Dual Core Stress Test: AMD vs. Intel

Logbook: Individual Applications: AMD Comes Out On Top

Monday, June 20: Since Friday, both systems have only been running one application each, and we have thus dispensed with running multiple applications. As we indicated in a previous log entry, we started this phase of the test with data compression (WinRAR) through Saturday June 18, followed by MP3-encoding of a CD through Sunday, as well as DivX encoding of a DVD through Monday. Now, we are running the 3D game Farcry. The live charts, which are continually updated, clearly indicate the difference in performance between the two processors.

It is also necessary to mention that with the Intel system, virtual processing (HyperThreading) is activated so that a total of four CPUs are available. AMD does not have this feature and is based on two physical units. Despite the clock rate of the Athlon 64 X2 4800+ with 2.4 GHz, which is lower than the Intel Pentium 840 EE with 3.2 GHz, the AMD system is able to hold its own.

Currently, the results of the first three individual applications show the following:

• Data compression with WinRAR: the AMD system has 29.5% better performance;
• MP3 encoding of the CD: AMD system has 4.7% better performance;
• DivX encoding of the DVD: AMD system has 28.2% better performance.

The 3D game Farcry, which represents the fourth application, will remain active until around 9:00 A.M. PST Tuesday.