# Top runs: * **Highest FPS**: `linux 6.17.4-cachyos-custom` with several percentage points higher average FPS when compared to the stock kernel. * **Smoothest FPS**: `linux 6.17.4-cachyos-custom` with a reduction in both standard deviation and variance in frame time, indicating a smoother gameplay experience. * **Best overall**: `linux 6.17.4-cachyos-custom` as it offers a higher FPS while maintaining a smoother experience than the stock kernel. # Issues: * The custom kernel reduces both the CPU and GPU temperature with a notable decrease in variance. However, the custom kernel run shows higher CPU load, which might not be ideal under certain conditions, but it does not impact FPS negatively compared to the stock kernel. * The RAM usage on the custom kernel is lower than the stock kernel, highlighting an improvement in memory efficiency in the custom kernel run. # Summary This benchmark compares the performance of Overwatch 2 on a stock Linux kernel versus a custom compiled kernel. The custom kernel outperforms the stock kernel by delivering higher frame rates and a smoother gameplay experience while also managing system resources more efficiently, as evidenced by lower RAM usage and managed hardware temperatures. Despite a slightly higher CPU load, the custom kernel provides an improved performance package with optimizations like the `-O3` flag, `thinLTO`, and `X86_NATIVE_CPU`. This suggests that custom kernel compilation strategies can be beneficial for gaming performance on systems with similar specifications.