AMD Ryzen 9 Benchmarks: Windows 10 vs Windows 11 Gaming Performance

AMD’s latest flagship processors are creating a stir in the gaming community—not just for their raw power, but also for revealing some intriguing differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 environments. In a series of recent benchmarks, AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 7 9800X3D processors demonstrated notably stronger gaming performance on Windows 10 compared to Windows 11, particularly when Windows 11’s virtualization-based security (VBS) is enabled.

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Benchmark Breakdown: Windows 10 vs. Windows 11​

Recent tests carried out by a reputable benchmark source showcased some surprising performance differentials:

• CS2 at 1080p, CPU-bound scenarios:
  • Windows 10: Ryzen 9 9950X3D hit an impressive 745 frames per second (fps).
  • Windows 11: The same processor delivered 729 fps, and with VBS enabled the performance dropped further to 710 fps.
  • Impact: The difference represents roughly a 2.1% drop when comparing Windows 10 to a standard Windows 11 setup, with VBS activation causing even more pronounced reductions.
• Fortnite at lowest settings in 1080p:
  • Windows 10: The Ryzen 9 9950X3D comfortably achieved 591 fps.
  • Windows 11: The average dropped to 541 fps; when VBS was enabled, the drop was even steeper—about 41 extra fps loss, amounting to a 9.2% performance decrease.

These numbers highlight a clear trend: gamers who seek to squeeze every drop of performance from AMD’s new high-end CPUs might find Windows 10 to be more favorable for CPU-intensive tasks.
Summary: For high-performance gaming, especially when benchmarks matter, Windows 10 seems to pull ahead in scenarios where every frame counts.

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The Trade-Off: Security Versus Performance​

While the numbers might be enough to sway opinions among hardcore gamers, it’s important to consider why Windows 11 might be underperforming in these specific tests. A key factor appears to be the virtualization-based security (VBS) feature.

• What is VBS?
  • VBS is designed to create a more secure operating environment by isolating sensitive parts of the operating system. This can help protect against malware and certain types of attacks.
• Performance Impact:
  • When VBS is enabled, parts of the system’s performance are essentially “re-routed” to safeguard critical operations. This extra overhead, while beneficial from a security standpoint, can impinge upon the performance in scenarios where every millisecond counts—like in CPU-bound gaming situations.
• The Dilemma for Gamers:
  • Gamers, who often seek maximum raw performance, now face the decision: prioritize security with VBS enabled (a wise choice for everyday protection) or disable it on Windows 11 (or revert to Windows 10) to gain a performance edge.

Summary: The performance drop on Windows 11 with VBS highlights a classic trade-off in modern computing—choosing between rigorous security measures and maximizing performance.

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Deep Dive: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Its Impact on Gaming​

Key Features and Technical Prowess​

AMD has built a reputation for packing powerhouse performance into its CPUs, and the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is no exception:

• 16-Core Marvel: With 16 cores, this processor is designed to handle demanding gaming and creative workloads simultaneously.
• 3D V-Cache Technology: Leveraging AMD’s second-generation 3D V-Cache, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D not only provides increased gaming performance but also enhances efficiency during productivity tasks.
• Competitive Pricing: At a price point of $699, it competes fiercely with offerings from Intel, including the Core i9-14900K and other high-end models.
• Productivity Edge: In tasks beyond just gaming, early analyses suggest that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is around 24% faster in productivity tasks compared to its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

Benchmarks in Context​

The benchmark figures—while impressive on paper—illustrate the nuanced differences that come into play with different operating systems:

• Windows 10’s Performance Edge: In CPU-bound tests, the raw numbers on Windows 10 suggest that its architecture and handling of system resources might be more suited to high-frequency, low-latency tasks that gamers rely upon.
• Windows 11’s Enhanced Security Overhead: On the flip side, Windows 11’s advanced security features, particularly VBS, introduce an overhead that, while justified in security-centric environments, can slightly dampen the gaming experience.

Summary: The Ryzen 9 9950X3D is set to be a formidable contender in both gaming and productivity. However, the choice of operating system can tip the scales in scenarios where every frame becomes critical.

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Broader Implications for Windows Users​

Why This Matters to the Everyday Gamer​

While security is an unarguably paramount aspect of modern computing, gamers are a unique breed who often prioritize performance over other factors. This isn’t just an isolated performance anomaly—these findings shed light on how the subtle differences in OS architecture can have real-world impacts on gaming:

• System Configuration Choices: Users with high-end AMD CPUs might consider keeping Windows 11’s security features in check or switching to Windows 10 to squeeze out every last bit of performance during CPU-bound gaming.
• The Future of OS Optimization: These tests may prompt Microsoft to revisit how Windows 11 handles VBS in gaming scenarios. With pressures from both gamers and developers, future updates might seek to find a balance that doesn’t force users to choose strictly between security and performance.

Considerations for a Mixed Usage Environment​

For those who use their systems for both gaming and productivity or sensitive tasks, the win isn’t as clear-cut:

• Security vs. Performance Paradox: Windows 11 offers enhanced features including improved security, better multitasking capabilities, and modernized design elements. The trade-off in performance might be negligible in everyday tasks not dominated by intensive gaming benchmarks.
• Custom Configurations: Users are encouraged to experiment with their system settings—such as disabling VBS during gaming sessions—if they wish to achieve optimal performance without sacrificing overall system security during regular usage.

Summary: This isn’t just a win for Windows 10 in benchmark numbers; it’s a snapshot of a broader debate within the tech community. Balancing optimal performance with robust security is a challenge that affects every modern user, not just the gamers.

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Final Thoughts​

AMD’s latest flagship CPUs have once again set the bar high, demonstrating not just raw computational strength but also highlighting the complex interplay between hardware and software environments. The benchmarks indicating that Windows 10 delivers superior gaming performance compared to Windows 11—especially with VBS enabled—offer valuable insights for gamers tuning their performance mix.
Key takeaways for Windows users include:

• Evaluate your priorities: Gamers seeking every bit of performance may lean towards Windows 10, at least until future Windows 11 updates mitigate these differences.
• Understand the Trade-Offs: Enhanced security features in Windows 11 provide significant benefits for overall system protection, a factor that many users may not want to compromise.
• Keep an Eye on Updates: Both Microsoft and AMD are continuously pushing forward with innovations. Future driver updates, OS refinements, and newer CPUs could potentially reshape this dynamic.

Whether you are a competitive gamer or a creative professional, it’s essential to align your operating system environment with your workload priorities. As the landscape of technology evolves, so too should our approach to balancing performance and security, ensuring that every user finds their optimal setup.
This discussion invites a wider conversation on how system configurations can be tailored to meet the increasingly divergent needs of today’s power users—always a balancing act between performance enhancement and comprehensive security.

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Source: MSPoweruser AMD's latest flagship CPU is a beast on Windows 10, surpassing Windows 11 in tests