AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D: Performance Better on Windows 10 than Windows 11

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The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D is touted as the “world’s best processor for gamers and creators,” promising unparalleled performance. However, recent benchmark tests have revealed a surprising revelation: this powerhouse chip actually performs better on Windows 10 than on Windows 11, especially in demanding gaming scenarios. As Windows 10 nears its end of life, this discrepancy could have significant implications for gamers and creators relying on the latest hardware. In this article, we explore these findings in detail, diving into the benchmarks, the impact of Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), and the broader implications for users.

Benchmark Results Show AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Performs Better on Windows 10

Recent tests conducted by YouTube benchmarker Tech YES City found that the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D performs better on Windows 10 than Windows 11, particularly in gaming scenarios. The chip, which was released on March 12, 2025, with a price tag of $699, has garnered attention for its excellent gaming and creator-oriented performance. However, the benchmark results suggest that the Ryzen 9 9950X3D’s capabilities are somewhat diminished when running on Windows 11, particularly when Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is enabled.

1. CS2 Performance Comparison:

On Windows 10, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D achieves an impressive 745 frames per second (fps) in CS2 at 1080p with the lowest graphical settings.
However, the performance drops slightly to 729fps on Windows 11 and further decreases to 710fps with VBS enabled.
This represents a small, but noticeable, 2.1% performance difference between the two operating systems.

2. Fortnite Performance:

Similarly, Fortnite shows a significant performance hit on Windows 11. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D achieves 591fps on Windows 10, but this drops to 541fps on Windows 11, representing a 9.2% performance loss.
With VBS enabled, the performance drops even further, losing an additional 41 frames.

3. Other Games Affected:

The performance discrepancies aren’t limited to CS2 and Fortnite. Other popular titles like Marvel Rivals, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 also show similar trends, with Windows 10 outperforming Windows 11.

4. Custom-Tuned Windows 11:

Even a custom-tuned version of Windows 11 (24H2) failed to close the performance gap, still trailing behind a fresh Windows 10 install. This further compounds the issue for those looking to squeeze every bit of performance out of AMD’s flagship processor.

The Impact of Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)

One of the most significant factors behind this performance gap is Virtualization-Based Security (VBS), a feature introduced with Windows 11 to enhance system security. While VBS is designed to protect against malware and other security threats, it appears to be creating an unintended bottleneck for the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. When VBS is enabled, performance drops significantly, particularly in CPU-bound titles like CS2 and Fortnite, where every frame counts for competitive gameplay.

VBS essentially isolates and protects parts of the system memory, which can cause latency and reduce overall processing speed. For power users and gamers who demand top-tier performance, this reduction in processing power can be a major concern.

What Undercode Says: Analyzing the Discrepancy

The performance differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 when running the Ryzen 9 9950X3D highlight an interesting issue for enthusiasts. While AMD’s chip has been heralded as the best for both gaming and creation tasks, the fact that it performs better on an older operating system—one that is nearing its end of life—raises several important questions.

1. VBS as a Bottleneck:

The performance hit caused by VBS is one of the most critical factors here. As Windows 11 continues to push for greater security through virtualization, its impact on system performance becomes more pronounced. For gamers who prioritize raw performance over added security features, this is a clear downside.

2. Windows

While Windows 11 has received several optimizations over time, it’s still not the ideal platform for every piece of hardware. AMD’s Ryzen 9 9950X3D is designed to push performance boundaries, but it seems that Windows 11 is holding it back, especially with VBS enabled. This scenario underscores that while new operating systems bring security and features, they can also introduce compatibility issues and performance drawbacks.

The Risk of Being Forced into Windows 11:
With Windows 10 support ending in October 2025, users will eventually have no choice but to upgrade to Windows 11. For those who rely heavily on raw gaming performance, the fact that Windows 11 isn’t optimizing AMD’s most powerful processor could be frustrating. Although the performance loss in gaming titles might seem minimal, it’s important to note that competitive gamers, for example, might notice even slight frame rate drops, especially in fast-paced titles.

4. Future Windows Updates and AMD’s Role:

It’s possible that future updates to Windows 11 could improve compatibility and performance with high-end processors like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D. However, the issue with VBS might persist unless Microsoft makes changes to how the feature impacts performance. AMD may also need to work closely with Microsoft to optimize the Ryzen 9 9950X3D for Windows 11 to ensure users get the best of both worlds—security and performance.

Why Windows 10 Is Still a Viable Option for Now:
Despite the looming end-of-life date for Windows 10, it remains a viable option for performance-focused users. If you’re not ready to switch to Windows 11 and need the maximum possible power from your Ryzen 9 9950X3D, continuing with Windows 10 might be the best choice for the time being.

Fact Checker Results:

Performance Gap Confirmed: Benchmarks show a clear performance difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11, with the latter causing a drop in frames per second in demanding games.
VBS as the Culprit: Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is directly linked to performance drops on Windows 11, particularly when using AMD’s high-performance chips like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.
Minor Impact for Most Users: The performance differences, while noticeable in competitive gaming, might not affect everyday users as significantly, but it’s important for those seeking maximum performance.

References:

Reported By: https://www.techradar.com/computing/cpu/amds-most-powerful-processor-ever-actually-runs-better-on-windows-10-than-windows-11
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