Increasing memory decreases Windows Experience Index

I recently upgraded my Win 7 64-bit system with the following:

AMD Phenom II 720 ( tri-core) to an AMD FX-4300 ( quad core )

Increase memory from 4 GB Kingston DDR2-800 to 8 GB Kingston DDR3 -1333

Mobo replaced with new ASUS M5A97 R2.0 ( AM3+ socket )

Retained the GeForce GTX 550-TI GPU and Westen Digital Black SATA-6.0 gb/s 500 GB HDD.

When I ran the Windows Experience Index after the upgraded, my CPU index went up ( from 6.7 to 7.3 ), but the memory index went down ( from 7.5 to 7.3 ). I'm puzzled how doubling of RAM, especially with slightly faster DDR3 ) could cause the index to go down. I've checked the RAM with CPUID and it shows running at the correct frequency, timings, voltages, and running in dual channel mode.

Has anyone had the same experience and why would this happen??

Just ran again and got the same numbers are originally posted. It's been giving the same numbers ever since my system was upgraded 2 months ago. Still baffled!

I honestly wouldn't even bother with those numbers. They mean nothing and are complete rubbish. I have had fluctuating numbers with the same hardware before, so I don't even look anymore.

Yup same here. Previously had DDR3 1333Mhz 2x2GB ram and index rating was 7.5,upgraded to DDR3 1600Mhz 4x2GB rams and rating went down to 7.2. But the difference was quite apparent,my system was faster,more responsive so its better if you dont pay much attention to these ratings. Run some benchmarks or something,that would be better.

Thanks, guys, for the replies. you're right, it is just a number and my system seems more responsive than before. Consider the matter "Closed"!

Might try running "winsat formal" in the Command Processor for some real numbers to compare. It will test your RAM performance in MB/s. Won't help you much in comparing the results to your old setup though. Just something to keep in mind.

Hi there
the WEI has about the same meaning as those rubbish reports sprouted out by Gartner and BTW windows 8.1 - latest release of W8 doesn't even have the WEI any more so Ms doesn't regard it as a worthwhile test now.

If you want to benchmark your machine and devices there's zillions of programs on the web.

Over allocating RAM can sometimes cause problems -- so ensure the memory is compatible, has the same speed and if you are using 4 slots try and bunch similar capacities together -- for example if you have 3 X 2 GB and 1 X 4GB put the 3 X 2GB sticks in slots 1,2,3 or 2,3,4.

Cheers
jimbo

Yes the guys are completely right, they are just numbers,, in my case upgrading my memory from 3 G to 8G increased my memory index to 6.8.. i am not sure how Microsoft using those numbers.. just ignore them..

If you want a high wei test with a single stick of memory. My 8350 is 7.6 with 16megs and 7.9 with 4 megs.