µATX Part 1: ATI Radeon Xpress 1250 Performance Review
by Gary Key on August 28, 2007 7:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Motherboards
Audio Encoding Performance
We will utilize iTunes 7.3 for our audio encoding tests as it is one of the most utilized audio applications available due to the immense popularity of the iPod.
Our first task was to figure out what test CD to utilize. We needed one that contained a significant number of tracks and had over 600MB of data in order to properly stress our platforms. As in previous articles, we are using an INXS Greatest Hits CD for testing, which contains 16 tracks totaling 606MB of songs. Our first test consists of utilizing iTunes to rip our INXS CD in WAV format onto our hard drive. Even though CPU speed and optical drive selection have a great impact on these test results we are using the same optical drive between platforms for each test.
Our test platforms score within 1% of each other. This test was very consistent with each result never varying more than one second from the base score as the test heavily relies on the performance of the optical drive which results in margins that are minimal.
Our next two tests have us utilizing iTunes to convert our WAV files into ACC or MP3 compatible formats. We utilize the 320kbps and variable bit rate option for both tests.
We usually see iTunes favoring a system with excellent CPU throughput and these tests indicate the Radeon X1250 is up to speed in this area. The difference between the Intel equipped MSI G33M and the two X1250 boards is around 1% in both tests. While Intel based chipsets usually have an advantage over their competitors in CPU throughput, it is refreshing to see some competition in this area, even if this is the last Intel based chipset from AMD/ATI.
We will utilize iTunes 7.3 for our audio encoding tests as it is one of the most utilized audio applications available due to the immense popularity of the iPod.
Our first task was to figure out what test CD to utilize. We needed one that contained a significant number of tracks and had over 600MB of data in order to properly stress our platforms. As in previous articles, we are using an INXS Greatest Hits CD for testing, which contains 16 tracks totaling 606MB of songs. Our first test consists of utilizing iTunes to rip our INXS CD in WAV format onto our hard drive. Even though CPU speed and optical drive selection have a great impact on these test results we are using the same optical drive between platforms for each test.
Our test platforms score within 1% of each other. This test was very consistent with each result never varying more than one second from the base score as the test heavily relies on the performance of the optical drive which results in margins that are minimal.
Our next two tests have us utilizing iTunes to convert our WAV files into ACC or MP3 compatible formats. We utilize the 320kbps and variable bit rate option for both tests.
We usually see iTunes favoring a system with excellent CPU throughput and these tests indicate the Radeon X1250 is up to speed in this area. The difference between the Intel equipped MSI G33M and the two X1250 boards is around 1% in both tests. While Intel based chipsets usually have an advantage over their competitors in CPU throughput, it is refreshing to see some competition in this area, even if this is the last Intel based chipset from AMD/ATI.
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Brick88 - Thursday, August 30, 2007 - link
doesn't anyone feel that AMD is cutting itself short? Yes Intel is their primary competitor but by not producing an igp chipset for intel based processors, they are cutting themselves out of a big market. Intel ships the majority of processors and AMD will need every single stream of revenue to compete with Intel.bunga28 - Wednesday, August 29, 2007 - link
Charles Dickens would roll over his grave if he saw you comparing these 2 boards by paraphrasing his work.Myrandex - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - link
I don't knwo why they would ever put that name on the board. the fact that it is getting beat by a ASRock motherboard in gaming performance is pathetic, since that name is supposed to be all about gaming (no offense to the ASRockers out there, as they aren't bad boards I have more experience with them then fatal1ty's anyways).Etern205 - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - link
On the "abit Fatality F-I90HD: Feature Set" page,that Abit EQ software interface of a car looks
familar one of those real models.
Like this one
<img>http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8490/toyotafjhh...">http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8490/toyotafjhh...
source:
http://www.automobilemag.com/new_car_previews/2006...">http://www.automobilemag.com/new_car_previews/2006...
strikeback03 - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - link
I was thinking Hummer, either way...Etern205 - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - link
Not really because the face of a Hummer is differentthan the one from Toyota. The face of a Hummer has
vertical grill bars, while the Toyota does not.
strikeback03 - Wednesday, August 29, 2007 - link
However the Hummer has the full-width chrome fascia, the Toyota has a part-width sorta satin chrome thing.I highly doubt they licensed an image of either, so it can't look exactly like any vehicle. I remember a lawsuit between Jeep and Hummer over the 7 vertical slots in eachother's grilles several years ago.
eBauer - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - link
Why are the Xpress 1250 systems running tighter timings (4-4-4-12) where the G33 system is running looser timings (5-5-5-12)?strikeback03 - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - link
Top of page 8
Mazen - Tuesday, August 28, 2007 - link
I have a 6000+ (gift) and I am just wondering whether I should go with a 690G or wait for nvidia's upcoming MCP 78. Can't wait for the 690G review... thoughts anyone?