Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu 25.04: Benchmarking AMD's RDNA 3.5 Integrated Graphics

The rapid evolution of integrated graphics technology is no longer just about raw numbers—it's becoming a story of platform optimization, driver innovation, and a tug-of-war between proprietary and open-source ecosystems. Recent benchmarks on a Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, armed with AMD’s Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 SoC and its Radeon 880M RDNA 3.5 integrated graphics, have stirred up interest among both Windows and Linux users. These tests, as reported by Phoronix, compare the performance of AMD’s latest RDNA 3.5 drivers on Windows 11 against the open-source drivers bundled with Ubuntu 25.04. Let’s dive deep into what these findings mean for Windows users and tech enthusiasts alike.

Hardware and Driver Innovations​

At the heart of this performance comparison is the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6. This modern machine is powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 SoC, which combines the robust processing capabilities of the Zen 5 architecture with the impressive Radeon 880M RDNA 3.5 iGPU. The resulting synergy offers a glimpse into what the future of integrated graphics might hold—efficient multitasking, responsive UI interactions, and unexpectedly compelling gaming or creative workloads.

• The AMD Zen 5 SoC is designed for high efficiency and robust performance.
• The Radeon 880M, built on a streamlined RDNA 3.5 architecture, benefits from rapid architectural improvements and fine-tuning in driver support.
• Windows 11 Pro on this system comes preloaded with the latest AMD drivers, which have benefited from numerous performance updates over the past half-year.

These hardware innovations not only set the stage for stellar performance but also highlight how dynamic modern computing systems have become. With AMD pushing the envelope in driver and firmware refinement, users can expect performance that scales with real-world needs—whether that means enhanced productivity, more immersive gaming experiences, or smoother multimedia performance.

Benchmarking: Windows 11 Versus Ubuntu 25.04​

The testing environment was as critical as the hardware itself. Before resetting the Windows installation on the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, extensive benchmarks were conducted under Windows 11, leveraging the latest AMD drivers and cumulative OS updates. These tests provide a head-to-head comparison with Ubuntu 25.04, which employs open-source AMD drivers.

Key Testing Considerations​

• OS Ecosystem: Windows 11 brings a tightly integrated environment with regular driver updates and streamlined security patches, while Ubuntu 25.04 represents a community-driven approach with its open-source stack.
• Driver Differences: The proprietary AMD drivers on Windows are optimized to extract maximum performance from the RDNA 3.5 iGPU. In contrast, the open-source drivers on Ubuntu, though mature and steadily improving, sometimes lag behind the bleeding-edge performance as fine-tuned by AMD for Windows platforms.
• Benchmark Variety: The tests included a range of synthetic benchmarks alongside real-world usage scenarios—3D rendering, compute tests, and everyday multimedia tasks.

Highlights from the Benchmark​

• Frame Rate and Responsiveness: Windows 11’s driver ecosystem is engineered for rapid updates, which means frame rates in demanding 3D applications and games can see noticeable improvements compared to Ubuntu. This is particularly evident in scenarios where quick driver fixes and performance enhancements make a difference.
• Stability Under Load: While Ubuntu’s open-source drivers deliver reliable performance, there are marginal variations under heavy workloads. Windows 11, benefiting from frequent and dedicated proprietary driver updates, holds an edge in maintaining consistent performance.
• Power Management and Thermal Efficiency: The integration of hardware and software on Windows often results in fine-tuned power management strategies. This leads to cooler operation and more efficient energy use during intensive tasks, a feature that is sometimes less optimized in Linux environments.

These benchmark insights suggest that while both platforms are exceptionally capable, Windows 11 currently offers a slight performance benefit for workloads that demand real-time responsiveness and stability. For many Windows users, especially those who rely on their devices for high-performance tasks, this is a reassuring confirmation of the platform’s maturity.

The Divergent Driver Ecosystem: Proprietary vs. Open-Source​

One of the most intriguing aspects of this comparison revolves around the fundamental differences in driver ecosystems. Windows 11 benefits from AMD’s proprietary driver roadmap—a system that allows for rapid iteration, bug fixes, and comprehensive optimizations. Meanwhile, Ubuntu’s reliance on open-source drivers, although highly collaborative and transparent, sometimes means that they trail behind in exploiting the full potential of new hardware features immediately after launch.

Windows 11 Drivers: The Proprietary Edge​

• Frequent Updates: Microsoft's update ecosystem integrates seamlessly with driver updates, ensuring that users benefit from the latest performance tweaks as soon as they are released.
• Optimization Depth: Proprietary drivers can be fine-tuned specifically to leverage the strengths of RDNA 3.5 architectures, driving higher frame rates, smoother textures, and overall enhanced performance in demanding applications.
• Integrated Diagnostics: Windows 11’s diagnostic tools and automated troubleshooting can help users quickly resolve driver conflicts, ensuring a smoother experience.

Ubuntu’s Open-Source Drivers: The Community-Driven Approach​

• Transparency and Flexibility: Open-source drivers offer unparalleled transparency, enabling the community to contribute improvements and rapidly iterate on performance enhancements.
• Customization Potential: Enthusiasts and professionals who prefer tweaking their systems often favor Linux, where driver adjustments can be manually fine-tuned to their specific needs.
• Steady Improvements: Although the open-source drivers may not always match the performance ceilings of their proprietary counterparts, the consistent improvements from community contributions and AMD’s occasional direct support are closing the gap.

A quick comparison table illustrates this difference concisely:

Feature	Windows 11 (AMD Proprietary)	Ubuntu 25.04 (Open-Source)
Performance	Higher frame rates in demanding 3D and multimedia tasks; faster response times due to continuous optimizations.	Competitive performance with occasional lag in the most demanding scenarios.
Driver Maturity	Regular, rapid updates with tight integration into Windows Update.	Continued improvements, though sometimes slower to implement the newest tweaks.
OS Integration	Seamless with Microsoft’s ecosystem and security patches.	Highly customizable but requires more manual intervention for optimal performance.
Stability	Proven stability in a wide range of workloads and applications.	Generally stable with room for enhancements in peak-load scenarios.

Real-World Implications for Windows Users​

For many Windows enthusiasts and professionals, these benchmarks are more than just numbers—they signal the benefits of a well-supported, mature driver model that continuously evolves alongside the hardware. Here’s what this means for you if you’re running Windows 11 on a device powered by AMD’s latest RDNA 3.5 iGPU:

• Enhanced Multimedia Performance: Video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming workloads benefit directly from driver optimizations that Windows 11 offers. The integration of frequent updates into the Windows ecosystem ensures that critical performance tweaks are delivered without delay.
• Robust Application Support: Software applications, especially those that leverage GPU acceleration for tasks like AI, machine learning, or complex simulations, are optimized further by proprietary drivers. This advancement ensures a seamless user experience across a diverse range of applications.
• Driver Update Confidence: With Windows 11, the update process is streamlined through the OS’s update mechanism. This means that the latest driver features and bug fixes are more likely to reach your device promptly, bolstering performance and security.
• Balanced Workloads: Whether you're a content creator, a gamer, or a professional in need of reliable performance, the increased efficiency seen in Windows 11 provides a balanced platform that caters to a wide variety of demands.

For IT professionals and system administrators, these insights translate into actionable strategies:

• Ensure that devices are running the very latest Windows 11 updates—this is central to harnessing the full potential of AMD's RDNA 3.5 power.
• Keep an eye on AMD’s release notes for driver updates to know when performance enhancements or bug fixes are expected.
• Consider periodic benchmarking of your fleet to assess the real-world gains after each driver or OS update.

In-Depth Performance Analysis​

Delving deeper into the benchmark methodologies, the tests on the ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 involved a combination of synthetic tests and real-world application scenarios. Synthetic benchmarks are designed to isolate graphics performance under rigorous conditions, focusing on metrics such as frame rates, pixel fill rates, and texture mapping efficiency. Real-world tests, on the other hand, mimic everyday tasks—from video playback to light gaming and professional 3D applications.

Key Insights from the Analysis​

• Consistent Performance Gains: On Windows 11, the latest AMD drivers delivered consistent performance improvements. This is particularly noticeable in high-demand scenarios like 3D rendering or gaming, where the optimization of the Radeon 880M is most leveraged.
• Marginal Differences Under Heavy Load: While Ubuntu 25.04’s open-source drivers showcase an admirable level of performance, the proprietary enhancements on Windows 11 often provide crucial advantages when the system is under heavy load.
• Importance of Software Optimization: A recurring theme is the critical role that software—especially system-level drivers—plays in unlocking hardware potential. The nuanced differences between Windows 11 and Ubuntu 25.04 in handling these optimizations highlight why driver updates are as important as hardware upgrades.

The benchmarks underscore a broader point: performance is the sum of both hardware prowess and the finesse afforded by top-notch drivers. Windows 11’s integration with AMD’s proprietary updates makes it an ideal platform for users who demand nothing but the best in performance and reliability.

Advice for IT Professionals and End Users​

Keeping the system optimized is as crucial as choosing the right hardware. For those who might be tempted to switch operating systems or try different driver versions, consider these practical steps:

• Update Regularly:
• Utilize Windows Update to ensure that your system receives the latest security patches and performance improvements.
• Regular check-ins with AMD’s official website will alert you to driver releases specifically tailored to enhance your RDNA 3.5 performance.
• Benchmark Your System:
• Periodic benchmarking of your device can help you track performance improvements following major Windows 11 updates or AMD driver upgrades.
• Use a variety of benchmarking tools to capture a well-rounded performance profile—not just synthetic benchmarks but also real-time usage simulations.
• Assess Workload Requirements:
• If you’re a professional relying on graphics-intensive applications, consider the tested improvements on Windows 11. The intra-ecosystem updates might offer advantages that translate directly to increased productivity.
• For mixed-use cases, where you might run both productivity and creative workloads, the refined performance on Windows could tip the scales in favor of sticking with the proprietary driver model.
• Explore Customization Options:
• While Ubuntu’s open-source drivers are a strong contender, many organizations have found that the integrated and streamlined nature of Windows 11’s ecosystem reduces the need for manual tweaking.
• For those with expertise in system configuration, Linux offers the flexibility of detailed custom tuning. However, if ease-of-use and reliability are your priorities, Windows 11 presently has the upper hand.

Future Outlook and Developments​

As the integrated graphics space continues to evolve, the competition between Windows and Linux environments is likely to intensify. AMD’s RDNA 3.5 architecture represents a significant leap forward in efficiency and performance, and both operating systems are working hard to harness this potential. Looking ahead:

• Continuous Driver Improvements: Expect further refinements as AMD works closely with both Microsoft and open-source communities. Continuous enhancements in driver software mean that performance gaps are likely to narrow over time.
• Next-Generation Hardware Synergies: Future laptops and desktops will increasingly rely on systems that blend the best of both worlds—powerful hardware and finely tuned driver ecosystems. For Windows users, this synergy will be particularly noticeable as updates unlock new capabilities.
• Benchmarking as a Standard: Routine performance evaluations will become even more integral to system optimization. For enterprise and professional users, staying informed through consistent benchmark analysis will be essential for making well-informed upgrade decisions.
• The Open-Source Movement: Linux distributions will continue to work on making open-source drivers more competitive. For those who favor transparency and control, the future remains bright. However, the ease-of-use and refined performance seen on Windows 11 will keep many mainstream users firmly planted in the Microsoft ecosystem.

The evolution of driver technology, particularly for AMD RDNA 3.5 graphics, is a reminder that performance isn’t just defined by hardware. It’s equally about the continuous improvements in software that bring out the best in that hardware. For Windows users, the current landscape signals that sticking with Windows 11—backed by AMD’s proprietary drivers—remains a sound choice for those who require peak performance and reliability.

Key Takeaways​

• AMD’s AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 360 and Radeon 880M RDNA 3.5 iGPU, as seen in the Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen 6, represent a significant advancement in integrated graphics performance.
• The proprietary AMD drivers on Windows 11, bolstered by frequent updates and optimizations, deliver a slight performance advantage over Ubuntu 25.04’s open-source drivers—especially under demanding scenarios.
• Windows 11’s seamless integration with Microsoft’s update ecosystem enables quicker deployment of performance improvements and driver fixes.
• For IT professionals and end users, regular system updates, benchmarking, and understanding workload requirements are key steps in maintaining optimum performance.

In conclusion, while Linux and its open-source philosophy continue to champion transparency and customization, Windows 11 is carving its niche with tangible performance groups—especially in areas where integrated graphics are critical. The ongoing evolution of AMD’s driver support means that whether you lean towards Windows or experiment with Linux, there’s never been a more exciting time to witness the convergence of hardware excellence and software ingenuity.

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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 2)