PCMark 2002 Pro is an intriguing system benchmark, as it relates more to a more generic computer application usage pattern. Instead of relying on synthetic scores or actual business applications, it cuts a swath between the two methodologies. PCMark 2002 Pro performs CPU tasks such as image compression, text search and audio conversion, while combining this with a selection of similar benchmarks for memory, hard drive and video components. As we are dealing specifically with processors, the two portions we tested are the CPU and Memory benchmarks.
In the CPU test, the Celeron 2.0 GHz more than holds its own against the competition, and the overclocked Celeron even manages to pull ahead with a score of 6762.
In the memory test the Celeron 2.0 GHz once again falls back a bit, but at 3.0 GHz, it actually takes the performance lead over both the Intel and AMD competition.
MadOnion's 3DMark 2001SE is a very popular 3D benchmark tool, and assuming the video card and driver revision is kept absolutely consistent, then it can be a good system/CPU test as well. 3DMark 2001SE also fills the dual role of doing some idea as to which processor may be the best fit for upcoming DirectX 8.X games. Benchmark testing was performed at the default setting of 1024x768, 32-bit color/textures, and Pure Hardware T&L support.
Once we enter 3D game territory, the Celeron begins to show its weaknesses. Even at 3 GHz the Celeron gets beaten by "slower" Northwood Pentium 4 chips, though it does surpass the older 256K Pentium 4-1.6 and 1.8 GHz. In the AMD comparison, the Celeron at 3.0GHz scores about 100 points less than the Athlon XP 1900+.
