Software enhancements, while Ubuntu 25.04 beta showcased the latest in open-source innovations like RadeonSI Gallium3D and RADV for Vulkan.

By focusing on native usage, the test provided an unadulterated look at driver performance. For instance, while Windows has traditionally benefited from proprietary drivers finely tuned to hardware, the open-source stack on Linux has matured significantly. Can the Linux drivers match, or even exceed, the performance of their Windows counterparts when translation layers are removed from the equation?

Deep Dive: Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu 25.04 Driver Performance​

Windows 11: The Refined Proprietary Experience​

Windows 11 has long been the home of refined, proprietary drivers that are optimized for a wide range of hardware configurations. In this context:

• Driver Maturity: Windows drivers for AMD hardware have evolved over many cycles, with continuous updates addressing bugs, performance hiccups, and compatibility issues. The latest AMD updates ensure that even integrated graphics solutions like the Radeon 880M can deliver impressive performance.
• Optimized for Enterprise and Gaming: Windows 11’s ecosystem benefits from robust support for games and professional applications alike. The Radeon Software suite offers advanced control panels, performance tweaking features, and seamless integration with the OS.
• Hardware Interface Nuances: Differences in how Windows exposes hardware data compared with Linux’s interfaces might result in minor discrepancies in diagnostics and benchmark readings. However, these differences do not necessarily imply performance imbalance, but rather reflect how each OS interacts with the underlying system components.

In this benchmarking exercise, Windows 11’s performance under a fully updated system environment sets a high bar. Even under intense native workloads, the proprietary drivers are finely optimized to extract every drop of performance from the integrated graphics.

Ubuntu 25.04: The Rise of Open-Source Graphics​

On the flip side, Ubuntu 25.04—released as a beta—features cutting-edge components that promise significant gains for Linux users:

• Linux 6.14 Kernel & Mesa 25.0: With the latest kernel and Mesa drivers, Ubuntu offers a fresh graphics stack that is particularly tuned for modern GPUs using AMD’s RDNA 3.5 technology. The improvements present in Mesa 25.0 highlight the active development and commitment by the open-source community.
• RadeonSI Gallium3D & RADV Vulkan Drivers: The integration of these drivers means that both traditional rendering (using Gallium3D) and new-generation compute tasks (via RADV for Vulkan) are benefiting from the most recent optimizations. Users can expect lower latency, better power management, and enhanced stability in demanding workloads.
• Clean, Minimal Install: The testing was performed on a clean Ubuntu beta install, ensuring that extraneous software or background tasks did not skew the results. This allows for a purer benchmarking scenario directly focused on driver efficiency.

The performance of the open-source drivers is particularly noteworthy because it challenges the long-held assumption that proprietary drivers always lead the charge in graphics performance. By removing translation overhead and diving straight into native workloads, Ubuntu 25.04 demonstrates that open-source drivers can potentially match—or in some cases, surpass—the performance of their Windows equivalents.

Comparative Analysis: No Translation, Just Pure Performance​

When it comes to graphics performance between Windows and Linux in this test scenario, there are a few standout observations:

1. Native Workload Efficiency:
   Both operating systems were measured under conditions where no additional API translation layers (such as Proton or DXVK) were involved. This plays a pivotal role, as it isolates the performance of the drivers themselves.
   • Windows 11 shows robust performance, thanks to decades of optimization in its proprietary drivers.
   • Ubuntu 25.04, leveraging the latest Mesa and Linux kernel improvements, demonstrates that open-source drivers are not far behind, even in scenarios traditionally dominated by proprietary solutions.
2. Graphics Stack Maturity:
   • Windows’ established ecosystem has a clear advantage in terms of stability and longevity. The drivers have had ample time to iron out bugs and optimize for a wide range of applications.
   • However, Linux’s rapid development cycle—with continual improvements in both the kernel and the Mesa drivers—allows it to catch up quickly. The recent Linux 6.14 kernel and Mesa 25.0 updates are a testament to this evolution.
3. Benchmark Focus & Future Implications:
   The testing notably steers clear of gaming benchmarks, instead focusing on workloads that directly engage the graphics drivers. This pivot is significant because it suggests that the open-source driver improvements are not merely theoretical. They’re measurable, day-to-day performance enhancements that could impact content creation, data visualization, and other professional applications on Linux.
4. Driver Overhead & Efficiency:
   One of the most compelling findings from the test is the potential for lower driver overhead on Ubuntu when bypassing additional compatibility layers. In native scenarios, the benefits of an optimized open-source stack can sometimes even outshine proprietary solutions, particularly when every millisecond counts in demanding workloads.

Addressing the Hardware Information Interface​

It was also noted that while the underlying hardware remains identical, how each operating system exposes its information can vary. For example:

• On Windows 11, system tables might report hardware information in a way that aligns with legacy components and methodologies, ensuring compatibility with a long list of applications.
• Ubuntu, however, tends to reveal more granular details about the hardware, thanks to its open-source nature and the evolving Linux hardware abstraction layers.

While these differences are more cosmetic than performance-critical, they serve as a reminder that performance parity isn’t the entire story. The richer diagnostics on Linux could provide developers with more granular control and insights—a boon for those interested in performance tuning and troubleshooting.

Broader Implications for the Tech Community​

The implications of these findings extend well beyond the lab:

• For Windows Users:
  The reassurance is clear—Windows 11 continues to deliver high performance through its proprietary driver ecosystem. With consistent updates from AMD and Microsoft, gamers, developers, and professionals have every reason to stay confident in the platform’s capabilities.
• For Linux Enthusiasts:
  The performance gains observed under Ubuntu 25.04 are a strong indicator that the gap between Windows and Linux in graphics performance is narrowing. This bodes well for users who value open-source software and seek environments with lower system overhead and greater customization.
• The Developer Community:
  With native workloads now showing comparable results between the two operating systems, developers might be encouraged to push for more cross-platform compatibility in their applications. The reduced need for translation layers means that performance optimizations can be more straightforward, potentially leading to a more unified development approach across platforms.
• Enterprise and Professional Use:
  As integrated graphics performance continues to improve on Linux, enterprises that have traditionally relied on Windows for high-performance tasks might reassess their operating system strategies. Improved driver performance, paired with Linux’s reputation for stability and security, could well be a game-changer in fields such as digital media production, CAD, and even certain aspects of cybersecurity advisories.

Future Outlook and What to Watch​

Looking ahead, it’s clear that both driver ecosystems have room for further refinement and innovation:

• Windows 11 Updates:
  With AMD and Microsoft in a continuous feedback loop, we can expect even more finely tuned performance updates. For users, this means that a fully updated Windows 11 environment will always leverage the latest optimizations for both proprietary drivers and system stability.
• Ubuntu and Open-Source Drivers:
  Ubuntu 25.04’s demonstration of near-parity in driver performance is only the beginning. The open-source community is known for its rapid iteration cycles, and with the Linux kernel and Mesa drivers evolving at a breakneck pace, we may soon see further breakthroughs that position Linux as a formidable competitor in native graphics performance.
• Driver Collaboration:
  One of the most exciting prospects is the potential for closer collaboration between proprietary hardware vendors and the open-source community. The performance gains so far reflect an era where even traditionally competitive ecosystems can benefit from shared innovations and insights.

Conclusion​

The AMD RDNA 3.5 iGPU performance test on the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 serves as a reminder that innovation is alive and well across both Windows and Linux. With Windows 11’s polished and robust proprietary drivers performing admirably and Ubuntu 25.04’s open-source stack demonstrating impressive gains, users now have more options than ever when it comes to harnessing the power of integrated graphics. Whether you’re a dedicated Windows user or a committed Linux enthusiast, the future holds promise for enhanced performance, reduced driver overhead, and a more unified computing experience.
Key takeaways:

• Both driver ecosystems have made significant strides, particularly in native workload performance.
• Testing with minimal translation overhead provides a clearer picture of true driver efficiency.
• The open-source advancements on Ubuntu 25.04 underscore a competitive edge that was once exclusive to Windows.

As these developments continue to unfold, it’s an exciting time for the tech community—one where high-performance computing is increasingly available regardless of your preferred operating system.

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Source: Phoronix AMD RDNA 3.5 Graphics On 2025 Drivers: Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu 25.04 iGPU Performance - Phoronix