Linux GPU benchmarks impress in Windows gaming alternative Bazzite, but Nvidia is inconsistent

By popular demand, Gamers Nexus ran comprehensive GPU benchmarks on the gaming-friendly Bazzite. The Linux OS has convinced some Windows users frustrated with recurring issues to jump ship. The results show that users can experience smooth gaming in Linux, but with compatibility limitations. Also, as seen in other tests, AMD GPUs exhibited more consistent performance than Nvidia graphics cards.

Before sharing the charts, Steve Burke highlighted the difficulties with Linux benchmarking. The channel was unable to use the same Windows software to measure frame rates. Adding to the complications, some games have separate versions for the different operating systems.

To counteract the challenges, Gamers Nexus modified its testing approach. It elected to freeze updates in Bazzite, which risked missing out on performance-improving patches. With so many variables, Burke cautioned viewers not to make direct comparisons with Windows benchmarks.

The Linux GPU benchmarks included high-end options like the Nvidia RTX 5090 and the Radeon RX 9070 XT. Still, cards like the RTX 5060, RX 9060 XT, and some Intel offerings were also involved. Overall, AMD cards fared well, outshining more expensive Nvidia rivals in some games.

In Black Myth: Wukong, at 1080p, the RTX 5090 led the way with an average fps of 114.8. However, Gamers Nexus noted significant frame pacing issues, while the 9070 XT was much steadier at 105.2 fps. Despite a monumental price difference, most gamers would have a better experience opting for the AMD GPU. That said, the average frame rate gap between the two widened at higher resolutions.

The worst game for Nvidia graphics cards in the tests may have been Starfield. Even at 4K, the 9070 XT topped the charts, with the RTX 5090 barely ahead of the 9070. Nvidia chips also produced bizarre marks in the Linux variation of Baldur’s Gate 3. Even so, scores improved when the Windows version ran through compatibility layers.

Is it time for gamers to abandon Windows?

Nvidia’s initial reliance on proprietary drivers has put it at a disadvantage in Linux distributions like Bazzite. Nevertheless, regardless of hardware, the OS still can’t boot games that depend on anti-cheat software. Gamers Nexus had to drop F1 24 from its testing routine, while Battlefield 6 and Black Ops 7 remain unavailable.

Even with lofty benchmarks, gamers could encounter more crashes in the Windows alternative. The YouTube channel also found ray tracing settings grayed out in titles like Dragon's Dogma 2. Ultimately, gaming on Linux has become less of a headache, but it may be too soon to declare Windows dead.