| OVERALL RATINGS & CONCLUSIONS: |
Raw Benchmark Data - Here is a table summarizing the actual results recorded for the seven different benchmarks on each of the three different PC configurations:
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Relative Performance Ratings - Calculating an overall performance ratio for each of the three CPU's using the weighting scheme described previously gives essentially identical results on all three system configurations. Going from the P3-850 to the 1GHz CPU results in an increase of 8%, and moving up to the Celeron 1.2GHz with the PowerLeap adapter gives another 9% gain. While these may seem like fairly small numbers, an overall increase of about 18% from the 850 to the PowerLeap rig is a pretty significant difference, for just a CPU change.
A look at the relative performance of the original equipment P2-400 processor on the Dell/Geforce3 system underscores how dramatic the performance increase will be if any of the three upgrade CPUs are installed. The XPS-R400 owner can expect about 70% faster performance with the P3-850, up to a doubling (i.e. 100%) with the PowerLeap rig.
Bang-for-the-Buck - Using the best available retail box pricing I could find on Price Watch allowed me to calculate a "bang-for-the-buck" ratio for each of these three processors. And, factoring that in, the race becomes a runaway. Not only does the PowerLeap/Celeron combo give the best absolute performance, it also gives the best performance per dollar quite decisively, with a "BFTB" rating of 1.15 vs. 1.00 for the P3-850 and 0.86 for the P3-1GHz. Obviously, those numbers can change quite a bit with pricing fluctuations, but that's how I see it today (late Nov.'01).
Here are the calculated relative ratings:
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| THE BOTTOM LINE: |
I believe the results of this benchmarking exercise provide a virtual "no-brainer" choice for the BX system owner who is looking to upgrade from their original Deschutes P2 or Katmai P3 processor. The price and performance of the PowerLeap/Celeron 1.2GHz combo make it the clear "CPU upgrade of choice" for that person, in my opinion. As existing Coppermine P3 supplies dry up, and faster versions of the Tualatin Celerons are introduced, that conclusion will only get stronger. Add to it the ease of installation, stability and apparent high build quality of the PowerLeap unit, and you've got a clear winner. Nice job, PowerLeap!
If I already owned a P3-850, would I upgrade to the PowerLeap unit for that incremental improvement? Hmmm--tough decision. Guess that would depend upon how much I needed (wanted?) the increased speed and how much I could get for that old 850! My upgrade dollar might be better spent on a new video card or a fast, new hard drive, depending on my specific system configuration. So I'll leave the reader to make that highly subjective decision for his/herself....
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Updated 12/7/2001
Questions or comments? E-mail me at THIS LINK |
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