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 sections we test are the CPU and Memory benchmarks.
The PCMark Pro 2002 CPU benchmarks thrive on higher clock speeds, and as such, the Athlon XP 3200+ falls a bit behind the Pentium 4 processors. It still represents a nice jump past the Athlon XP 2700+ and 3000+ on the AMD side.
The PCMark 2002 Memory scores also show the Intel platforms out in front, but the Athlon XP 3200+ still makes a good showing and the 400 MHz FSB/dual-DDR400 architecture moves well ahead of the Athlon XP 3000+. The dual-channel DDR Intel platforms are still the bandwidth kings, but in relative terms, AMD has made significant gains in this area.
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.
The 3DMark 2001SE scores are incredibly close at the high-end, and the Athlon XP 3200+ overtakes the Pentium 4-3.06 GHz and even takes a run at the 800 MHz Pentium 4-3.0C. This is where the relative gains we referred to actually pay off in terms of performance, and the Athlon XP 3200+ scores higher than the gamut of 533 MHz Pentium 4 models.
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