How does Windows 7 beta 1 compare to Vista and XP in terms of performance? That’s a question that’s been hitting my inbox regularly over the past few weeks. Let’s see if we can’t answer it!

Important note: Before I go any further I feel I need to make a point, and make it clear. The build I’m testing of Windows 7 (build 6.1.7000.0.081212-1400) is a beta build, and as a rule beta builds are usually more geared towards stability than performance. That said, the performance of this build should give us a clue as to how the OS is coming along.

Rather than publish a series of benchmark results for the three operating systems (something which Microsoft frowns upon for beta builds, not to mention the fact that the final numbers only really matter for the release candidate and RTM builds), I’ve decided to put Windows 7, Vista and XP head-to-head in a series of real-world tests to find out which OS comes out top.

The tests

There are 23 tests in all, most of which are self explanatory:
-Install OS - Time it takes to install the OS
-Boot up - Average boot time to usable desktop
-Shut down - Average shut down time
-Move 100MB files - Move 100MB of JPEG files from one hard drive to another
-Move 2.5GB files - Move 2.5GB of mixed size files (ranging from 1MB to 100MB) from one hard drive to another
-Network transfer 100MB files - Move 100MB of JPEG files from test machine to NAS device
-Network transfer 2.5GB files - Move 2.5GB of mixed size files (ranging from 1MB to 100MB) from test machine to NAS device
-Move 100MB files under load - Move 100MB of JPEG files from one hard drive to another while ripping DVD to .ISO file
-Move 2.5GB files under load - Move 2.5GB of mixed size files (ranging from 1MB to 100MB) from one hard drive to another while ripping DVD to .ISO file
-Network transfer 100MB files under load - Move 100MB of JPEG files from test machine to NAS device while ripping DVD to .ISO file
-Network transfer 2.5GB files under load - Move 2.5GB of mixed size files (ranging from 1MB to 100MB) from test machine to NAS device while ripping DVD to .ISO file
-Compress 100MB files - Using built-in ZIP compression
-Compress 1GB files - Using built-in ZIP compression
-Extract 100MB files - Using built-in ZIP compression
-Extract 1GB files - Using built-in ZIP compression
-Install Office 2007 - Ultimate version, from DVD
-Open 10 page Word doc - Text only
-Open 100 page Word doc - Text and images only
-Open simple Excel doc - Basic formatting
-Open complex Excel doc - Including formula and charts
-Burn DVD - Win 7 beta 1 .ISO to disc using CDBurnerXP
-Open 10 page PDF - Text only, using latest Adobe Reader 8
-Open 100 page PDF - Text and images, using latest Adobe Reader 8

These series of tests will pitch Windows 7 build 7000 32-bit against Windows Vista SP1 32-bit and Windows XP SP3 32-bit. The scoring for each of the tests is simple. The winning OS scores 1, the runner up 2 and the loser scores a 3. The scores are added up and the OS with the lowest score at the end wins.

Click here to view the results

Source: ZD Net Blog

XP SP3 = 61
Vista SP1 = 52
Windows 7 = 25

(less is better)

Looks good, anyone tried the beta yet?

^ I was planning to wait till RC1 before I switch my Main OS to Windows Seven however the feedback from Beta 1 is pretty good -- From what I can ascertain its about as stable as Windows Vista RTM -- I may try switching over soon.

The majority of Windows Vista RTM crashes were driver related and (even though this wasn't their fault) Microsoft is trying to avoid this re-occurring again by requiring that all Windows Vista submissions for the Windows Hardware Logo Certification must include a complete CPK with test logs from Windows 7 (beginning with beta 1). In other words, hardware makers will have to test their devices on the first beta version of Windows 7 and hand over the logs to Microsoft if they want to receive approval.

Information Week also has an interesting article 'Windows 7 Reviews Mixed On Pirate Bay'

Built-in support for codecs like DivX, H.264, AAC sounds good too, would be great for windows update to get the latest codecs for me, i hear there are lots of problems that can happen with dodgy or incompatible codecs.

http://apcmag.com/windows_7_surprise_divx_built_in.htm


Im starting to regret RAID 0 'ing my 3 hard drives, cant use one of the drives for dual booting without ruining the RAID set = /

and I just got comfortable with my vista install...

Is this build a public beta release?

I was thinking of installing it on a PC at work. I wanted to try avoiding the need to use a VM because I don't think I have good enough hardware that I would want to use.

how does xp run slower than vista on most of those tests

ozmodeon Wrote:Is this build a public beta release?

I was thinking of installing it on a PC at work. I wanted to try avoiding the need to use a VM because I don't think I have good enough hardware that I would want to use.

No this is not currently a public release - If you are going to run the latest Windows 7 beta be aware that there is a Windows Media player 12 bug where 2-3 seconds will get deleted from the beginning of MP3s if you have set your Windows Media Player 12 to retrieve information from the Internet and update files (default setting). Microsoft is remedying this and a QFE should be deployed via Windows Update.

There will be a public beta early this year -- possibly quite soon (it may even be this build)

Quote:There will be a public beta early this year -- possibly quite soon (it may even be this build)

I hear the public Beta will be the build 7000 thats been leaked, and it will be available on Friday 9th January


http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/01/08...-on-friday

^ Correct the beta will be available around 1:35 NZST today