PCMark 2004 Pro Performance

PCMark 2004 Pro is a much-needed upgrade to the standard 2002 version, and along with adapting to the ever-changing hardware world, FutureMark has also added some new tests. The PCMark 2004 design still cuts a line between purely synthetic and application-based benchmarks, and provides a more general view of computer performance. PCMark 2004 performs general use tasks such as image compression, grammar check, and audio conversion, while combining this with a selection of similar benchmarks for individual system components. As we're dealing with processors and subsystem performance, the main tests we'll be looking at are the System, CPU and Memory results.

The PCMark 2004 System benchmark scores really favor the Pentium 4 side, and there is a near-perfect separation based on P4 core and speed rankings. The Pentium 4-3.4 GHz EE posted a new record score, while the Pentium 4 3.2E demonstrates a slight performance advantage compared to the Pentium 4 3.2 GHz Northwood. One key element of the PCMark 2004 suite is its use of multi-threaded tests, which gives the Intel Hyper-Threading processors a chance to really shine in the System and CPU performance sections.

The PCMark Pro 2004 CPU test scores are in approximately the same ranking, with the Pentium 4-3.4 GHz EE again taking the performance crown, while the Pentium 4 3.2E shows a bit more juice than its Northwood counterpart. Again, PCMark 2004 offers some multi-threaded CPU testing, and allows the Pentium 4 HT-enabled processors a chance to strut their stuff against the AMD competition.

PCMark 2004 Memory benchmark testing evens the ground somewhat, and now its pure memory performance at stake. The Pentium 4 crop once again posts impressive scores, but can't match the integrated dual-channel DDR controller of the Athlon 64 FX-51. When comparing within the Pentium 4 scores, we once again see the Pentium 4 3.2E out to a slim lead over the basic Pentium 4-3.2 GHz, and the Pentium 4-3.4 and 3.2 GHz Extreme Edition models at the top of the Intel scale.