System Builder Marathon Q2 2014: System Value Compared

Results: File Compression

Don and I run down to the wire in 7-Zip, with the $1600 PC’s performance exceeding its premium over the $1200 machine. Unfortunately for us, Paul’s entry-level $600 rig isn’t slow enough to offset Don’s comparatively doubled price.

The $1200 PC surges ahead in WinRAR, while the $1600 and $600 builds hit roughly the same chart scale as they did in 7-Zip.

WinZip mixes things up. I’m happy to see my $1600 PC performing nearly twice as well as the $1200 machine when using the program’s demanding “EZ” switch, but sad to see the $600 machine tied for second place. This will definitely hurt the value scores of both stepped-up configurations.