YugaTech | PC Labs

Intel Atom Z550 Benchmark Performance

yuga — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 15:05:29 +0000

After trying out the Atom Z540 on the Vaio X, we got the faster model which was the Intel Atom Z550 running at 2.0GHz. We checked how it turned out in terms of performance.

Average temperature of the system is about 48 degrees on normal use. We also ran the system thru PC Wizard 2008 global benchmarks with the following results:

Processor Global Performance : 965
Memory Global Performance : 2,233
Video Global Performance : 69
Hard Disk Global Performance : 72
PC Wizard Rating : 334

For CPU benchmarks, these are the numbers:
Whetstone (x87 – Float.) : 2,624 MFlops
Whetstone (iSSE3 – Float.) : 4,968 MFlops
Dhrystone (iSSE3 – Int.) : 6,482 Mips
Computation of “Mandelbrot” (iSSE3) : 61.42 sec.

Windows Experience Index: 2.4

SuperPI
16K: 0:01
32K: 0:02
64K: 0:04
128K: 0:08
256K: 0:18
512K: 0:40
1M: 1:25
2M: 3:07

There’s a slight discrepancy between the Windows Experience Index of the Vaio X running the Atom Z550 and the Z540. Apparently, the 2.4 sub-score on the Z550 is attributed to the graphics performance — the same graphics only scored higher at 2.5 on the Z540 model.

Intel Atom Z540 Benchmark Performance

yuga — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:01:23 +0000

The Atom Z540 processors that came with the Sony Vaio X was running at 1.86GHz. We ran it thru several tests and benchmark results are shown below.

Average temperature of the system is about 48 degrees on normal use. We also ran the system thru PC Wizard 2008 global benchmarks with the following results:

Processor Global Performance : 837
Memory Global Performance : 2,059
Video Global Performance : 68
Hard Disk Global Performance : 39
PC Wizard Rating : 300.29

For CPU benchmarks, these are the numbers:
Whetstone (x87 – Float.) : 2,305 MFlops
Whetstone (iSSE3 – Float.) : 4,604 MFlops
Dhrystone (iSSE3 – Int.) : 6,009 Mips
Computation of “Mandelbrot” (iSSE3) : 65.46 sec.

Windows Experience Index: 2.5

SuperPI
16K: 0:02
32K: 0:03
64K: 0:05
128K: 0:10
256K: 0:21
512K: 0:44
1M: 1:36
2M: 3:20

AMD Athlon II X2 245 2.9GHz

yuga — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:11:22 +0000

A new dual core CPU from AMD is out and available in stores. The AMD Athlon II X2 245 runs at 2.9GHz with dual cores.

The X2 245 has 2 x 1MB L2 Cache, Socket AM3, and a 65-watt dual cores. The Athlon II X2 features the next-generation AMD Direct Connect Architecture for a fast, responsive PC. This processor is also optimized to take advantage of the power management features in Windows 7 using AMD PowerNow! 3.0 Technology.

The Athlon II X2 is the new naming convention of the previous Athlon X2 7750 2.7GHz and 7850 2.8GHz.

Suggested retail price: Php3,699

Intel Core i7 960 at 3.2GHz

yuga — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:01:43 +0000

Intel launched a new Core i7 processor without much fanfare with the Core i7 960 running at 3.2GHz. This is different from the previous 3.2GHz Core i7 965 Extreme Edition as it is locked. Expect the price of the CPU to be cheaper (under Php30,000) when it comes out.

Intel Core i7 920 Benchmarks

yuga — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:47:56 +0000

We earlier got a loaner CPU running an Intel Core i7 920 @ 2.63GHz so I took the opportunity to check out how fast it works. Check the figure below for the quick benchmarks.

Our SuperPi computations are shown in the graph below (up to 4M).

That’s 1 min. 16 secs for SuperPi 4M; 2:52 secs for 8M; 6:22 secs for 16M and 13:57 secs for 32M. We also ran PC Vantage suit and got the following figures.

PCMarks: 5972
Memory: 4256
Gaming: 5483
Productivity: 5171

Asus P7P55D Series Motherboards

yuga — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:01:49 +0000

With the recent launch of Intel’s latest Core i7 and i5 chips, ASUS released its P7P55D Series motherboard. The LGA 1156 socket motherboard is based on the Asus Xtreme Design which also includes the latest Hybrid Technology for enhanced performance.

The P7P55D Premium is the first motherboard to natively support a whooping 6Gbps data transfer with the latest SATA storage interface due to its exclusive expansion bridge. Other models in the series requires an expansion card to achieve the same result.

With its Hybrid Phase Technology, the P7P55D series motherboards deliver maximum efficiency and stable power. It has an active cooling technology that detects and balances power phase loadings and temperature in real time.

The new Hybrid Processor allows users to achieve superior overclocking very easily. Onboard tools prevents novice overclockers from making the system unstable.

The Hybrid OS meanwhile allows users to gain access to widely used application in mere seconds. It uses the built-in ASUS Express Gate which is based on a Linux distro to boot the machine in 5 seconds with limited functions which includes browsing.

For expansion slots, you get 2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 and 2 PCI slots. For GPU, it can handle ATI Quad-GPU CrossFire Technology and NVidia Quad-GPU SLI. It has 6 SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports supporting SATA Raid 0, 1, 5 and 10; an Ultra DMA for 2 PATA devices and up to 14 USB 2.0 ports as well as 2 IEEE 1394a ports.

It also features dual Gigabit LAN controllers from Realtek (first mobo we’ve seen that has 2 LAN ports) as well as a Via VT2020 10-channel (9.1) hidef audio codec.

The Asus P7P55D Series motherboards will come out in 5 different variants, from the Deluxe model to the Lite Edition (LE) and will have the following suggested retail price:

P7P55D Deluxe (16+3 Phase, SLI, CrossFireX, 2 Gigabit LAN) – Php 13,990

P7P55D EVO (12+2 Phase, SLI, CrossFireX, 10-CH audio) – Php 12,490

P7P55D PRO (12+2 Phase, SLI, CrossFireX, 2 x 1394a Firewire) – Php 10,990

P7P55D (P55 High Performance, 12+2 Phase, CrossFireX) – Php 9,490

P7P55D LE (Super-Value, 8+2 Phase) – Php 8,490

Asus Maximus III Gene

yuga — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:29:36 +0000

Asus claims a new motherboard in the RoG line that’s Windows 7 ready — the Maximus III Gene.

The Asus Maximus III Gene is another P55 motherboard which is compatible with most of the newer Intel Core i series processors (Core i5 750, Core i7 860 and Core i7 870).

The mobo supports up to 14 USB 2.0 ports, 6 SATA 3.0 Gb/s ports and an Gigabit LAN. There are 4 DIMM slots that support DDR3 memory.

There are several unique features of the motherboard that would attract gaming enthusiasts.

Speeding HDD. Utilising a dual channel design, Speeding HDD doubles data transfer rates, slashing game loading and data access times. To enjoy this technology, users simply have to connect two HDDs to the specially-marked SATA connectors on the Maximus III Series motherboard. The drives are set-up automatically — no manual configuration is required.

SupremeFX X-Fi. With its premium components and support for Creative Labs’ acclaimed Crystaliser, CMSS3D and EAX technologies, SupremeFX X-Fi delivers the most realistic and accurate audio in games. This iteration of SupremeFX X-Fi also supports Blu-ray output.

You’ll remember the Maximus III Formula which has an add-on card for the SupremeFX X-Fi, this model also has the same but it is already embedded on the board.

Asus tries to separate this form factor with the other — while the ATX Maximus III Formula is designed for hardcore gamers and performance seekers who demand the very best specifications and superior extensibility, the mATX Maximus III GENE is designed for case modders and budget-conscious gamers who prefer smaller machines, yet desire the power and features of RoG.

Of course, since this is a micro ATX form factor, it’s way smaller than Formula III and you only have less room to wiggle additional peripherals around.

Expect the Maximus III Gene to retail for about Php10,000 when it comes out in stores (about as half cheaper than the Formula III).

Asus Maximus III Formula

yuga — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:26:37 +0000

A new motherboard from Asus, aptly named Maximus III Formula, is another model under the Republic of Gamers label. As such, one will obviously notice the striking red and black design of the board.

The Maximus 3 Formula is built for Intel’s Core i5 and i7 — sporting an LGA1156 socket that can run the 45nm Lynnfield and 32nm Clarksdale processors.

Specs and features:
4 x DIMM with 16GB maximum DDR3 RAM
2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 support single at x16 or dual at x8 mode
1 x PCIe x16 supports at x4 mode
2 x PCIe x1
2 x PCI 2.2
NVIDIA® SLI Technology / ATI® CrossFireX Technology Support
6 x SATA 3.0 GB/s ports
Gigabit LAN
2 x 1394a ports

There’s also a separate card — a SupremeFX X-Fi audio card as shown below (powered by Creative).

SupremeFX X-Fi discrete Audio Card
8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC
EAX® Advanced HD 4.0
X-Fi CMSS®-3D
X-Fi Crystalizer
Creative ALchemy
Supports 1 x S/PDIF out header
Supports Coaxial/Optical S/PDIF out ports on rear
Blu-ray support

This one’s got the most number of ports we’ve seen yet — 14 USB 2.0 ports.

Similar to other RoG motherboards, the Maximus III Formula gets big scores for overclockers:
Extreme Engine Power Design (16-phase CPU power, 3-phase VTT power, 3-phase Memory power)
ROG Connect
CPU Level Up
Memory Level Up
Speeding HDD
iROG
Extreme Tweaker
Loadline Calibration
Intelligent overclocking tools (ASUS AI Booster Utility, O.C. Profile)
Overclocking Protection (COP EX (Component Overheat Protection – EX, Voltiminder LED, ASUS C.P.R. or CPU Parameter Recall)

We don’t have a suggested retail price but this item is listed on TipidPC for Php18,999.

Intel Core i5 750 @ 2.66GHz

yuga — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 13:39:14 +0000

Intel Philippines today introduced the first processor under the Core i5 brand — a 2.66GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 750.

Intel Core i5 750
2.66 GHz (up to 3.20 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology)
8 MB of Intel Smart Cache
2 channels of DDR3 1333 MHz memory
4 processing threads

The CPU has a retail price of Php10,988 over at Villman.

Rampage II Gene Motherboard

yuga — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:46:36 +0000

Asus’s new Rampage II Gene motherboard was made under the Republic of Gamers brand that supports the latest Intel Core i7 processors.

This Asus Rampage Gene II otherboard is from the Republic of Gamers (ROG) series which specifically targets gamers and overclocking enthusiasts alike.

The Rampage II Gene sports an LGA1366 socket for Intel Core i7 and Intel X58 chipset. It’s got 6 DIMM sockets that can handle up to 24GB of DDR3 memory.

Expansion slots include 2 x PCIe 2.0 x16 slots, 1 PCIe 2.0 x4 and 1 PCI 2.2 which supports NVidia SLI and ATI CrossFire technology. It also comes 7 SATA 3.0 ports, 1 eSATA and 1 ultraDMA 133 including 2 IEEE 1394a ports (FireWire).

There are 6 USB ports at the back panel and another 6 at the mid-board for a total of 12 USB 2.0 ports. The DVD installer that came in the box also contains some useful utilities:

Asus Update
Asus PC Probe II
Asus AI Suite
Asus AI Direct Link
Asus TurboV
Asus EPU-6 Engine
Asus TweakIt

The Rampage II Gene mobo is compatible with the Asus OC Station we previewed here earlier. The OC Station allows users to easily control the speed and performance of the CPU/system from an display panel.

The board itself has a physical button switch for Start and Reset (as shown in photo above) of the system so you can kick-start it without even hooking it into the chassis.

It also comes with an LCD Poster — an external LCD screen that hooks up from the board and displays diagnostic info from the mobo. LCD Poster can display test and POST codes. It can also display current time, monitoring data like temperatures, voltages and fan speeds.