Since the emergence of AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 processors, equipped with advanced technologies such as Strix Halo, the performance race between operating systems has intensified. This technological duel now pits Windows 11, Microsoft’s flagship, against Ubuntu Linux 25.04, the latest version of the leading open-source distribution. As hardware gains power with a 12-core architecture and extensive integration of Radeon 8050S GPUs, software optimization becomes crucial.
The HP ZBook Ultra G1a, with its high-end configuration—64GB of LPDDR5-8000 memory, a 2TB NVMe SSD, and a high-resolution 2880 x 1800 display—provides an ideal testing ground for measuring, in real-world conditions, what each system offers. In this context, the language of performance extends to CPU management and graphics rendering, as well as to energy efficiency and software compatibility.
The rivalry between Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux is more than just a speed competition: it represents a major challenge for computer enthusiasts, developers, and system professionals who are wondering which platform is best for fully exploiting the potential of the latest generation of AMD Ryzen processors. Latency, responsiveness for heavy tasks, multi-threaded application execution, and the use of integrated GPUs are just some of the criteria examined in this in-depth comparison.
In-depth analysis of CPU performance between Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux on the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
The CPU, the centerpiece of the computing system, benefits from the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390’s 12-core architecture with advanced SMT for a total of 24 threads, optimized for parallel workloads and integrated artificial intelligence algorithms. In this respect, Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux compete in their ability to best harness this raw power.
Ubuntu 25.04 runs on the Linux 6.14 kernel, which, among other things, provides better lazy preemption management (preempt_lazy), helping to reduce thread latency in intensive multitasking. This technology, which follows improvements since Linux 6.13, is an undeniable advantage for optimized CPU scheduling and improved fluidity in various scenarios. This system advantage is particularly evident in benchmarks using heterogeneous workloads such as massive compilations, numerical simulations, or AI calculations. Windows 11 Pro, despite its numerous cumulative updates, still uses a resource management and system interruption model less suited to this new generation of Ryzen. Processes like HP Wolf Security, even when disabled, can generate a slight overhead and penalize background performance, particularly on demanding multi-threaded tasks.In practical tests using benchmarking tools like Geekbench 6, Cinebench R26, and Phoronix Test Suite, Ubuntu Linux tends to outperform Windows 11 in terms of multi-core scores, with gaps of up to 15% in favor of the Linux distribution. This difference is explained by better task distribution and the synergy between the Linux 6.14 kernel and the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390’s fine-grained thread management.Linux 6.14 introduces a kernel that optimizes the clock frequency in real time, reducing latency.
Windows 11 has a more mature desktop ecosystem, at the cost of higher resource consumption.
The Linux scheduler has better thread management thanks to lazy preemption, particularly during intensive multitasking. AMD has strengthened the compatibility of its Radeon drivers on Linux, also improving CPU-GPU coordination. This last point is crucial, as GPU integration directly affects CPU load during graphics processing and offloaded calculations. For those interested in delving deeper into Linux kernel management and its recent optimizations, it is recommended to consult detailed resources such as
- the introduction of lazy preemption in Linux 6.13
- .
- Check out our in-depth comparison between Windows 11 and Ubuntu on a Ryzen 390 processor. Analyze performance, software compatibility, and user interfaces to choose the best operating system for your needs. Radeon 8050S Graphics Performance Comparison under Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux
- In a modern system like the HP ZBook Ultra G1a powered by an AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 processor, the integrated Radeon 8050S GPU plays a key role, particularly in rendering workflows, video acceleration, and even certain machine learning tasks. The graphics benchmark between Windows 11 and Ubuntu 25.04 focuses primarily on driver management, API support, and resource optimization.
On Windows 11, proprietary AMD drivers offer solid compatibility and a well-developed user interface. This platform also benefits from DirectX 12 Ultimate, ensuring advanced texture management, ray tracing, and other advanced features for gaming and professional visualization. However, the GPU’s dedicated memory is still shared with the CPU, which can affect latency under heavy load. Linux, for its part, has made enormous progress thanks to the emergence of free AMDGPU drivers and constant updates to the Mesa, Vulcan, and OpenCL libraries. Ubuntu 25.04 with kernel 6.14, combined with Mesa 23.x, provides a powerful graphics experience, often compared to Windows, particularly in rendering and parallel computing software. For gaming, initiatives like Steam Play are also accelerating this convergence.Tests conducted with tools like Unigine Heaven, Basemark GPU, and Phoronix benchmarks illustrate a slight advantage for Ubuntu Linux, up to 8-10%
Free AMDGPU drivers offer better system integration and are less of a hassle than sometimes restrictive proprietary drivers. Windows 11 remains the benchmark for accessing demanding games thanks to its comprehensive and optimized DirectX.
The Linux Mesa and Vulcan libraries are continually improving, narrowing the graphics gap with Windows.
The Ryzen AI Max PRO 390’s shared CPU-GPU architecture facilitates task switching between the CPU and GPU, an area where Linux now excels.
To dive into the details of graphics performance under Linux, it’s useful to consult recent analyses such as those available on
the clock frequency improvements in Linux 6.13 , or to follow the evolution of dedicated distributions such as CachyOS
- on modern architectures.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LI-1Zdk-Ys
- Impact of resource management and power consumption between Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux
- Beyond raw performance, power management on a laptop equipped with an AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 processor determines battery life and thermal performance, which are essential for prolonged and efficient use. Operating systems directly influence how power should be distributed and conserved.
Windows 11 offers a variety of power profiles, but these sometimes remain less granular than their Linux counterparts. On Ubuntu 25.04, the Linux 6.14 kernel significantly improves the management of C states (low-power CPU modes) and the ability to apply dynamic clock speeds with an adjustable CPU sampling rate (for example, 250 Hz versus 1000 Hz on some Windows systems). These adjustments contribute to significant gains in endurance while maintaining responsiveness. In a Linux environment, thanks to tools like TLP, Powertop, and advanced kernel settings, it’s possible to push energy optimization much further than in Windows 11. Finer control over sleep, smart suspend, and individual core management are factors that play a role in Linux. A recent study highlights a drastically improved reduction in suspend and resume times under Linux 6.14 compared to Windows management. This improvement may seem trivial, but it is crucial in a professional context where mobility is important. For a deeper dive, reading this article on Linux 6.14 optimizations is very informative.Ubuntu Linux offers greater granularity in the fine-grained management of CPU frequencies and low-power modes. Windows 11 offers simple profiles, but they are sometimes less suited to modern Ryzen processors and their fine-grained energy management. Open-source Linux tools are valuable allies for optimization on high-end laptops.
This illustrates how the performance comparison between Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux is not limited to numbers but also affects the long-term user experience and energy efficiency, essential in selecting a powerful and fluid operating system.
Discover the performance of Windows 11 and Ubuntu on a Ryzen 390 processor. This in-depth comparison analyzes the user experience, resource management, and the advantages of each operating system to help you choose the best option for your needs.
Software Compatibility and Use Cases: Ecosystems: Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu Linux on AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
While the machine provides phenomenal power, the relevance of an operating system also depends on its software ecosystem. Windows 11 excels in software compatibility, particularly with office suites, proprietary business tools, and popular audiovisual creation software. This software maturity often makes it the default choice for professionals who require reliable support.
Ubuntu Linux, with its extensive library of open-source software and package management via APT, Snap, or Flatpak, offers an increasing number of powerful and specific applications, particularly for development and systems engineering. This system is particularly popular with those who want to fully exploit the potential of the Ryzen CPU/GPU while benefiting from GNU/Linux advantages such as advanced customization and enhanced security. For the Linux community, hardware compatibility is also progressing with multiple improvements, such as native support for Google Pixel phones and the ability to control the fully responsive desktop environment. Windows 11 benefits from extensive software support for proprietary applications and video games.
- Ubuntu Linux relies on an open-source model and a rich catalog of development tools and embedded systems.
- Specialized distributions, such as Fedora Asahi Remix, further optimize performance on certain hardware platforms.
- Hardware support is constantly evolving in Linux, facilitating adoption even for users coming from Windows.
- To form an informed opinion on this topic, resources like
this Linux desktop compatibility demo
Evolution and Future Outlook: Impact of Updates on Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux Performance with AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390
In 2025, regular updates will play a key role in the evolution of operating system performance. Ubuntu Linux benefits from a sustained release schedule with improved Linux kernels, such as 6.14, which incorporates advanced features focused on low latency, security, and power management.
Windows 11, while slower to integrate certain low-level technical adjustments, focuses on stability, security, and backward compatibility, which sometimes penalizes raw performance but ensures a consistent user experience. The efforts behind modules like Hornet for Linux, which strengthen kernel-level security, demonstrate a convergence of goals toward greater robustness.
On the Linux side, new features like
- Lazy preemption, reduced resume times, and a finer dynamic clock frequency are regularly added to the optimizations. These advances, documented on several blogs and forums, ensure that the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 + Ubuntu Linux combination remains a relevant choice for users looking for a fast, responsive, and secure solution.
- Linux update cycles bring rapid advances in resource management.
- Microsoft ensures broad compatibility through integrated cumulative updates.
- AMD hardware support is progressing in tandem with the open-source community.
Open benchmarks like Phoronix remain reliable indicators for gauging performance trends. Enthusiasts wishing to stay informed benefit from valuable resources such as the evolution of the Hornet security module on Linux
Linux En Caja
. Check out our in-depth comparison of Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu on a Ryzen 390 processor. Explore performance, application compatibility, user experience, and more to make the best choice for your needs.
