CPU Tests: Encoding

One of the interesting elements on modern processors is encoding performance. This covers two main areas: encryption/decryption for secure data transfer, and video transcoding from one video format to another.

In the encrypt/decrypt scenario, how data is transferred and by what mechanism is pertinent to on-the-fly encryption of sensitive data - a process by which more modern devices are leaning to for software security.

Video transcoding as a tool to adjust the quality, file size and resolution of a video file has boomed in recent years, such as providing the optimum video for devices before consumption, or for game streamers who are wanting to upload the output from their video camera in real-time. As we move into live 3D video, this task will only get more strenuous, and it turns out that the performance of certain algorithms is a function of the input/output of the content.

HandBrake 1.32: Link

Video transcoding (both encode and decode) is a hot topic in performance metrics as more and more content is being created. First consideration is the standard in which the video is encoded, which can be lossless or lossy, trade performance for file-size, trade quality for file-size, or all of the above can increase encoding rates to help accelerate decoding rates. Alongside Google's favorite codecs, VP9 and AV1, there are others that are prominent: H264, the older codec, is practically everywhere and is designed to be optimized for 1080p video, and HEVC (or H.265) that is aimed to provide the same quality as H264 but at a lower file-size (or better quality for the same size). HEVC is important as 4K is streamed over the air, meaning less bits need to be transferred for the same quality content. There are other codecs coming to market designed for specific use cases all the time.

Handbrake is a favored tool for transcoding, with the later versions using copious amounts of newer APIs to take advantage of co-processors, like GPUs. It is available on Windows via an interface or can be accessed through the command-line, with the latter making our testing easier, with a redirection operator for the console output.

We take the compiled version of this 16-minute YouTube video about Russian CPUs at 1080p30 h264 and convert into three different files: (1) 480p30 ‘Discord’, (2) 720p30 ‘YouTube’, and (3) 4K60 HEVC.

(5-1a) Handbrake 1.3.2, 1080p30 H264 to 480p Discord(5-1b) Handbrake 1.3.2, 1080p30 H264 to 720p YouTube(5-1c) Handbrake 1.3.2, 1080p30 H264 to 4K60 HEVC

7-Zip 1900: Link

The first compression benchmark tool we use is the open-source 7-zip, which typically offers good scaling across multiple cores. 7-zip is the compression tool most cited by readers as one they would rather see benchmarks on, and the program includes a built-in benchmark tool for both compression and decompression.

The tool can either be run from inside the software or through the command line. We take the latter route as it is easier to automate, obtain results, and put through our process. The command line flags available offer an option for repeated runs, and the output provides the average automatically through the console. We direct this output into a text file and regex the required values for compression, decompression, and a combined score.

(5-2c) 7-Zip 1900 Combined Score

AES Encoding

Algorithms using AES coding have spread far and wide as a ubiquitous tool for encryption. Again, this is another CPU limited test, and modern CPUs have special AES pathways to accelerate their performance. We often see scaling in both frequency and cores with this benchmark. We use the latest version of TrueCrypt and run its benchmark mode over 1GB of in-DRAM data. Results shown are the GB/s average of encryption and decryption.

(5-3) AES Encoding

WinRAR 5.90: Link

For the 2020 test suite, we move to the latest version of WinRAR in our compression test. WinRAR in some quarters is more user friendly that 7-Zip, hence its inclusion. Rather than use a benchmark mode as we did with 7-Zip, here we take a set of files representative of a generic stack

  • 33 video files , each 30 seconds, in 1.37 GB,
  • 2834 smaller website files in 370 folders in 150 MB,
  • 100 Beat Saber music tracks and input files, for 451 MB

This is a mixture of compressible and incompressible formats. The results shown are the time taken to encode the file. Due to DRAM caching, we run the test for 20 minutes times and take the average of the last five runs when the benchmark is in a steady state.

For automation, we use AHK’s internal timing tools from initiating the workload until the window closes signifying the end. This means the results are contained within AHK, with an average of the last 5 results being easy enough to calculate.

(5-4) WinRAR 5.90 Test, 3477 files, 1.96 GB

CPU Tests: Simulation and Rendering CPU Tests: Legacy and Web
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  • mode_13h - Sunday, August 8, 2021 - link

    I mean the gap between 3000G and 5000G APUs. Alder lake will probably also add some downward pricing pressure.
  • mode_13h - Sunday, August 8, 2021 - link

    In the meantime, I noticed Ryzen 5 3300X is back in stock, and available for $150!
  • GeoffreyA - Sunday, August 8, 2021 - link

    My humble 2200G is running well, but eventually, when I've got money to spare, I'd like to get something like a 5600G. Encoding performance is close to tripled, which is attractive. Heck, even the 5300G looks quite nice.
  • Samus - Monday, August 9, 2021 - link

    That's true. The Ryzen APU's have been so ridiculously fast for generations that even a 2018-era CPU is entirely competitive today. It isn't like games are going to play that much different - we'll have to see how demanding Battlefield 2042 is.
  • GeoffreyA - Tuesday, August 10, 2021 - link

    I think post Sandy Bridge, most CPUs have been holding up a lot longer than they used to.
  • ballsystemlord - Saturday, August 7, 2021 - link

    The "Ryzen 5 APUs (65W)" table is still mixed up. The 5600G isn't an 8 core APU. Neither is the 4650G. You should probably double check the other quoted specs.

    Spelling and grammar errors:

    "The Ryzen 7 5700G has the quickest thread-to-thread latency, however does offer a single slowest core-to-core latency."
    Incorrect grammar:
    "The Ryzen 7 5700G has the smallest thread-to-thread latency. However, it also offers the single slowest core-to-core latency."

    "Interestingly this processor uses more power when six cores are loaded."
    Missing comma:
    "Interestingly, this processor uses more power when six cores are loaded."

    "Photoscan shows good gen-on-gen performance uplifts, with the 5700G on par with the 11700K despite being lower powered."
    Incorrect grammar:
    "Photoscan shows good gen-on-gen performance uplifts, with the 5700G on par with the 11700K despite using less power."

    "GIMP is a funny test where it gets harder the more cores you have - that's why the quad cores win here. However slow quad cores (like the 2400G still let you down."
    Missing paranthesis:
    "GIMP is a funny test where it gets harder the more cores you have - that's why the quad cores win here. However slow quad cores (like the 2400G,) still let you down."

    "We're still running the tests for the Ryzen 5 5600G and Ryzen 3 5300G, but the Ryzen 7 5700G scores strong."
    "Strongly" is how you score:
    "We're still running the tests for the Ryzen 5 5600G and Ryzen 3 5300G, but the Ryzen 7 5700G scores strongly."

    "Historically a processor with integrated graphics fit the bill."
    Missing comma:
    "Historically, a processor with integrated graphics fit the bill."

    "... then someone like my father can browse the web and do office stuff on his 32-inch display and join the weekly family zoom call without having to sit there for the system to respond."
    Sitting is what we normally do unless we have a standing desk:
    "... then someone like my father can browse the web and do office stuff on his 32-inch display and join the weekly family zoom call without having to wait around for the system to respond."

    "The problem with these though is that the 5300G isn't coming to market, at something like $159."
    Missing comma:
    "The problem with these though, is that the 5300G isn't coming to market, at something like $159."

    "However it is not always the silicon that matters."
    Missing comma:
    "However, it is not always the silicon that matters."

    "In the same way that every year we get more performance, every year the required specifications for modern games go up."
    "goes" not "go".
    "In the same way that every year we get more performance, every year the required specifications for modern games goes up."

    "Not only that but new technologies such as AMD?s Fidelity SuperFX Resolution are aimed at getting a better experience with less compute power."
    Missing comma:
    "Not only that, but new technologies such as AMD?s Fidelity SuperFX Resolution are aimed at getting a better experience with less compute power."

    "Moving up to Zen 3 with a larger L3 cache has really unlocked more of the performance in these cores and in the graphics."
    You should qualify the type of graphics considiring the closeness of the "in":
    "Moving up to Zen 3 with a larger L3 cache has really unlocked more of the performance in these cores and in the integrated graphics."

    "The question on that then becomes how much extra will it cost,..."
    Missing comma:
    "The question on that then becomes, how much extra will it cost,..."
  • umwmedia - Sunday, August 8, 2021 - link

    AMD Ryzen 5000 CPU vs APU Comparisons?
  • WaltC - Sunday, August 8, 2021 - link

    Lots of pent-up demand for these APUs. I was impressed that AMD actually got them out in quantity on the release date! In fact, judging by seeing the US AMD store fully stocked with CPUs, including these, for several days running, now, I think it might be safe to say that the CPU shortage--at least for AMD CPUs--is finally coming to an end. AMD store is selling them all for MSRP--so there's no room for scalpers! Perhaps this means the GPU shortages are not long for this world--we can hope.
  • mode_13h - Monday, August 9, 2021 - link

    I noticed even the R9 5950X is in stock (Newegg even has it on sale for $805), but we don't know for how long. I'm guessing AMD gets wafers in batches, which leaves open the possibility of another dry spell before long.
  • HankInTexas - Monday, August 9, 2021 - link

    According to the AMD published specs, this APU only supports PCIe gen3. So, that hot, expensive Gen 4 M.2 NVMe SSD you want to use on your new motherboard will not achieve the speed you paid dearly for.

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