How to get the holy grail of Windows Vista and Windows 7
1. ACCURATE SCORE
Make sure you have an accurate WEI score. Follow our advice to optimise your PC, then close down all open applications and run the test again.
2. PERFORMANCE TWEAKS
If your CPU score is over 5 then overclocking, while risky, might help you reach the maximum. Check your BIOS setup program and documentation for advice.
3. FIND A REPLACEMENT
Upgrading your CPU may deliver the best results. Check your motherboard manufacturer’s web site to see which CPUs it supports, then comparison-shop at uk.shopping.com.
4. CHECK SPEEDS
Can this processor really deliver a 5.9? Visit shareyourscore.com/ ComponentScores.aspx to see how it performs on other people’s systems.
5. RAMP UP YOUR RAM
Tweaking memory timings in your BIOS setup program may deliver an extra point or two, but can also make your system unstable. Be very careful.
6. FIND OUT MORE
If memory overclocking seems scary, then buy faster RAM instead. The Crucial Scanner (www.crucial.com/systemscanner) will try to find compatible memory for you.
7. NEW HARD DRIVE
If hard drive speed is letting you down, then look for an upgrade with performance-enhancing features like a 10,000rpm rotational speed and 16MB cache. 8 OVERCLOCKING
Slow graphics? Overclocking your graphics and video cards with programs such as PowerStrip (www.entechtaiwan.com) can make all the difference.
8. 3D SPEED
If your video card is still too slow, it’ll have to be replaced. Once again, shareyourscore.com will tell you which card types are capable of the magic 5.9.
9. MOTHERBOARD TWEAKS
Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s site and look for BIOS and motherboard driver upgrades. Using the latest optimizations could deliver the push your score needs.
