This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:08:20
The video explores the feasibility of using Linux, specifically Tuxedo OS based on Ubuntu, for gaming on a Tuxedo Computers Stellaris 15 laptop, featuring an Intel Core i7-12700H CPU and Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU. It compares Linux gaming performance to Windows, highlighting Nvidia driver limitations that restrict power usage on Linux, resulting in lower gaming performance compared to Windows. The presenter tests multiple games, using tools like Proton and Lutris for compatibility with non-native Linux games, noting that while Linux can run many games, it often suffers from inconsistencies and requires more effort to configure. Windows, in contrast, offers higher performance and seamless operation. The video concludes that despite advancements, Linux may not be suitable for most gamers due to its complexity and performance gaps, though it remains valued for privacy and server use cases.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter evaluates whether you should use Linux instead of Windows for gaming on a laptop. Tuxedo Computers sent their Stellaris 15 laptop for review, featuring an Intel Core i7-12700H CPU, Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU, and a 1440p 240Hz screen. The laptop is identical to models like the XMG Neo 15 but comes with Tuxedo OS, a custom version of Ubuntu, and supports dual booting with Windows.
A key highlight is Tuxedo’s innovative feature of enabling water cooling support on Linux by reverse engineering the Windows-based Bluetooth system. The video briefly highlights the Ugreen USB C 7-in-1 hub as a solution for expanding connectivity, featuring various ports including a Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, and multiple USB ports.
Customization options like custom lid images and laser-etched keys are available from Tuxedo. Battery performance shows a negligible 2% improvement with Linux over Windows. The main issue discussed is the Nvidia RTX 3060 GPU being limited to 115 watts on Linux due to driver constraints, restricting dynamic boost functionality, which allows up to 140 watts in Windows. This power limitation gives Windows a performance edge in gaming, though the laptop’s control center in Windows can disable dynamic boost to create a fair comparison.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter discusses the comparative gaming performance on Linux and Windows, highlighting that Nvidia’s current driver issues affect this comparison. They tested games on both operating systems using dynamic boost settings to ensure an apples-to-apples comparison, noting that Windows generally performed better even without dynamic boost due to higher power allowance, resulting in more FPS.
The gaming tests were mostly conducted via Steam, with Proton set up for non-native Linux games to provide compatibility, and Lutris used to run Epic or Ubisoft games with Wine. Community resources like Protondb and Lutris were suggested for assessing game compatibility on Linux. While Windows had superior performance overall, Linux showed closer results for native versions, albeit with some performance inconsistencies, such as higher average FPS but significant stuttering for ‘Control’ when run through Lutris.
TUXEDO OS, based on Ubuntu, was mentioned for its stability, though a more cutting-edge Linux distro might perform better for gaming. The segment concludes that despite progress in Linux gaming, due to various challenges and inconsistent performance, it may not be suitable for most users yet. An example provided was ‘Apex Legends’ which had multiple issues and required extra steps like downloading a shader cache and enabling Proton EasyAntiCheatRuntime, illustrating the trial-and-error nature of setting up games on Linux.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses their experience with using Linux for gaming. They had success with running some games, like Apex, thanks to community-sourced files, but faced random issues that soured the experience. They contrast this with the ease of gaming on Windows, where games run seamlessly. The speaker also highlights the learning curve for users transitioning from Windows to Linux, citing examples like getting used to the command line and identifying basic applications. They suggest that Linux isn’t as intuitive or polished as Windows, largely due to budget differences.
The speaker does not recommend Linux for most gamers unless they enjoy tinkering or seek features like better privacy. They share their past enthusiasm for Linux and acknowledge its effectiveness in server environments but find it hard to justify for personal gaming use, particularly when dual-booting with Windows offers a convenient solution. They clarify that their criticisms aren’t due to the hardware itself but rather their overall experience with Linux. The video ends with a teaser for testing how a very cheap gaming laptop performs in games.