When comparing the performance of gaming on Windows vs. SteamOS, results can vary quite a bit. Take *Borderlands 3*, for example. It generally runs significantly better on Windows, sometimes by as much as 20 to 30 percent compared to SteamOS. Despite being released in 2019 and lacking ray-tracing effects, it performs well enough on SteamOS, though Windows consistently pulls ahead.
Looking deeper, Windows 11, particularly the 25H2 version, generally performs better on dedicated GPUs. This trend continues even when VRAM isn’t a limiting factor. For instance, in games like *Forza Horizon 5* and *Cyberpunk 2077*, especially with ray-tracing on, Windows shows a clear edge of about 15 to 20 percent.
Valve should be recognized for the improvements in SteamOS. In many of the games we investigated, there’s limited performance difference between the two systems. Titles like *Cyberpunk* (without ray-tracing), *Returnal*, and *Assassin’s Creed Valhalla* often show almost identical performance—sometimes within single-digit percentage differences, which could easily be attributed to measurement errors.
Switching gears to integrated GPUs, like the Radeon 780M and RX 8060S, reveals a different story. The RX 8060S is significantly more powerful, featuring over three times the compute units as the 780M and utilizing faster LPDDR5X-8000 memory. Interestingly, in games like *Forza* and *Cyberpunk* with ray-tracing enabled, SteamOS tends to perform better on the 780M, even surpassing Windows. The performance gap also narrows with the RX 8060S, suggesting that SteamOS is catching up in this segment.
This kind of performance variation highlights not just the hardware differences, but also the software optimizations each system utilizes. As the market for gaming continues to evolve, both platforms may see further updates that could change these dynamics. Plus, with the ongoing advancements in GPU technology and coding tricks, we may witness even more fluctuations in future comparisons.
According to a recent survey by the International Data Corporation (IDC), around 60% of gamers still prefer Windows for its diverse game library and better performance metrics. This data showcases a strong preference for Windows, but the rising popularity of SteamOS cannot be ignored, especially as more gamers seek alternatives that prioritize open-source software.
Ultimately, both Windows and SteamOS have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice often comes down to the specific games you play and the hardware you use. As technology evolves, staying informed on these developments will help gamers make the best choices for their setups.
