[Screenshots] Windows 10 vs Windows 8.1 Gaming Benchmarks—In 2017 and 2015

In this YouTube video by TechCube, we can see different gaming benchmark comparisons between Windows 8.1 and 10. This study was done in the initial days of May 2015.

The Unigine Heaven benchmark test showed a difference of just 3 points between Windows 10 and 8.1. This benchmark is useful for measuring GPU-intensive programs and testing the graphics cards to the limits.

The Unigine Sanctuary Benchmark test showed a significant difference between the two. In this test Windows 10 scored higher with 445 points.

The score is of legacy mode. So you can understand that if this score is higher, it would work better on the legacy graphics cards and hardware.

This benchmark test mainly supports DirectX 9 and 10. It also supports HDR rendering. Using an old benchmark test like this shows that Windows 8.1 does not score much in legacy GPU tests.

The Unigine Tropics Benchmark scores were level for both Win 10 and 8.1. This benchmark test was released in 2008, a year later than Sanctuary. This benchmark also comes under the legacy test, according to the Unigine website.

But this test supports DirectX 11 as well. This benchmark is indicative of the gaming power because of the different picturesques tested in this version. Various environments, like the ocean, sunset, and coconut palm trees, are tested.

unigine heaven benchmark windows 10 vs 8.1 gaming benchmarks

Unigine Sanctuary Benchmark win 10 vs 8.1 gaming benchmarks

Unigine Sanctuary Benchmark win 10 vs 8.1 gaming benchmarks

3D Mark 11 Gaming FPS Comparison between Windows 10 vs Windows 8.1

In the 3D Mark 11 test, there wasn’t much difference in the FPS score between the two. It is a benchmarking tool created and developed by UL (formerly known as Futuremark). It is indicative of the performance of a computer’s 3D graphic rendering and CPU workload processing capabilities.

windows 10 vs gaming performance test metro last light

Windows 10 vs Windows 8.1 Gaming FPS Comparison—3 Games Benchmarks

The following games were tested to determine the difference in gaming fps speed between Windows 10 and 8.1. It also shows the range of benchmarks obtained using the same hardware but different games.

  1. Metro: Last Light
  2. Just Cause 2
  3. Dragon Ball Z Xenoverse

The first game showed that Windows 8.1 had a better frame rate than Windows 10. If you frequently play this game, using Windows 8.1 is preferable. But you will not see much difference using Win 10, as the FPS is only 1.5 less.

The second game saw significant improvement in Windows 10 FPS. The difference between the two was only .61, though Windows 8.1 scored a bit higher.

The third game had a higher frame rate in Windows 10. Though it was marginal at 1.1 FPS, we can say that Windows 8.1 is not left behind.

All the above FPS scores were only average. Higher FPS scores indicate better game performance.

From these 3 games we can conclude that there is not much difference in FPS rates between 10 and 8.1. The 1903 update in 2019 may have significantly improved game performance, given that these tests took place in 2015.

Metro: Last Light

just cause 2 windows 10 vs 8.1 gaming benchmarks

Just Cause 2

Dragon Ball Z Xenoverse windows 10 vs 8.1 gaming benchmarks

Dragon Ball Z Xenoverse

windows 10 vs windows 8.1 fps comparison

Windows 10 vs. Windows 8.1 Gaming Battle in 2017

In this YouTube video by a CPU modder, the following system configuration was used to test the gaming performance difference between Windows 8.1 and 10 in the year 2017.

The 3D Mark benchmark test shows that Windows 8.1 scored higher by 49 points. Windows 10 had a score of 13750 points. But Windows 8.1 outscored it with 13799 points.

windows gaming computer configuration

The following games also showed a slightly higher FPS rate towards Windows 8.1. The difference was very marginal. You can say that, visually, you cannot find the difference between Windows 10 and 8.1 in the FPS rates.

  • Battlefield 4
  • Doom
  • GTA V
  • Rise of the Tomb Raider
windows 10 vs 8.1 fps shadow of mordor

Except the last game showed a high FPS rate in Windows 10. But in 2019, with major improvements in performance, the battle would be even. Also, graphics cards might have released the Windows 10 version by June. This would definitely impact the benchmark score in Windows 10 and can show major improvement over Windows 8.1.

battlefield 4 windows 10 vs windows 8.1 gaming fps

crysis 3 windows 10 vs 8.1 gaming benchmarks
Windows 10 vs. Windows 8.1 Gaming Benchmarks—Screenshots

The following are some more screenshots to see the gaming difference between Windows 10 and 8.1. As you can see below, there is not much difference to find the better of the two. In the game below, you can see a slightly higher FPS rate in Windows 10. But a difference of 0.9 FPS is not going to make much difference on the visual look of the game.

windows 10 vs 8.1 gaming fps

windows 10 vs windows 8.1 gaming comparison
grand theft auto windows 10 vs 8.1 gaming comparison
Conclusion

As you can see from the gaming benchmarks between Windows 8.1 and 10, the FPS and scores were not much different from each other. We have shown results from test results obtained in 2015 and 2017. Since Windows 8.1 is lagging behind in the gross customer base in 2019, not many further benchmark tests were available in YouTube videos.

But definitely you can find more gaming benchmark tests of Windows 10 in 2019. This will be indicative of whether there has been any significant improvement in gaming, performance-wise.

Written by
Palla Sridhar

Palla Sridhar is a Visakhapatnam-based Windows tech blogger, digital entrepreneur, and CEO of DigiPalla IT Services LLP. He writes practical guides on Windows 8/8.1/OS upgrades, PC buying decisions, and Microsoft software—helping everyday users make confident tech choices.

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