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Windows 7: Aero Vs Basic Vs Classic

57K views 28 replies 12 participants last post by  sepheroth003 
#1 ·
So I keep hearing that Aero over Basic uses more of your gpu, and that it may effect your fps in games. I have yet to see actual numbers, so i decided to this out myself. Added Classic test by request of TwoCables
I am using:
Sig Rig
Furmark 1.8.0 benchmarking with Post FX at Fullscreen 1680x1060 for 1 min.
Ran each test 3 times, got the same results for each.

These are my results

Aero and Transparency On:


Aero with Transparency Off:


Basic:


Classic:


As you can see by turning off Aero your minimum fps greatly increases, yet the average only increased by one. I am surprised however that there is no difference between Basic and Classic, I thought at least the minimum would have increased. It is enough however to convince me to run with Basic
 
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#2 ·
Many games actually switch Windows to basic temporarily while it is running.

I'll trade a few FPS for a better looking experience outside of games either way though.
 
#5 ·
What happens when using the Windows Classic theme?

By the way, csscmaster3: this is perfect timing as I was finally beginning to wonder the very same thing last night. I even went so far as to try gaming with the Windows Classic theme, but it made no difference that I could feel or see. However, I certainly understand that a benchmark would reveal any differences.
 
#9 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by TwoCables View Post
hehe 2 more points with Classic, but the temperature was higher.
Well on the aero and basic tests i let my gpu cool down all the way to 37 in between tests, so the conditions aren't 100% the same for classic, I just did it quickly to show you
 
#10 ·
gain 9 min fps. but aside from that not really worth it
 
#11 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by csscmaster3 View Post
Well on the aero and basic tests i let my gpu cool down all the way to 37 in between tests, so the conditions aren't 100% the same for classic, I just did it quickly to show you

Oh, well now I appreciate it even more! Thank you!
 
#13 ·
I think if its not too much of your time it would be interesting to test this with say the STALKER or the Crysis benchmark utilities. I'm not saying get on it now but for future reference it would add more support to this hypothesis.
 
#14 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by cs_maan View Post
I think if its not too much of your time it would be interesting to test this with say the STALKER or the Crysis benchmark utilities. I'm not saying get on it now but for future reference it would add more support to this hypothesis.
Ok thanks, I do that either tonight or tomorrow. I did Furmark because i knew it was a fast test.
 
#15 ·
#16 ·
There's a free Crysis benchmark utility you can get, but I'm not sure if you need to own the game to use it or not.

Same thing with stalker, there should be a utility, I'll get you links for both.*

*Never mind TwoCables beat me to it
 
#17 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by cs_maan View Post
There's a free Crysis benchmark utility you can get, but I'm not sure if you need to own the game to use it or not.

Same thing with stalker, there should be a utility, I'll get you links for both.*

*Never mind TwoCables beat me to it

hehe
 
#20 ·
Quote:

Originally Posted by csscmaster3 View Post
That tool requires Crysis...i just tried it, I'm download the stalker benchmark, so I'll just use that

Sounds good I'll keep an eye out
.
 
#21 ·
For what it's worth I ran my own crysis bench since the OP didn't have it. I did basic and aero. If someone wants classic I'll do it. Tests were done with sig rig except the 5850 was at stock settings.

Results

Aero:



Basic:



No difference really.

Anyhow, +rep to the op for a good idea and great info. I've wondered the same thing but never really got the motivation to put it to the test.

LL
LL
 
#22 ·
I ran the crysis benchmarks on my system. Q9650 @ 3.6ghz with an 8800GT slightly overclocked (my 4850 died, ordering a 5850 soon).

Aero
Avg: 33.65 Min: 22.84 Max: 42.94
Aero no trans
Avg: 34.31 Min: 26.22 Max: 42.28
Classic
Avg: 34.35 Min: 26.14 Max: 42.50


Aero no trans
Avg: 34.31 Min: 26.22 Max: 42.28

Classic
Avg: 34.35 Min: 26.14 Max: 42.50


My verdict, I can live without transparency to get more fps and will do so from now on. Even after I get my 5850 I wont be running with transparency.
 
#24 ·
Yeah, that doesn't really mean anything. Try benching with a game that runs full-screen and see if you see any difference. I am guessing there will be none.
 
#26 ·
So far we have ATI and Nvidia benchmarks, but all with different programs

It does appear like Nvidia cards however do get a slightly better average framerate, and that the minimum increases. Tonight I will run some Stalker benchmarks, could someone with an ati card comparable to a gtx260 PM me so we can run the benchmark at the same settings ?
 
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