Unveiling the Performance Battle: Ubuntu 15.04 vs Windows 10 Pro in Dota 2 Benchmark

Unveiling the Performance Battle: Ubuntu 15.04 vs Windows 10 Pro in Dota 2 Benchmark

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Benchmark Setup
3. Results and Analysis
4. Comparison between Windows and Ubuntu
5. AMD Driver Performance
6. Issues with Catalyst 15.7
7. Conclusion
8. Recommendations for Gamers
9. Future Prospects
10. Resources

Introduction

🎮 Gaming enthusiasts often face the dilemma of choosing the right operating system for their gaming needs. In this article, we explore the performance of Dota 2 on Windows 10 and Ubuntu 15.04, focusing on the AMD r9390 graphics card. We will compare the results obtained using Mesa 11.1 drivers on Ubuntu and Catalyst 15.7 drivers on Windows. The unexpected lead of Ubuntu in previous benchmarks piqued our Curiosity, prompting us to run the experiment again using OpenGL instead of DirectX. Let's dive into the results and see which operating system emerges as the champion.

Benchmark Setup

🔬 To ensure an unbiased comparison, we conducted the benchmark using identical settings on both operating systems. We started at 720p with minimum graphics settings and gradually increased the resolution and graphics settings. The intent was to gauge performance in different scenarios, bringing about an apples-to-apples comparison between Windows and Ubuntu. The open-source drivers were used for Ubuntu, while the Catalyst 15.7 drivers were utilized on Windows.

Results and Analysis

💻 Starting with 720p at minimum settings, Ubuntu surprisingly took the lead with an average of 12 frames per Second (FPS). As we increased the resolution and graphics settings, Ubuntu consistently outperformed Windows. At maximum settings and 1080p resolution, the difference in FPS was three, with Ubuntu still maintaining its lead. The side-by-side comparison clearly showed that Windows experienced significant FPS drops, while Ubuntu maintained steady performance.

✅ Pros:

• Ubuntu outperformed Windows in FPS across different settings.
• Consistent frame rates on Ubuntu result in smoother gameplay experience.

❌ Cons:

• Windows exhibited higher FPS spikes but also experienced significant drops, impacting the overall average FPS.

Comparison between Windows and Ubuntu

🖥️ The benchmark results were unexpected, as we had assumed Windows would have a significant lead, given its broader AMD driver support. However, Ubuntu consistently outperformed Windows across various scenarios, suggesting optimized performance for Dota 2 and Source 2 games on the Linux-based operating system.

AMD Driver Performance

⚙️ It is worth mentioning that the remarkable performance showcased by Ubuntu might differ for users relying on Catalyst or r600g drivers. These drivers do not provide the same level of performance as the open-source Mesa drivers used in this benchmark. Consequently, older AMD cards (6000 series and below) might not experience the same performance boost as the newer 7000 series and above.

Issues with Catalyst 15.7

⚠️ Catalyst 15.7, the AMD driver for Windows, posed certain challenges during the benchmark process. Despite attempts to install and use this driver, it proved to be unworkable, often resulting in incomplete screen rendering and system instability. Similar issues were encountered with the latest Catalyst beta driver (15.8) as well. In contrast, the open-source Mesa driver on Ubuntu provided a stable environment for conducting the benchmark.

Conclusion

🏆 The results of this benchmark indicate that Ubuntu holds an unexpected performance advantage over Windows when it comes to running Dota 2 on an AMD r9390 graphics card. Despite the broader AMD driver support on Windows, Ubuntu consistently outperformed its counterpart. While Windows exhibited higher FPS spikes, Ubuntu provided a more consistent and smoother gaming experience. However, it is important to note that individual experiences may vary, particularly for users with older AMD cards.

Recommendations for Gamers

🔍 Based on the benchmark results, Ubuntu appears to be a suitable choice for gamers looking to maximize performance and stability with AMD graphics cards. The open-source Mesa drivers, coupled with the optimized performance for Dota 2 and Source 2 games, offer a compelling gaming experience on the Linux-based operating system.

Future Prospects

🔮 The unexpected performance advantage exhibited by Ubuntu raises interesting possibilities for the future of gaming on Linux. With further improvements and optimizations, Linux-based operating systems could potentially become even more attractive to gamers. Additionally, the ongoing development of AMD drivers and collaboration between the hardware and software communities might lead to enhanced gaming experiences across various gaming titles.

Resources

• Dota 2: www.dota2.com
• AMD Graphics Drivers: www.amd.com/en/support
• Ubuntu: www.ubuntu.com