Intel Core Ultra X7 Panther Lake: Windows 11 vs. Ubuntu Linux Performance
The recent benchmarks conducted on the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, equipped with Panther Lake architecture, have generated significant interest. This analysis focuses on the performance differences between Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux 26.04, showcasing the capabilities of the new CPU and integrated graphics.
Performance Testing Overview
The testing environment consisted of the MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI D3MTG MS-14T2 laptop. It was configured with the following specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra X7 358H with 16 cores
- Memory: 32GB LPDDR5-8533
- Storage: 1TB Micron 2500 NVMe SSD
- Graphics: Integrated Intel Arc B390
The benchmarks aimed to assess whether Linux could match or exceed the capabilities of Windows 11. All tests utilized the default options, applying a balanced power profile on both operating systems.
Setup and Methodology
The tests were conducted under two distinct environments:
- Windows 11: The Microsoft operating system was updated to the latest version available at launch.
- Ubuntu 26.04: A development version of Ubuntu, featuring the Linux 6.19 kernel and Mesa 26.1-devel graphics drivers.
It’s worth noting that the MSI’s balanced power profile settings were initially lower than Intel recommended. This discrepancy could impact performance outcomes.
Benchmark Results
Various CPU and graphics benchmarks were executed to evaluate the performance of the two operating systems. The goal was to see how each platform performs with the Panther Lake hardware.
Key Findings
While exact performance metrics were not included, the testing revealed a 1:1 comparison between Windows 11 and Ubuntu 26.04, given that both utilized the same power profile settings. The significant uplift in performance on Linux could be further explored with adjustments to the power limits set by MSI.
Conclusion
The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H demonstrates strong capabilities on both Windows 11 and Ubuntu Linux 26.04. Ongoing testing and future benchmarks may provide deeper insights into the performance potential of Panther Lake architecture across various workloads. Intel’s support in providing the MSI Prestige 14 Flip AI D3MTG MS-14T2 was instrumental in facilitating these tests, paving the way for an exciting future in cross-platform performance evaluations.
