Video encoding

Video encoding is traditionally considered very CPU-dependent, but the gap is still less than 3 times. The explanation is simple: codecs differ. In particular, the old single-threaded Canopus ProCoder which we still use can spoil results for some CPUs. On the other hand, it does help dual-core Core i5 processors. Besides, XviD and DivX are not optimized well enough. Thus, the gap between the slowest and the fastest CPU is a bit wider than average, but it's not as indicative as that in the compilation tests.

3D games

All quiet along the Potomac, the gap being less than 2 times. The result is not the worst, but indicative enough. Even at 1280x1024, with a graphics card intended for higher resolutions (we use GeForce GTX 275), there's no fundamental CPU dependency. Probably except for GTA4 and World in Conflict, which have always done worse with any dual-core CPU. Anyway, the results are also greatly affected by older games and console ports that feel well on most PC configurations. You don't care much about the difference between 130fps and 170fps, do you?

Write a comment below. No registration needed!