Windows 7: Windows Experience Index Score

So my base score is 5.1 - the score comes from Graphics. I'm wondering why its so low. My Gaming graphics is rated 6.2. I know I have a fairly good graphics card - Ati Radeon HD 5450 with 1GB ram.



What does this score of 5.1 mean? What kind of limitations might I have, where does that score come from, and is it possible to improve?

Talking about Low...score ....?

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I think the score you get with your PC is based off the stuff other people have in their rigs. So if people have rigs with two or three video cards or solid state drives in it your not going to have a high score. I personal think a score of 5 you are that avrage user and if your in 8-10 you have one heck of a gaming rig

WEI breaks down the graphical capabilities of your system into two separate sub-scores. This first sub-score (Graphics) is for desktop performance, specifically that of the Windows Aero user experience. The second graphics-based subscore (Gaming graphics) is for 3D business and gaming graphics performance.

Microsoft provides the following information about interpreting a base score:

1.0 to 1.9 - Basic performance. Even a component with a 1.0 subscore meets the Windows 7 minimum requirements.
2.0 to 2.9 - Enhanced performance. Windows Aero may be available.
3.0 to 3.9 - Windows Aero will be enabled.
4.0 to 4.9 - Good performance with high-resolution displays and multiple displays.
5.0 to 5.9 - Capable of running high-end video games, 3D modeling applications, and high-end video editing applications.
6.0 to 6.9 - Supports DirectX 10 graphics with high frame rates at high resolutions.
7.0 to 7.9 - Highest performance level available. Reserved for systems with SSD hard drive, high-end graphics card, and multi-core (i.e. 8 or more) processor.

However, WEI should not be used as a benchmarking tool because of many severe limitations. See this thread.

Windows Exerience Index True?

My WEI score actually went down when I upgraded the driver for my graphics card. Latest driver too.

When Vista came out it wouldn't run very well on computers with older or lower spec hardware, a lot of people bought Vista and it wouldn't run on their computer.

Needless to say, there were a lot of people a little upset (sarcasm), MS came out with WEI so everyone could run the WEI test before buying Vista, to see if their hardware was capable of running the 'new OS '.

One of the main reasons was the Aero test, but it also pointed to any areas that might need to upgrade, RAM being one of the issues at that time.

It really doesn't qualify as a benchmark, but has generated a lot of revenue for hardware companies over the years.
A top score of 7.9 for the processor is not possible, many sites say, but people still try the next upgrade.

It's the quest to obtain the highest number.

I'll bet Intel and AMD paid for the scoring system changes for the processor score, and leaving that top number un-obtainable.
They have definitely made a lot of money from that WEI score.

i was about to give link to that thread but bill2 has already opened the path

my budget system tweaked a bit just waiting on my ATI Radeon HD 5550 Graphics Card 1GB should get the base score up a bit

Hi lecky2009, Welcome to Seven Forums.

There is an on-going thread for posting your WEI scores, link below.

The below link is where everyone posts their WEI scores, you should post yours there.


Show Us Your WEI (2)

@thomas242

WEI doesn't account for multiple GPU's...just the primary GPU in your system.

@nate1232, your WEI score seems accurate. The 5450 is hardly a "fairly good graphics card". Upgrade your graphics card to improve your score in this area. If you don't do any heavy gaming though, I wouldn't worry about it. I have a pair of 5770's in crossfire and get 6.2 if I remember correctly (and like I mentioned above, that 2nd GPU isn't considered in the scoring).