Gaming and DirectX 11
| OS - Far Cry 2, 1,920x1,200 DX9 HQ | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average fps, higher is better | ||
| 7 Home Premium, 64-bit | XP Pro SP3, 32-bit | Vista Home Premium SP2, 64-bit |
| 46.24 | 47.11 | 46.2 |
Run at the built-in benchmark's high-quality settings, the three operating systems exhibit near-identical performance.
| OS - Far Cry 2, 1,920x1,200 DX10 HQ | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average fps, higher is better | ||
| 7 Home Premium, 64-bit | XP Pro SP3, 32-bit | Vista Home Premium SP2, 64-bit |
| 57.4 | 0.01 | 56.97 |
The reason for no score being attributed to Windows XP is down to the fact that DirectX 10 isn't officially supported on the older operating system. Note the performance speed-up under DX10?
DirectX 11
Windows 7 ships with an updated API, and there are no prizes in guessing that it's the graphics-oriented DirectX 11 (DX11).
One of the main purposes of an update to a graphics API is to provide developers with a standardised, enhanced feature-set which makes it simpler to author code for better-looking effects.
In particular, DX11 introduces three main new features; hardware tessellation, GPGPU processing, and better multi-threading support.
Ready for some techno-jargon? Hardware tessellation works by taking a low-polygon model and generating geometry via the application of what are termed patches. Powered by the GPU, tessellation therefore adds detail to low-res designs, leading to better-looking high-detail models without unduly burdening the CPU.
The DirectCompute component of DX11 enables the use of a graphics card as a general-purpose processor for non-gaming tasks - stream computing, for example. DirectCompute is supported in DX10, as well.
Lastly, DX11 brings better multi-threading support, which means that multi-core CPUs can be better used to provide the system's GPU with instructions and code. Again, this feature is available on DX10-class GPUs but may not work as efficiently.
As Windows Vista and 7 are based on the same underlying technology, Vista (SP2) will also receive an update that enables the DX11 features for the operating system. The update should arrive within a few days of Windows 7 launch, although Microsoft hasn't finalised a date yet.
Summary
Based on the core technologies found in Vista, application performance in Windows 7 is at least as good as its direct predecessor. Better memory management and behind-the-scenes tweaks make Windows 7 feel smoother than Vista, too, so there's little reason to opt for Vista over 7 if planning a new operating-system installation.
What's more, the wide-ranging compatibility of Windows 7 means that OS and driver installation is the simplest of any Windows to date. 7's perceived performance derives from its enhanced usability and efficiency rather than straight-line benchmarking speed.
