Vista Ultimate 64-bit hurting 3D performance?

I've been spending late nights trying to get my display settings just right. I've def. been noticing sluggish performance from Aero (windows rates the 8400M GS @ 3.4).

I finally decided to run 3DMark06 and get some real benchmarks so I could compare it to other scores. I was very unsatisfied with what I found. My first run scored a measly 788 (almost a 40% decrease from the results found in the offical dv6500t review here). I was running the latest ForceWare drivers that were released on 12/05/2007.

I decided to try the "supported" drivers that Futuremark recomended - still got crappy results.

My notebook is plugged into a 22inch LCD via HDMI. Just to make sure, I unplugged the monitior and ran 3DMark again - same results.

I'm begining to think that there is somthing funny with Vista 64-bit edition. I am running these test on a CLEAN install of Vista 64-bit as well.

 

Are you running all default settings (let application decide) on your nvidia drivers? That Windows Experience score for your Aero (2D) experience is correct for an 8400 GS.

 

Yes - I am. That is the first screen / option 1 in the nVidia control panel - right?

 

I think that forces AA and AF...

 

You need to make sure you're running the defaults and to let the application decide on everything. AA and AF is going to kill your 8400 for sure.

 

I will give it a shot at lunch time. I am really thinking about getting a Vostro 1500 w/ 256MB 8600M GT - I got it configured right now for $989 - going to search for coupon codes as well.

Is there anything else I can do to get my marks up? On one of the 3dmark tests I was getting 0 FPS!! lol!!!!!!!!!

 

I have my 8600 OC'd to 600/500 and I only get 3900 marks at the default res. I'd save up your cash and wait for the new GTX SLI models to come out.

 

I'm still within the first week of this HP laptop - so I can return it. But I got a sweet deal on it $850. There has to be a way to get this resolved - may just take some time. I don't even play a ton of games - to be honest I will prob just play CS:S until I build my new desktop.

So you don't think vista 64-bit could be an issue in all this?

 

Not sure. I hope not because I want to use it.

 

I'm getting almost 4100 with my Vostro 1500 o/c'd to 600/500. But regardless of that, I'm playing crysis at 1280x800 with most options med to max except advanced effects. It's a solid machine especially for the money.

Also recommend XP over Vista for gaming. You will definitely get better performance and less compatability headaches.

 

Are you running the 8400? Thats pretty good at that res. I think I was getting 4403.

 

Looks like he is running the 8600GT. Does your Vostro have a HDMI port?

 

The vostro doesn't have an HDMI port.

Ever since I got my notebook cooler pad thingy I've been running 600/500 and 61 degrees playing COD4 at 1440 x 900.

 

Update: Just ran the 3dmark06 again - 732! Somthing is def. up. Anyone have the same issues?

 

Just wanted to update everyone,

I flashed my BIOS and installed the latest DX 9c version (Nov 07 release). My score went from 740 to 1400 (where it should be). This was on Vista Ultimate 64-bit.

I am going to conclude that Vista 64-bit does not hurt performance as long as everything is up to date.

 

lol @ disclaimer

congrats

 

Why are you running vista x64 on 2GB Ram ?? XP x32 or vista x32 would be faster I think...

 

I'm getting 4MB of ram for my new 1530. So Vista x64 should be flying.

 

Yap, keep in mind that vista x64 keeps files in 2 sets of folders (1 for 32 apps and 1 for 64 aps), so computer management is a little bit more difficult...

 

Yikes. That I didn't know.

 

Yeah its not a big deal though. I havent noticed any problems so far. But I'm still a Vista 64bit newbie. The biggest drawback is not being able to use the 64bit IE version because Adobe Flash Player is not yet supported