In this test, we've taken the now 47-MB MPEG2 file and processed it to MPEG4 using XMPEG 4.5 and DiVX. This program yields no real benchmark numbers, so once again we're posting the timed results to encode the file to MPEG4.
This test runs a bit more in favor of AMD, but the Intel Pentium 4-3.06 GHz still posts the fastest times, while the two top AMD CPUs tie at 42 seconds.
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.
The PCMark Pro 2002 CPU tests show the Athlon XP 3000+ not only falling behind the Pentium 4 processors, but the Athlon XP 2800+ as well. This test is more interested in raw CPU horsepower than architecture, so GHz usually rule in this area.
The PCMark 2002 Memory scores once again show the Pentium 4 well in the lead, which is natural considering the higher 533 MHz front-side bus and dual-channel DDR platform. Still, this test does illustrate one of the potential benefits of the Athlon XP 3000+ and its 512K L2 cache: faster memory throughput, as evidenced by the noticeable lead over the Athlon XP 2800+. We found much the same results when Intel moved to the Northwood core, and a larger cache helps minimize memory requests, thereby resulting in greater efficiencies.
