How To: Check your computer's performance with Windows Experience Index in Windows 7

If you're curious about how powerful your PC is, the Windows Experience Index can give you a snapshot of its capabilities and help you decide if it's good enough for you. This video will help you understand the basics of what the Windows Experience Index can do in Windows 7.

This feature, updated for Windows 7, rates the performance of key hardware components such as the CPU, disk drive, and graphics card. The PC is then given a score between 1.0 and 7.9.

When you're shopping for a new PC, the Windows Experience Index can help you find the floor model that suits your needs. Scoring a PC you already own can help pinpoint slower components worth upgrading. A PC with a score of 2 is typically sufficient for basic computer tasks like word processing or web browsing. Graphics–intensive software frequently requires a 3 or higher.