Test Setup

Test Methodology

In order to make sure our memory was stable, we used the Memtest86+ software. At least 2 passes at extended mode should be error free before accepting the corresponding FSB speed as stable. After running the benchmarking software (AIDA32, Sisoft Sandra 2004 & PCMark04) under Windows XP SP1, we ran two instances of Prime95 (Blend/Small FFTs) for at least six hours, to confirm the stability of the system.

Each measurement given in the test results, is taken after running each test three times, and then taking the average values. Note that the Sisoft Sandra results (Integer value and a Float value) were averaged and given as a single number for each test.

Our test motherboard is an ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe, a motherboard with the Intel 865 chipset and very well known for its overclocking capabilities. As for the CPU, we used an Intel Northwood P4 at 2.4GHz. Some may wonder why we use an "old" processor for the tests. As has been proven, the 2.4GHz P4 is a great overclocker, which makes it ideal for these tests.

The DDR memory modules were installed in the 1st and 3rd banks respectively. For optimum results, we didn't overclock the SVGA card, leaving it running at stock speeds with official Catalyst v4.30 installed.