Brief Summary
This video compares the gaming performance of Steam OS and Windows 11 on the Lenovo Legion Go, focusing on frame rates and their variability in Diablo 4. It covers the test setup, including TDP settings and the use of FSR3 frame generation on Steam OS. The analysis reveals that while Steam OS generally offers more stable frame rates, Windows 11 can achieve higher average frame rates, especially at higher TDPs with frame generation enabled. The video also touches on potential future improvements with more RAM and software updates.
- Performance comparison of Steam OS and Windows 11 on Lenovo Legion Go.
- Analysis of frame rate variability and average FPS in Diablo 4.
- Explanation of FSR3 frame generation on Steam OS.
Introduction
The host discusses the current handheld gaming renaissance, mentioning the Nintendo Switch 2 rumors, an Xbox gaming handheld, and Steam OS being installable on devices outside the Steam Deck. He introduces a study analyzing the performance of Steam OS versus Windows 11 on the Legion Go, including sharing the test bed and compiling the results. He also mentions that the Steam OS software is in beta. Additionally, he expresses interest in testing the real Steam OS on ROG Ally and Ally X if there is community interest.
Community Updates
The host shares community news about a potential Steam's big picture mode-like user experience being integrated into Windows 11, possibly in anticipation of an Xbox-branded handheld gaming PC. He references "Project Kenan," a collaboration between ASUS and Microsoft. He also mentions a previously planned unboxing and review video for a NECA TMNT movie Leonardo and Shredder two-pack, which will now be a separate video due to the 35th anniversary of the TMNT movie.
Testbed Description
The host explains the testbed for comparing Steam OS and Windows 11 performance, noting that Steam OS is beta software. The tests will cover 15, 20, and 25-watt TDP settings, with and without frame generation, in Diablo 4. Diablo 4 was chosen because it is a DirectX12 game, which is more similar to the Vulcan graphics pipeline used in Steam OS via Proton DB. He also mentions that Steam OS does not natively support frame generation, but FSR3 frame generation can be injected using a third-party plugin for DirectX12 games that support Nvidia's DLSS.
Test Configuration
The host details the test configuration, showing settings in the AMD software, including integer scaling and AMD fluid motion frames. He mentions two frame counters: one from Steam showing real FPS and one from Legion Space showing FPS with AMD fluid motion frames enabled. The resolution is set to 1280x800, with 15-watt TDP settings used across the board.
Decky Framegen FSR3 Frame Generation
The host demonstrates how to install and use the Decky Framegen plugin on Steam OS to enable FSR3 frame generation. He explains that the process is the same for any Linux-based gaming distro. The plugin allows users to inject FSR3 into games that support DirectX12 and Nvidia's DLSS. After installing the plugin, users must patch the game, select Nvidia deep learning super sampling in the game settings, and enable frame generation.
SteamOS vs Windows 11 Side-by-side Comparison
The video transitions to a side-by-side comparison of SteamOS and Windows 11, showcasing gameplay footage and performance metrics.
Analysis of the Results
The host presents charts comparing average frames per second at different TDP settings without frame generation. The data shows that at lower TDPs, Windows 11 and Steam OS have comparable performance, but Steam OS tends to have higher frame rates as TDP increases. He emphasizes the importance of looking at frame rate variability, not just average FPS. Charts showing variability across different TDP settings reveal that frame rates are more stable in Steam OS. With frame generation enabled, Windows 11 outperforms Steam OS at higher power rates, but Steam OS provides more stable frame rates. The host suggests that the Legion Go might benefit from 32GB of RAM to reduce variability.
Closing Remarks
In closing, the host summarizes the performance characteristics of Windows 11 and Steam OS on the Lenovo Legion Go. He encourages viewers to like the video and subscribe for more gaming tips, collectibles, and mods.
