I'm running Fedora 44 with KDE and comparing it against Windows 11 on the same system. I configured LACT and CoolerControl, making sure CoolerControl does not manage the GPU, and set approximately the same fan curves in both operating systems. I also applied the same undervolt to my Radeon 9070.
On Fedora, I'm seeing roughly 45°C GPU hotspot, 40°C GPU temperature, and 43°C CPU temperature. In Windows 11, the temperatures are usually around 29°C hotspot, 28°C GPU, and 38°C CPU, sometimes a couple of degrees lower. Both systems are set to balanced power mode. What could explain the large temperature difference? Could KDE or Linux power-management behavior be preventing the CPU and GPU from reaching lower idle clocks or power states?
3 Answers
Windows often drops CPU and GPU clocks and power more aggressively when the system is idle. Since the fans are being controlled separately, a different temperature target or fan response can make the difference more noticeable. Compare temperatures while the machine is doing absolutely nothing, then check whether background processes, desktop effects, refresh rate, or hardware acceleration are keeping the GPU awake.
The first thing I’d compare is the actual power-management behavior rather than just the profile name. “Balanced” can behave differently between Windows and KDE/Linux. Check idle GPU clocks, memory clocks, package power, CPU residency, and whether the GPU is staying in a higher performance state. Linux may also be running a compositor or display configuration that keeps the GPU slightly active, especially with multiple monitors or high refresh rates.
KDE itself shouldn’t automatically make the hardware run 15–20°C hotter, so I wouldn’t assume switching to GNOME will solve it. It could still be worth testing another desktop session, but first check GPU power draw and clock states. If those are higher under Fedora, investigate display settings, compositor effects, drivers, and the selected CPU/GPU power profiles.
Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload