Recent tests reveal that Windows 11 outperforms Linux on Lenovo's ThinkPad P1 Gen 8, equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7255H processor. This discovery challenges the common belief that Linux often has the edge in high-performance creative tasks.
Testing Environment and Results
The testing involved a ThinkPad P1 Gen 8 featuring an Intel Core Ultra 7255H, 64GB LPDDR5-7467 RAM, NVMe storage, and an NVIDIA RTX Pro 1000 GPU. Various benchmarks demonstrated that Windows 11 consistently outpaced Ubuntu 24.04.3 LTS, even when proprietary renderers were used in the comparison. This outcome prompted Lenovo to collaborate with BIOS, thermal, and power management teams, alongside Intel specialists, for further investigation.
Firmware and Kernel Adjustments
In attempts to optimize Linux performance, trials with OEM firmware and the Linux 6.18 Git kernel were conducted, incorporating multiple tuning parameters. Despite these efforts, Windows 11 retained its lead. The Core Ultra 7255H's specifications, boasting 16 cores (6 Performance, 8 Efficient, and 2 Low Power Efficient) and power ratings from 28 W to 115 W, underpin these results.
Potential Implications
While these results could indicate a particular advantage for Windows 11 on the ThinkPad P1 Gen 8, it's uncertain whether they signal a wider trend on newer hardware and firmware setups. Further testing on different laptops is planned to clarify the broader applicability of this advantage.
