Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: AMD Ryzen Performance Insights

AMD’s flagship Ryzen 9 9950X3D, along with its sibling Ryzen 7 9800X3D, has been turning heads by offering a robust balance between gaming performance and productivity. Recent testing reveals a surprising twist: when running on Windows 10 with Microsoft’s recommended settings on Windows 11 (featuring Virtualization-Based Security or VBS), Windows 10 actually outperforms its successor in several gaming scenarios. Let’s dive into the details, explore the reasons behind these performance discrepancies, and discuss what this means for gamers and professionals alike.

AMD Ryzen Innovation and Chipset Driver Enhancements​

AMD’s announcement of the Ryzen 9 9950X3D positions it as the top all-rounder CPU, celebrated for its prowess in handling both modern games and productivity workloads. The chip was awarded a solid 9 out of 10 by reviewers who noted its impressive overall performance. Alongside this launch, AMD introduced a new chipset driver package that brings a couple of user-friendly features to the table:

• No-Reinstallation CPU Swap: A significant convenience for enthusiasts—changing CPUs no longer necessitates reinstalling Windows.
• VBS Fix for Windows 10: The new driver package addresses issues with Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) specifically on Windows 10.

These improvements are designed not only to enhance performance but also to streamline the upgrade process, reducing downtime for users who frequently upgrade their systems.

Understanding Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)​

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), sometimes referred to as Core Isolation, leverages the Windows hypervisor and modern hardware virtualization capabilities to create a protected environment. This secure layer is designed to defend critical system processes against sophisticated attacks. Microsoft has been a staunch proponent of VBS, recommending that users—especially those on Windows 11—enable it for an added level of defense.
However, while VBS significantly bolsters security, it can come at a cost to system performance. In various benchmarks, including those focusing on gaming, VBS has been identified as a notable performance hog. This performance penalty is particularly evident when comparing the gaming experiences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 under Microsoft’s recommended settings.

Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: A Performance Showdown​

Recent tests executed by the YouTube channel Tech YES City have provided some eye-opening insights into how these operating systems handle demanding tasks like gaming when VBS is enabled. Although Microsoft’s guidance pushes for Windows 11 installations on systems running VBS (for a cleaner, more secure setup), the practical outcome of such configurations appears to favor Windows 10 in key performance metrics. Here’s a breakdown of the findings:

• Fortnite Benchmark:
  • Windows 10 Advantage: In this popular battle royale game, Windows 10 exhibited an 18% performance edge over Windows 11 when VBS was enabled.
  • Consistency Across Configurations: Even when VBS was disabled on Windows 11, making it closer in configuration to Windows 10, the latter still maintained roughly a 9.25% advantage.
• Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 and Others:
  • Although the degree of difference varied, similar trends were observed in other titles. This suggests that the performance benefits seen in Windows 10 might extend across a range of games, not just isolated to one title.

These results challenge the assumption that Windows 11’s latest features and integrations always translate into superior gaming performance. It seems that, in certain configurations—particularly where VBS is in play—Windows 10 is currently better optimized for returning higher frame rates and a more responsive gaming experience.

Delving Deeper: The Impact of VBS on Gaming Performance​

The relationship between security features and system performance often involves tradeoffs. In the case of VBS, the overhead introduced by the hypervisor’s additional security layer appears to affect frame rates and overall responsiveness when running graphically intensive applications. Some key points to consider:

• Security vs. Speed:
  • VBS is critical for defending the operating system’s kernel from malicious attacks, but this added layer of security requires computational resources that might otherwise be allocated to gaming or other performance-intensive tasks.
• OS Configuration Matters:
  • For Windows 11, VBS is not activated by default. AMD’s testing directive, however, was to enable VBS as per Microsoft recommendations. In contrast, Windows 10 does not have VBS enabled by default, naturally offering a leaner environment for certain computing tasks.
• User Considerations:
  • Gamers might find themselves at a crossroads: opt for the additional security of Windows 11 with VBS enabled, or choose the performance benefits of Windows 10. This decision could ultimately hinge on personal priorities—whether the need for top-notch performance outweighs the benefits of a fortified operating system.

It’s important to note that while these benchmarks favor Windows 10 in gaming performance, a comprehensive evaluation must weigh both security and performance. For everyday users and enterprises prioritizing robust security, the tradeoff may be entirely acceptable.

Real-World Implications for the Windows Community​

These findings resonate well with a broader audience. For gamers, who demand every ounce of performance from their hardware, the implications are straightforward: if maximizing gaming performance is your primary concern, Windows 10 might still hold the advantage—especially when the additional overhead of VBS is factored in. A couple of practical tips for such users include:

• Tweaking VBS Settings:
  • Experiment with enabling or disabling VBS based on your current needs. For instance, if you are in the middle of a gaming marathon, consider temporarily disabling VBS (ensuring you follow safe practices).
• System Configuration and Optimization:
  • For those planning an upgrade, understanding the default settings and recommended configurations can inform your OS choice. AMD’s recent chipset driver update, which resolves the need for a Windows reinstallation upon CPU change, is a step towards more versatile system management.
• Monitoring Future Updates:
  • Neowin’s earlier tests revealed that Windows 10 and Windows 11 have exhibited mixed performance outcomes in different scenarios. Both operating systems might see adjustments in future updates, so keeping an eye on performance reviews following driver and OS updates is advisable.

These real-world considerations underscore the importance of aligning system configurations with user requirements. For professional content creators, productivity enthusiasts, or gamers, the optimal setup may vary, and slight differences in CPU performance can cascade into significant practical differences.

A Glimpse into the Future: What's Next for AMD and Windows​

The current performance scenario may only be a snapshot of an evolving landscape. Both AMD and Microsoft are continuously refining their technologies, and the interplay between hardware performance and software security measures is an area ripe for innovation. Here are a few thoughts on what to expect going forward:

• Enhanced Driver Updates:
  • AMD’s commitment to rolling out driver updates that address specific issues—such as the VBS fix for Windows 10—indicates that further refinements are coming. Future drivers may better balance security and performance across both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
• OS-level Optimizations:
  • Microsoft is likely to tweak Windows 11’s handling of VBS and other security settings based on user feedback and real-world benchmarks. Such adjustments could help close the existing performance gap.
• In-depth Benchmarking Across Configurations:
  • With more enthusiasts dedicating time to comparing OS performance using various configurations (clean installs versus in-place upgrades, VBS enabled versus disabled), a clearer picture of the best practices for optimizing both security and performance will emerge.
• Community Insights and Expert Testing:
  • Forums like ours at WindowsForum.com continue to be valuable hubs for sharing firsthand testing results and optimization tips. As more users experiment with these configurations on platforms like Windows 10 and Windows 11, the community will refine its recommendations.

In an industry where the competition is fierce and every percentage point counts, these ongoing updates will play a pivotal role in shaping user experiences across the globe.

Final Thoughts: Striking the Right Balance​

The current benchmarks underscore a key takeaway: while modern operating systems are packed with leading-edge features and security enhancements, performance tuning remains a crucial and user-specific challenge. The comparison between Windows 10 and Windows 11 on AMD’s Ryzen 9950X3D/9800X3D setups reveals that sometimes, the older platform might still provide a slight edge in raw gaming performance under particular configurations.
For Windows users and IT enthusiasts, the takeaway is clear:

• Security vs. Performance Tradeoffs:
  • Advanced security features like VBS are essential for many users, but they do introduce overhead that might not appeal to every gamer. An informed decision, based on real-world benchmarks, is key.
• Stay Updated and Flexible:
  • It is advisable to periodically review official updates from both AMD and Microsoft, as well as independent benchmarks. What might be a disadvantage today could be optimized away in tomorrow’s driver or OS update.
• Optimize for Your Use Case:
  • Whether you prioritize a secure environment or maximized gaming performance, tailoring your system configuration to your specific needs is the best approach. The flexibility that AMD now offers—with its CPU swap feature and driver updates, for instance—empowers users to redefine their workflows without cumbersome setbacks.

By keeping a close watch on developments and remaining agile with upgrades and optimizations, users can ensure they are extracting the maximum value from their investments, whether in gaming rigs or productivity workstations.
As this performance saga unfolds with further testing—potentially including additional Ryzen CPU benchmarks and more granular OS comparisons—the community can look forward to a continual stream of insights that help navigate the nuanced world of modern computing. For now, the evidence clearly suggests that when it comes to balancing raw performance and security configurations, Windows 10 is holding its ground against the newer Windows 11 in certain scenarios, at least for now.
For those following the latest on Windows and hardware performance, these findings reinforce the need to weigh both the security benefits and the performance costs when deciding on an operating system. Stay tuned for more updates, as both AMD and Microsoft continue to push the boundaries of what modern computing can achieve.

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Source: Neowin AMD's Ryzen 9950X3D/9800X3D on Windows 10 beats Windows 11 on Microsoft recommended settings