Hold your PC-building hats, folks! A performance beast has entered the arena, and it goes by the name Intel Core Ultra 9 285K "Arrow Lake." This processor is the latest big shot in Intel's lineup, combining brute force with energy efficiency courtesy of its hybrid architecture featuring Performance (P) and Efficiency (E) cores. You've seen what's possible with Alder Lake and Raptor Lake; now, Arrow Lake is here to punch above its weight. But here's the burning question: Is it better honed for Microsoft's Windows 11 or the open-source powerhouse Ubuntu 24.10 Linux?
Phoronix dives into this modern hardware-versus-software showdown, testing the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's performance across Windows and Linux. Join us in breaking down this labyrinth of benchmarks as we explore these findings, examine the tech underpinning the showdown, and shed light on how this could influence your OS choice for such hardware.
But this isn’t just a Windows vs. Linux debate—it's a battle fought on Arrow Lake's (Intel's) unique hybrid CPU architecture with some major supporting hardware:
Under Windows, key benchmarks often excel in:
Where Linux 6.13—and the "performance" P-State governor—steals the show:
Why is this important? While Windows' scheduler automatically handles these transitions, adjusting them on Linux allows for fine-tuning tailored to specific use cases. This dynamic is central to why Linux (with tweaking) excels in heavy-duty benchmarks.
Would you go for the plug-and-play satisfaction of Windows, or the limitless performance potential of Linux? Let us know your thoughts in the discussion below!
Source: Phoronix Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 'Arrow Lake' Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu Linux Performance
Phoronix dives into this modern hardware-versus-software showdown, testing the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K's performance across Windows and Linux. Join us in breaking down this labyrinth of benchmarks as we explore these findings, examine the tech underpinning the showdown, and shed light on how this could influence your OS choice for such hardware.
About the Contenders
On one side, we have Microsoft Windows 11 Pro (24H2), the flagship operating system tailored for user-friendliness, app compatibility, and gaming. On the other, Ubuntu 24.10, a highly configurable Linux distro that thrives on flexibility, open-source modifications, and performance optimizations thanks to robust kernel-level efficiencies.But this isn’t just a Windows vs. Linux debate—it's a battle fought on Arrow Lake's (Intel's) unique hybrid CPU architecture with some major supporting hardware:
- Processor: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285K "Arrow Lake."
- Memory: 2 x 16GB DDR5-6400.
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus Z890 Hero with the latest BIOS.
- Storage: WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSD.
The Benchmark Parameters
Five scenarios were meticulously designed to test the breadth of performance under both OS environments:- Windows Configuration: Default Windows 11 Pro with all updates and latest drivers (as of December 15, 2024).
- Linux Config 'A': Ubuntu 24.10 running kernel 6.11 (default kernel) with updates (as of December 17, 2024).
- Linux Config 'B': Ubuntu 24.10 upgraded to kernel 6.12 LTS for stability testing.
- Linux Config 'C': Ubuntu 24.10 using the bleeding-edge 6.13 development kernel.
- Linux Config 'D': Ubuntu 24.10 on kernel 6.13 with Intel's P-State governor set to "performance" (higher clock speeds), rather than the default "powersave" mode.
Windows 11: The Proprietary Champion
Windows 11 doesn't play around when it comes to leveraging Intel's P and E cores. Thanks to its Hybrid Thread Scheduler, first introduced with Alder Lake processors, Windows knows exactly how to allocate tasks to these disparate cores for maximum efficiency. Background tasks are suavely delegated to E cores, leaving the P cores free to chew on resource-intensive workloads such as gaming or RAW photo/video editing. However, this proprietary optimization does cost users a loss of flexibility compared to Linux.Under Windows, key benchmarks often excel in:
- Single-threaded Performance: Applications optimized for single/core workloads shine brightly.
- Compatibility: Drivers and apps like Adobe Suite or AAA games (thanks, DirectX 12) thrive here.
- Ease of use: No tinkering required—Windows is ready from boot.
Ubuntu 24.10 Linux: The Open-Source Maverick
Ubuntu challenges Windows headfirst in this shootout, and it puts up a commendable fight. With its sleek integration of Intel's hybrid architecture and the resource management prowess of Linux kernels 6.11 through 6.13, Ubuntu proves that open-source software is no slouch. Zen and the art of kernel tweaking unlock even greater performance for enthusiasts willing to roll up their sleeves.Where Linux 6.13—and the "performance" P-State governor—steals the show:
- Kernel-Level Resource Management: Linux kernels are well-optimized for hybrid architectures, and upgrades like kernel 6.12 LTS offer stability while 6.13 anchors bleeding-edge performance improvements.
- Customizability Galore: The P-State governor allows users to coax every ounce of power from the CPU, though it may come at the cost of energy efficiency.
- Open-Source Progress: Intel's engineers are everything but idle, continuously tuning Linux kernels for higher hardware efficiency—including Arrow Lake enhancements.
Benchmark Results Breakdown
Scenario 1: Gaming
- Winner: Windows 11.
- With native DirectX 12 Ultimate support, Windows squeaks past Linux here. For gaming, smoothness, FPS, and ray-tracing features reign supreme on Windows.
Scenario 2: Multi-Core Workloads
- Winner: Ubuntu 24.10 (Linux 6.13 and P-State "Performance").
- When Linux enters its power-user mode with kernel 6.13 and "performance" governor, it decimates heavy workloads like compiling code and 3D rendering, thanks to unparalleled hardware resource maximization.
Scenario 3: Power Efficiency
- Winner: Ubuntu 24.10 (Linux 6.12 stock config).
- Linux's "powersave" governor and kernel 6.12 LTS strike a practical balance. For laptops and energy-conscious desktop users, Ubuntu excels by stretching battery life and reducing power draw under light/moderate tasks.
Scenario 4: Overall Usability
- Winner: Windows 11.
- While Ubuntu scores higher in niche performance areas, Windows maintains dominance in compatibility, ease-of-use, and multimedia support.
Intel’s P-State Governor and Why It Matters
One standout Linux feature that deserves extra attention here is the Intel P-State scaling governor. Think of it as a smart thermostat for your CPU—it controls CPU frequency scaling to balance power consumption with performance. Most Linux distributions default this to "powersave," maintaining lower clock speeds for energy efficiency. However, switching to "performance" mode unlocks higher clock frequencies for critical tasks.Why is this important? While Windows' scheduler automatically handles these transitions, adjusting them on Linux allows for fine-tuning tailored to specific use cases. This dynamic is central to why Linux (with tweaking) excels in heavy-duty benchmarks.
Bottom Line: Which OS Wins?
No drumroll needed! Here's the nuanced verdict:- For gamers, casual users, and those seeking simplicity, Windows 11 is the safe and familiar choice. Its Hybrid Scheduling technology and software compatibility amplify Arrow Lake's hybrid capabilities.
- For developers, power users, or anyone prioritizing open-source control, Ubuntu 24.10 equipped with the latest kernel versions can outperform Windows—provided you're willing to tweak power profiles, upgrade kernels, and embrace Linux’s learning curve.
Would you go for the plug-and-play satisfaction of Windows, or the limitless performance potential of Linux? Let us know your thoughts in the discussion below!
Source: Phoronix Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 'Arrow Lake' Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu Linux Performance
