Microsoft Updates Vista's PC-rating Tool

Criticism was brought up over the manner in which the Windows System Performance Rating tool was assessing computer capabilities of taking full advantage of Vista's operating system's new features. The main sources of complaints were actually the hardware manufacturers that argued for improved rating scores.

The application is designed to take in consideration benchmarks like memory, graphics performance and comprise an overall rating of the machine and an individual score for each internal component.

Microsoft transformed the Windows System Performance Rating tool into the Windows Experience Index and included remakes for the embedded software and for the assessment method in order to better reflect the computer's abilities. Revamp aside, Microsoft's application still places a great deal of emphasis on the graphics and memory necessary to implement the Vista's Aero user interface and advanced media features.

Chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices offered its full support to the remake as it was implemented to better the tool. "I know that several partners gave them some feedback that the overall rating was a little bit difficult to understand," said Clarice Simmons, AMD program manager.