While the first Steam Machines are available for sale, performance tests are carried out between Windows 10 and SteamOS distribution to determine any differences in video games. As per the result, the Microsoft OS is often much more effective. Explanations are given below.
Originally designed to be proposed to pair with Steam Machines, SteamOS comes as a GNU/Linux distribution that includes more and more compatible games. Indeed, Valve OS has previously passed the 1,500 compatible games bar. However, some Steam machines are scheduled to ship SteamOS but not Windows 10. The site Ars Technica has conducted performance tests to determine if the GNU/Linux distribution is atleast as good as the Microsoft OS.
The tests were performed on a dual-boot PC with two systems, using the Geekbench 3 benchmark on games such as Metro Redux and Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor (both compatible to SteamOS). The results show obvious differences: ultra, Middle Earth rotates on average 34.5 fps on Windows 10 and only 14.6 fps on SteamOS. The graph above displays that to lower the graphic detail always that has a disadvantage for the dispensing valve.
On Metro Redux, it comes to 9.5 fps in ultra on Windows 10, against 4.2 frame per second on SteamOS. Similar tests were carried out on several games from Valve, like Left 4 Dead 2, Team Fortress 2, Portal 2 and Dota 2. In any case, this SteamOS performance is relative down compared to Windows 10.
Recall, however, that SteamOS is a young distribution and can obviously evolve in the right direction, so that it can recapture the performance of the Microsoft OS. For now, gamers prefer Windows 10 certainly encouraging.
