Disk score in Windows Experience Index

[ensignfodder]

I am getting a 3.0 for this index. I have a RAID 1 (dual 320 GB 7200RPM 16MB cache Segate drive's) setup. I saw a post about disabling write-caching and re-running. When I do I get a score of 5.8. Is this a real score with it on? Write-cache is supposed to improve performance, why would it lower my score unless it is a flaw in the test. Not a major concern, but I thought I might ask for so input from people mote in the know.

Thanks!

 

[TechOutsider]

Users report downloading the Intel Storage Manager Drivers improved a disk's WEI performance, even with write caching enabled. The generic drivers could be the bottleneck.

 

[johngalt]

I did a bit of research for those using nVidia nForce 6 and 7 chipsets - see http://www.sevenforums.com/performance-maintenance/342-show-us-your-wei-16.html#post12925

However, I ma happy to report that with Win7 build 7068 this is no longer an issue - and I found that it almost *always* applied *only* to Seagate and Maxtor drives.

TO's suggestion will probably do good for you until you upgrade to a newer build....

 

[ensignfodder]

Here is what I did

To start with write cache enabled - 3.0 score (cap)
Disabled write cache - 5.8 score
Reenabled write cache - 5.8 score
Several restarts later with write cache enabled - 5.8

I will skip the driver update for now (unless score reverts) but getting excited about the RC1 build.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[TechOutsider]

I did a bit of research for those using nVidia nForce 6 and 7 chipsets - see http://www.sevenforums.com/performance-maintenance/342-show-us-your-wei-16.html#post12925

However, I ma happy to report that with Win7 build 7068 this is no longer an issue - and I found that it almost *always* applied *only* to Seagate and Maxtor drives.

TO's suggestion will probably do good for you until you upgrade to a newer build....

I own a Seagate, and I saw the same problem. Appreciate your research.

 

[ensignfodder]

Funny thing

I added a new drive - not in RAID 1 and my score dropped back to 3.0
Disable write cache back to 5.8
Re-enable write cache still 5.8
All three drives are Seagate

 

[TechOutsider]

Well, you have a Seagate drive. Download your chipset's latest storage manager drivers.

 

[johngalt]

Nah - if just disabling and re-enabling the write-behind cache fixes it then there is no reason to change a driver.

However, I would suggest that you read what I linked *in its entirety* and see if the other things apply - if your performance is back up to par (as in burst and sustained write speeds) are where they are supposed to be, then you're golden - if not, perhaps you *should* explore alternate drivers....

 

[ensignfodder]

Nah - if just disabling and re-enabling the write-behind cache fixes it then there is no reason to change a driver.

However, I would suggest that you read what I linked *in its entirety* and see if the other things apply - if your performance is back up to par (as in burst and sustained write speeds) are where they are supposed to be, then you're golden - if not, perhaps you *should* explore alternate drivers....

Any good ways to test disk performance in Windows 7 that are free? I have installed the Intel Matrix Driver, cleared past WEI, and re run. Back to a 3.0. After clearing write cache and re-enabling it I am back/still at 5.8

 

[johngalt]

*Ahem* - read what I wrote. There is a built in quick test for speed checks on your HDs

 

[ensignfodder]

*Ahem* - read what I wrote. There is a built in quick test for speed checks on your HDs

That seems to be for nVidia based chipsets, mine is a P5K-E P35/ICH9R so I cannot use that one. Any other?

Thanks!