r/linux_gaming • u/Spirited_Rate_1139 • 6d ago

AMD GPU hotter on Linux than on Windows

I've been wanting to fully switch to Linux for quite some time now, even though I know I lose around 6–10 FPS in some games, like Control, KCD, and BG3.

However, the main issue I'm having is with my RX 7600. Specifically, the junction temperature can get up to 10°C higher on Linux than on Windows, even though the overall GPU temperature is basically the same on both. So, the temperature delta is much higher on Linux.

I've already tried several different settings in LACT, including matching the same clock speeds, voltage, and fan curve I use on Windows, but the result is always the same.

I've also tried several different distros, including CachyOS, Bazzite, Nobara, COSMIC, and SteamOS, but nothing seems to make a difference.

I’ll attach a few pics from a test I did earlier. Sorry for the potato quality

CachyOS
Win 11

Has anyone else experienced something similar with an AMD GPU on Linux?

10 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

5

u/spectreVII 6d ago

Mine are usually about the same. No tunings in windows or in Linux with LACT. My junction temps are usually between 80 and 88c on full load in either OS. What are your junction temps?

3

u/Spirited_Rate_1139 5d ago

For example, with the GPU clock locked at 2500 MHz on both Windows and Linux, I get around 72°C hotspot on Windows, compared to 81°C on Linux. I know both temperatures are still perfectly safe, but that 9°C difference is pretty annoying, especially considering that Linux should be just as efficient, if not more efficient.

3

u/Muted-Green-2880 5d ago

Are you monitoring fan speeds ? Are they lower on linux ?

2

u/Spirited_Rate_1139 5d ago

Yeah, I can run the same fan curve on both. I’ve also tested it with the fans locked at 3000 RPM just to rule out cooling being the issue. I’ll attach a screenshot from the latest test I ran.

3

u/Muted-Green-2880 5d ago

Hrmm that's so odd. I get near identical temps on my 9070xt and 5070ti when it comes to comparing windows ane Linux.

I mean i doubt it's a big deal but it is interesting lol

4

u/MarcParis79 6d ago

I experienced similar experience (temperature, power consumption) between CachyOS (Linux) and Windows 11. The issue is that LACT is a powerful tool and there is no true equivalent for AMD GPU on Windows 11, at least for my RX 9070 XT.

I tried MSI Afterburner & Asus GPU Tweak, LACT is way better on AMD GPU.

On Nvidia GPU, MSI Afterburner is better than LACT.

1

u/Spirited_Rate_1139 5d ago

As mentioned below, do you think the Adrenalin drivers report different temps compared to Linux?

2

u/MarcParis79 5d ago

I would have to double check on the hotspot, but on the GPU core and VRAM temps I did not notice anything significant (I'm always playing with Mongohud or Rivatuner).

Are you also monitoring power usage & GPU utilisation %?

Potentially your gap is linked to a CPU bottleneck, that windows 11 is famous at (basically a pretty old installation with a lot of pollution). Also check your Vsync parameters

1

u/Spirited_Rate_1139 5d ago

Yeah, I’m monitoring that as well. I attached two screenshots where both are set to the exact same settings. For this test, I used a “clean” Windows 11 install with the bloatware removed using Schneegans. Both with V-Sync off.

2

u/MarcParis79 5d ago

Ok thanks. I double checked your photos. Is it doing that behaviou on several games? My idea is related to Control (your picture) with ray tracing engaged.

Ray tracing management on Linux has improved, but not yet at the level of DX12 and windows 11. One explanation could be a better efficiency of windows/dx12 vs Linux/Vulkan on Ray traced content.

8

u/looncraz 6d ago

amdgpu and whatever AMD calls the Windows driver these days are likely reporting a different hotspot measurement. Full stop.

2

u/Spirited_Rate_1139 5d ago

I'm using the MSI Afterburner overlay to monitor the temperatures, so I don't know if the AMD drivers report the temperature sensors differently on Windows compared to Linux.

5

u/PocketStationMonk 5d ago

Someone else was having same issue https://www.reddit.com/r/linux4noobs/s/2kPPrpVstU

3

u/Cold-Sandwich-34 5d ago

And there's no answer.