Windows 7 vs Windows 8 System Capabilities Comparison

girlwithsixarms

New Member
Messages
4
Hello - my boyfriend is currently running Windows 8 on his laptop, which is less than a year old. He's been having all kinds of OS related issues and his frustration is starting to drive me insane. I've offered to buy him a copy of Windows 7 and do most of the work to reinstall/transfer but he said that he doesn't want to try 7 because he thinks it's less capable of handling his gaming/powerful than 8 is.

Is this true? For reference, he plays League of Legends, Starcraft, and Hearthstone on an MSI laptop and is very good about keeping his everything ventilated and cooled.

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, but I don't know much about computers and I just want peace restored in my house.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
Welcome to Windows EightForums, girlwithsixarms.

Yes, it is a more efficient OS for anything. It uses less what is called resources to implement operations. Games are very heavy on resources.

What kind of problems is he having? Does it freeze up? Red or blue screens?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
It freezes up, mostly during games I think - and when it does sometimes task manager also won't load. Most recently he had issues with the metro screen freezing after startup and being unable to do anything but a hard restart. Also, I think there are issues about logging out/shutting down and the computer can't sleep or hibernate properly. I don't know what color the screens are - I think the display stays normal, but there isn't any functionality.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
In addition to Hippsiegypsie's thoughts, I offer the following for your review and consideration:

Did the laptop come with Windows 8 installed or did he upgrade?
Did the laptop ever game properly?
Does it freeze when playing offline as well as online?
Is it possible the laptop might not be powerful enough for gaming?
(providing his laptop make/model would help)
Are you certain there are no heat issues?
(check the Event Viewer for ACPI thermal event warning logs or just monitor temps)
Has he considered upgrading to Windows 8.1 to see if that cures any gaming issues?

At this point, I think there is much to explore before making any decision to try Win 7.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
SpringUpdate - it's definitely powerful enough for gaming! He's running an MSI GE70 that's only six months old. As to the cooling, he used the 'extra-loud mode' on the computer's fan system, and has the computer on feet as well as a backup desk fan for warm weather so it's definitely cool. The laptop came with 8 and the freezing has only begun in the past month or two but the other issues have been consistent since the beginning. Unfortunately I have no comparison between on and offline gaming because he only games online these days. At the moment he's reluctant to try 8.1 because it lacks the restore point.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
Ok, thank you for your response and you assurance that all is well with the gaming specs; however, from my limited experience, many "gaming" laptops are not capable of running every game without issue. So, I looked up your specs, and if you have the one with the NVIDIA 660M discrete graphics solution, your Passmark 3D scores would indicate it cannot run "all" games without issue:

Screenshot (66).png

Here's how your GPU compares with other top of the line solutions:

a.jpg

b.jpg

c.jpg

d.jpg

You can also do an additional game-specific check by using this site to verify his laptop does meet the requirements for all the games in question:

Can You RUN It | Can I run that game | Game system requirements


Good luck with your other issue as well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Hi there
Before reverting back to W7 why not see if the latest W8.1 update 1 fixes a lot of W8 problems. The problem now with people posting problems and specifying a "Generic W8" it's impossible to say whether they are using the original W8, W8.1 or the update to W8.1 W8.1 update 1 (they perhaps should have called it Sp1 as it seems more like a Service pack than anything else).

The original W8 had loads of errors and missing drivers -- I'd suggest the latest W8.1 is streets ahead and worth a try before giving up.

@Posters - please state whether W8 or W8.1 in the problems as there is now a big difference in the behaviour of these two versions.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Looks like you're in good hands with SpringUdate, girlwithsixarms. Howerver I'll keep an eye on the thread.

The only thing to add in your overall dilemma is if he is a serious gamer he would be better off with a gaming tower PC if affordable.

BTW, isn't love grand? Good luck to you two.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Good advice and oh so true, Jimbo. I can understand why new members wouldn't want to fill out total profile, but should have to fill out specs to join.

That is by no means directly aimed at you, girlwithsixarms.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
From my initial response:
Has he considered upgrading to Windows 8.1 to see if that cures any gaming issues?

Reinforced by Jimbo:
I'd suggest the latest Windows 8.1 is streets ahead and worth a try before giving up.

OPs response:
At the moment he's reluctant to try 8.1 because it lacks the restore point.

Suggestion: Your boyfriend could explore the possibility of creating a system image before attempting the migration. IMHO, that would work much better than a restore point for this specific purpose. This free program could work for that purpose:

Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

From HippsieGippsie:
if he is a serious gamer he would be better off with a gaming tower PC if affordable.

:thumb: That would certainly allow for a more powerful GPU (which is usually the weakest link in gaming laptops).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Great posting etiquette and procedure for clarification, SpringUpdate. :thumb:

Welcome to Windows Eight Forums, BTW. It's good to have you aboard. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Thanks guys! I'm going to have my boyfriend read this thread and hopefully he'll be able to come up with a workable solution.

The reason why I just said Windows 8 for my OS is because I initially wasn't sure what he was using and I'm still running 7, so I don't know much about the newer ones. (I went from XP to 7, he went from Vista to 8 so he gets all the bugs and I never have any idea what he's talking about)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
A suggestion would be to download an .iso image of Windows 8.1.1 and do a whole clean install of Windows. Usually, most OEMs load up laptops with bloatware, like trialware STD protection that doesn't run and disables Windows Defender, and go through the OS and UI and tweak everything.

Windows 8.1.1 has been developed even better for lower end hardware, which in turn means better performance for everything else.

As for gaming, oh yes, an ACTUAL gaming rig would be eons ahead of a gaming laptop for the same money for sure.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
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