Recent performance tests have indicated that while SteamOS can run Windows games impressively on handheld devices, the story is quite different for desktops. The latest tests simulating Steam Machine hardware and mainstream gaming PCs show that Linux’s significant strides are still primarily centered around integrated graphics systems. Meanwhile, on machines using discrete graphics cards, the advantage still leans toward Windows, posing many challenges to Valve’s ambition to expand its ecosystem.
Real-world performance of SteamOS on powerful PC hardware
Recent benchmark results from the reputable tech site Ars Technica have pointed out a notable trend: SteamOS’s performance advantage over Windows 11 largely “evaporates,” and sometimes even reverses, when running on devices using discrete graphics cards. Furthermore, Valve’s Linux distribution and compatibility layer seem to exacerbate performance issues on graphics card (GPU) models with a modest 8GB of video memory (VRAM).
As handheld gaming PCs become increasingly popular, previous tests have consistently demonstrated that installing SteamOS or a similar Linux variant, such as Bazzite, often yields better performance. This has proven true even on the Asus ROG Ally, despite Microsoft‘s efforts to streamline and optimize the Windows operating system for that specific device.
However, the story on desktops is different. To provide a more detailed and objective view, Ars Technica conducted benchmarks on several AAA titles across a range of desktop Radeon discrete graphics cards. The entity constructed a test system with a configuration similar to Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine mini PC. This system included an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X central processing unit (CPU), an Asrock B650 Pro RS motherboard, and 32GB of DDR5-6000 RAM. It is worth noting that the expected 16GB RAM capacity of the Steam Machine would likely have been more than enough for all the games included in this test.
Detailed results from blockbuster games and the VRAM issue
While performance varied between games, some clear trends have begun to emerge. Windows and SteamOS are essentially tied in blockbuster titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Returnal, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. This is truly an impressive performance for SteamOS, considering the operating system must bear the resource overhead of the translation layer required to run Windows games.
However, the comparison becomes bleaker when ray tracing is enabled. Windows takes the lead in Cyberpunk with Ultra Ray Tracing settings. Meanwhile, SteamOS keeps pace in Returnal at Epic Ray Tracing settings—except when running on the 8GB version of the Radeon RX 7600 card. Enabling ray tracing in both of these games hits the quite narrow VRAM limits of the aforementioned GPU, causing severe frame rate drops.
The racing game Forza Horizon 5 shows a different, unique pattern. On systems using integrated graphics like Radeon 780M and Ryzen AI Max 8060S, SteamOS is on par with Windows. However, Windows takes a significant lead on all discrete graphics card models. That said, the game’s Extreme Ray Tracing graphics setting is still playable on the RX 7600 card when running SteamOS.
Borderlands 3 is consistently the most Windows-friendly title, even when running on integrated 780M and 8060S graphics. This is also one of the few games that favored Microsoft’s operating system more on handheld devices in previous tests.
The future of Steam Machine and Valve’s grand ambitions
Overall, these results raise certain concerns, especially since the custom discrete GPU model of the Steam Machine has specifications very similar to the RX 7600 and also only includes 8GB of standard GDDR6 VRAM. Valve is fully aware of this issue and is actively working on improvements.
It should also be noted that Ars Technica’s testing used the latest build of SteamOS, which is currently optimized primarily around the Steam Deck handheld device. It is highly likely that Valve will release new driver updates before officially launching the Steam Machine early next year to fix this situation.
These performance benchmarks also partially explain why Valve’s Linux distribution has not yet been widely released for the public to install on any computer. An official release for both handhelds and desktops is in the plans, but it will likely require more internal testing and thorough optimization steps before it is ready for everyone to experience it in its most complete form. Nevertheless, these results still paint an increasingly encouraging picture for gaming on Linux in general and for Valve’s massive ambitions in this challenging field.
