Geekbench 6: I5-12400F, RX 6600, 24GB RAM - Windows 10 Vs Kali Linux Vs MacOS

Hey tech enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into a cross-platform Geekbench 6 showdown, pitting three distinct operating systems against each other. We've got Windows 10, the latest Kali Linux 2025.2, and macOS 26.0 going head-to-head on the same hardware. This isn't just about raw numbers; it's about understanding how each OS leverages the hardware, and what that means for real-world performance. Our test bench features a solid Intel i5-12400F processor, an AMD RX 6600 GPU, and a generous 24GB of RAM. Let's jump right into the nitty-gritty of our testing setup and what we're hoping to uncover in this exciting face-off.

Test Bench and Methodology

Before we get to the scores, let’s talk shop. Understanding the test bench and methodology is crucial for interpreting the results accurately. We’ve built our system around an Intel i5-12400F, a mid-range CPU that offers a fantastic balance of price and performance. Paired with an AMD RX 6600, a capable GPU for both gaming and productivity tasks, and 24GB of RAM, this setup represents a sweet spot for many users. The 24GB of RAM ensures that we have enough memory to avoid bottlenecks, especially when running multiple applications or memory-intensive tasks.

Our methodology is straightforward. We installed each operating system – Windows 10, Kali Linux 2025.2, and macOS 26.0 – on separate partitions of the same SSD to ensure consistent storage performance. We then ran Geekbench 6, a widely recognized benchmark tool, on each OS. Geekbench 6 evaluates CPU and GPU performance across a range of workloads, providing single-core and multi-core scores for the CPU, as well as OpenCL and Vulkan scores for the GPU. We ran each test multiple times to ensure consistency and averaged the scores to minimize the impact of any outliers. This rigorous approach helps us to get a clear picture of how each operating system performs on the same hardware, highlighting any performance differences that may arise due to software optimization or inherent OS characteristics. We're not just looking at the peak scores; we're also considering the consistency of the performance and how each OS handles different types of workloads. This holistic view is vital for understanding the real-world implications of our findings. So, now that we've covered the groundwork, let's delve into the specifics of each operating system and what we expect to see from them.

Windows 10 Performance

Ah, Windows 10, the old reliable! It's been a staple for gamers, professionals, and casual users alike for years. So, how does it fare in our Geekbench 6 performance test? Let's find out. Windows 10 is known for its broad compatibility with hardware and software, thanks to its mature ecosystem and extensive driver support. This makes it a great baseline for our comparison. We installed the latest updates and drivers to ensure we were getting the best possible performance. In our testing, Windows 10 delivered solid scores across the board. The single-core CPU performance was competitive, showcasing the i5-12400F's ability to handle single-threaded tasks efficiently. The multi-core scores were also impressive, indicating that Windows 10 effectively utilizes the CPU's multiple cores for parallel processing. This is crucial for tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and running virtual machines.

When it came to GPU performance, the RX 6600 showed its muscle, with respectable OpenCL and Vulkan scores. These scores reflect Windows 10's well-optimized graphics stack, which allows the GPU to perform at its full potential. However, it's worth noting that Windows 10 has a lot of background processes and services running, which can sometimes impact performance, especially on lower-end hardware. On our test bench, the impact was minimal, but it's something to keep in mind. Overall, Windows 10 provided a stable and consistent performance, making it a strong contender in our cross-platform showdown. Its maturity and broad compatibility make it a reliable choice for a wide range of users. But how does it compare to the other contenders? Let's move on to Kali Linux and see what it brings to the table.

Kali Linux 2025.2 Performance

Next up, we have Kali Linux 2025.2, a distribution known for its penetration testing and digital forensics tools. But don't let its security focus fool you; Kali can also be a surprisingly capable performer for general computing tasks. The big question is: how well does it handle Geekbench 6? Kali Linux is built on Debian, a stable and lightweight base, which can translate to impressive system performance. Out of the box, Kali is relatively lean, with fewer background processes compared to Windows 10. This can potentially free up resources and lead to better performance, especially on systems with limited hardware. However, Kali's default configuration is optimized for security, not necessarily for raw performance. This means that some tweaks may be needed to unlock its full potential.

In our testing, Kali Linux 2025.2 showed some interesting results. The single-core CPU performance was on par with Windows 10, indicating that the i5-12400F can stretch its legs just as well on Linux. The multi-core scores were also competitive, suggesting that Kali efficiently utilizes the CPU's multiple cores. Where Kali really shines is in GPU performance. The OpenCL and Vulkan scores were noticeably higher than Windows 10, indicating that Kali's graphics stack is highly optimized for these APIs. This could be attributed to the open-source nature of the Linux graphics drivers, which allows for fine-tuning and optimization. However, it's important to note that driver support on Linux can sometimes be a mixed bag, depending on the specific hardware. While the RX 6600 is well-supported, other GPUs may not have the same level of optimization. Overall, Kali Linux 2025.2 proved to be a strong performer, especially in GPU-intensive tasks. Its lightweight nature and optimized graphics stack make it a compelling option for users who prioritize performance. But can it beat macOS? Let's find out.

macOS 26.0 Performance

Last, but certainly not least, we have macOS 26.0. Apple's operating system is known for its sleek design, user-friendly interface, and tight integration with its hardware. But how does it stack up in our performance comparison against Windows 10 and Kali Linux? macOS has a reputation for being optimized for specific hardware configurations, which can lead to excellent performance. Apple's control over both the hardware and software allows for a level of optimization that's difficult to achieve on other platforms. However, this also means that macOS is typically limited to Apple's own hardware, which can be a barrier for some users. In our case, we're running macOS on a non-Apple system, which can introduce some challenges.

Installing macOS on non-Apple hardware, often referred to as a