Windows 7 vs Vista - The Definitive Performance Comparison

By now, everyone is aware of the UI improvements and other new features of Windows 7. But what about performance?

HCW spent several weeks testing both Windows 7 and Vista on three different PCs, and came to a final, quantifiable conclusion.

Of particular interest to gamers is that high-end hardware can expect up to a 20% framerate increase just from switching to Windows 7.

[TheIneffableBob]

Wow, this review lost all credibility with this line.

"Instead, we’ll be looking at some practical real-world benchmarks, starting with PCMark Vantage."

[Gandalf]

That's what I was thinking.

[badz149]

but wouldn't it makes more sense for comparison sake if they make it 7 vs "other OS" --> linux or mac to impress people? makes it 7 vs Vista which both are M$ products and it's like they purposely screwing up vista to make 7 looks good although 7 is only doing what it really "should" be doing as a predecessor OS while they were letting people down with vista for the past 3 years!

[lowlight]

And go right to the real-world benchmarks.

Of course, the results are relatively the same anyway, as long as multitasking is heavy. Which is where Windows 7 gets much of its performance from, and what this article stated.

[Major Kanimo]

BUBBLES FOR THE SCREEN NAME GANDALF!!!!!!!!!!!

[roybatty]

Looking at those numbers, you won't notice ONE IOTA OF DIFFERENCE when using your pc if going from vista to w7.

[TheIneffableBob]

7 feels snappier and more responsive. All the improvements they made definitely make a difference.

[duplissi]

id have to say i disagree, im runnin win 7 ultimate build 7600 and its much snappier than win vista- not to mention more of a pleasure to use.

[colossi16]

teh-he...definitive!

[foreverflame]

I love MS they make the best products ever made.

[beardpapa]

Well just got my approval for W7 using that $29.99 student pricing someone linked on Digg. 15 minutes to download that W7 Pro 64bit 3gb file onto my netbook. Hopefully it installs, since i'm not sure if Samsung is releasing any updated drivers in anticipation of W7. Otherwise, I'm bootcamping it. Seen some youtube vids of people bootcamping the RC and looks like it runs fine.

[rareairtone]

I've had vista and windows 7 and i can assure EVERYONE that at least if you have a HP, 7 will run a LOT better than vista. almost immediately after booting, you can click on a program and run it. the windows are easier to manage and file searching is a dream. It's so much easier.

The only problem with using it on a HP is that it's not completely okay before all of the new drivers come out. Every now and then, i will try to shut it down and it won't shut down at all; it will just keep saying logging off...Also, my computer will sparingly, randomly slip itself into hibernation or something like it where I can never wake it up. the computer will run with a black screen--if you had music playing it would still play. My friend has it on a dell laptop and it seems to work REALLY well right off the bat.

So people, don't be scared of the operating system when it releases. if you don't buy a hp new computer, the drivers will be available in the over the next month to make it run well. However, i can't speak for any of the other comp companies. I wonder how it does on Acer...

[ForROME]

Im on Windows 7 x64 Ultimate right now as I type this have had it about a month the RTM, and love it, its better than any windows I have used before its smooth and feels complete

[Jandre02]

It really is. Everything you want to do is one click away. Everything runs smoothly too.

[Jandre02]

90/100