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3D Winbench is another
Ziff Davis
benchmark and in this test we selected only the Processor
Tests in an effort to isolate the performance results,
focusing solely on the host processor.
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3D
Winbench Processor Test and Quake 3 Arena |
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Synthetics and the
real world... |
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As in the other Ziff Davis
tests, the Pentium 4 is left behind. Clearly on legacy
software not optimized for the P4 or SSE2, the Athlon leads
with ease.
Finally, the ever perennial
Quake 3 Arena Time Demo Benchmark. Don't leave home
without it!
One notable here
is that GeForce3 cards were used for testing. As a
result, these numbers will not correlate with the testing
done in our 1.7GHz. P4 review from a couple of months back.
However, relative to this testing platform, which is
representative of the latest in desktop system technology,
you can see that the P4 still holds the frame rate crown in
Quake3 Arena.
And the moral of
our little story here is? There really isn't too much
mystery here. Intel's flagship processor marches on
with steady progress in clock speed and system level
performance. In addition, AMD has taken the fight to
the once totally dominant semiconductor giant and the battle
is far form over.
On one hand, no
one can deny the value and price/performance ratio that the
Athlon brings to the table. On the other hand, Intel's
brute force clock speed drive towards 2GHz. and beyond, is
nothing short of amazing. Not to mention the fact that
optimizations at the 3rd. party software and OS level, are
now really just beginning for the Pentium 4. At
1.8GHz., the Pentium 4 is the fastest CPU money can buy in
many applications. You'll just need to decide which is
best for your own personal needs.
Price wars
between the two chip giants continue and the MHz. and GHz.
just keep coming. It's shaping up to be a very
interesting late summer/fall season in Computing Technology.
Stick with us here and we'll help you sift through it all.
Are you talkin' to me?
Get into the HotHardware Conference Room!
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