Why does Windows 8.1 give lower scores in Benchmarks than Windows 7?

[G73S]

Everyone says that Windows 8.1 is more suited to new hardware especially SSDs. Great, and it makes sense, but then, why is it that on Windows 7 my benchmark scores are 15% higher in Windows 7??

Doesn't make any sense? an old OS beating a new OS in every benchmark

 

[Gunbuster]

Helps if you list the benchmarks and scores. Otherwise maybe trolling...

 

[G73S]

Helps if you list the benchmarks and scores. Otherwise maybe trolling...

PassMark for example:

Windows 7:

PassMark(R) PerformanceTest 8.0 (http://www.passmark.com)
Results generated on: Wednesday, April 16, 2014


Benchmark Results

Test Name: This Computer
Graphics 2D - Simple Vectors: 34.1
Graphics 2D - Complex Vectors: 191.9
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text: 276.7
Graphics 2D - Windows Interface: 134.1
Graphics 2D - Image Filters: 965.4
Graphics 2D - Image Rendering: 778.2
Graphics 2D - Direct 2D: 26.9
2D Graphics Mark: 892.0
PassMark Rating: 2126.6

Operating System: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 build 7601 (64-bit)
CPU Type: Intel Core i7-4700HQ @ 2.40GHz
Number of CPUs: 1
Cores per CPU: 4
Hyperthreading: Not Capable
Motherboard: G750JX
Memory: 32GB Hynix Semiconductor (Hyundai Electronics) DDR3 SDRAM
Videocard: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770M
Hard Drive: Samsung SSD 840 EVO 1TB SCSI Disk Device (1TB)
Hard Drive: Samsung SSD 840 EVO 1TB SCSI Disk Device (1TB)
Hard Drive: WD My Book 1230 USB Device (3TB)
Hard Drive: SDXC Card (63GB)



Windows 8.1:

PassMark(R) PerformanceTest 8.0 (http://www.passmark.com)
Results generated on: Thursday, April 10, 2014


Benchmark Results

Test Name: G750JX-CV050H
Graphics 2D - Simple Vectors: 33.9
Graphics 2D - Complex Vectors: 124.6
Graphics 2D - Fonts and Text: 258.7
Graphics 2D - Windows Interface: 144.5
Graphics 2D - Image Filters: 929.8
Graphics 2D - Image Rendering: 859.2
Graphics 2D - Direct 2D: 25.8
2D Graphics Mark: 835.0
PassMark Rating: 1990.6

Operating System: Windows 8.1 build 9600 (64-bit)
CPU Type: Intel Core i7-4700HQ @ 2.40GHz
Number of CPUs: 1
Cores per CPU: 4
Hyperthreading: Not Capable
Motherboard: G750JX
Memory: 32GB Hynix Semiconductor (Hyundai Electronics) DDR3 SDRAM
Videocard: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770M
Hard Drive: LITEONIT LCM-256M3S (256GB)
Hard Drive: ST1000LM024 HN-M101MBB (1TB)
Hard Drive: WD My Book 1230 USB Device (3TB)
Hard Drive: SDHC Card (15GB)

 

[Anteaus]

I would imagine that different kernels would have different performance characteristics on similar hardware. Drivers can also play a role. The tests you show are based primarily on graphics. Do they have the same DirectX version?

The same thing happened with Windows 7/XP and we know how that turned out. Obviously we are talking about Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 here and not Windows 7 and XP, but the point is that the performance testing deviation is expected and not necessarily symptomatic of how the OS performs in real world applications.

http://www.passmark.com/support/performancetest/2d_windows7_performance.htm

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/11/24/battlefield_4_windows_7_vs_81_performance_review/1

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[G73S]

I would imagine that different kernels would have different performance characteristics on similar hardware. Drivers can also play a role. The tests you show are based primarily on graphics. Do they have the same DirectX version?

The same thing happened with Windows 7/XP and we know how that turned out. Obviously we are talking about Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 here and not Windows 7 and XP, but the point is that the performance testing deviation is expected and not necessarily symptomatic of how the OS performs in real world applications.

http://www.passmark.com/support/performancetest/2d_windows7_performance.htm

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/11/24/battlefield_4_windows_7_vs_81_performance_review/1

I wouldn't worry about it.

That was just one example I had handy of both score on Windows 8.1 / Windows 7

But when doing full tests, Windows 7 always wins in Memory Benchmarks and AS SSD, Crystal Disk Mark, Windows 7 gets around 15% higher scores

Logically speaking, in Graphics tests, Windows 8.1 should have performed better because my Alienware 18's drivers for Windows 8.1 are much higher and newer than the Windows 7 drivers. Also, the DirectX in Windows 8.1 is newer, so on paper, all factors say that Windows 8.1 should score better.

Additionally, when I am on other forums, I always wonder, why are there so many Windows 8.1 users and have moved on from Windows 7? when 7 performs better and has no quirks to deal with and is a more stable OS.

I want to move back to 8.1, but I cannot justify it performance wise or looks wise.

I am not complaining about the interface as I had 8 look exactly like 7 when I was on it using StartIsBack and a few other tweaks. I like its new task manager, I like how it displays my current CPU speed. But other than that, it's worse

 

[Gunbuster]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/windows-8-gaming-performance,3331-13.html

"7 performs better and has no quirks to deal with and is a more stable OS."

Still not sure if trolling...

 

[TheRyuu]

Comparing a vanilla 7 (sp1 w/updates) and a vanilla 8.1 (w/updates) I assume or otherwise in a similar state? Haven't done any tweaking or anything to either of them?

 

[G73S]

Comparing a vanilla 7 (sp1 w/updates) and a vanilla 8.1 (w/updates) I assume or otherwise in a similar state? Haven't done any tweaking or anything to either of them?

Not Vanilla, both loaded with the exact same software and same AV which is NOD32 FTW.

Tweaking, just the Samsung Magician OS Optimization Tweaks but that was done on both so I don't think that could've been the culprit