Page 4 - Benchmark Results Continued, Conclusion

Cinebench 9.5

CINEBENCH is the free benchmarking tool for Windows and Mac OS based on the powerful 3D software CINEMA 4D. Consequently, the results of tests conducted using CINEBENCH 9.5 carry significant weight when analyzing a computer’s performance in everyday use. Especially a system’s CPU and the OpenGL capabilities of its graphics card are put through their paces (even multiprocessor systems with up to 16 dedicated CPUs or processor cores). During the testing procedure, all relevant data is ascertained with which the performance of different computers can subsequently be compared, regardless of operating system.

CINEBENCH includes render tasks that test the performance of up to 16 multiprocessors on the same computer as well as software-only shading tests and OpenGL shading tests on huge numbers of animated polygons that will push any computer to its limits.

CINEBENCH 9.5 is available for Windows 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems and as a “Universal Binary” version for Apple Macintosh computers with PowerPC or Intel Core Duo processors. The database functionality and simple export allow for easy statistical data collection. CINEBENCH is used extensively by leading trade journals and hardware manufacturers such as Intel, AMD and Apple to compare computer performance.

In our Cinebench 9.5 single threaded and multithreaded tests, it both revealed a statistic tie between both sets of memory modules.

The Super Talent DDR2-667 2x1GB RAM sticks again dropped a bit behind in our PCMark05 Professional benchmarks.

Moving onto our 3DMark06 tests, most of the subtests result in a theoretical tie. However, in the CPU benchmark score, the configuration using Super Talent's T667SB1G/S RAM again was behind the performance of the reference Hyundai set.

In our custom Half-Life 2: Lost Coast custom timedemo revision 2 test, it revealed no real difference -- the fraction of a frame difference is not really anything to count for.

In our Prey custom timedemo, I was actually very surprised to see our double Super Talent T667SB1G/S modules is actually lower performing than the reference Hyundai SODIMMs. I've re-run this benchmark over multiple times and the end result is exactly the same.

---

I am not sure if the many performance differences between our dual Super Talent T667SB1G/S 1GB laptop memory modules and our reference Hyundai 2x512MB set is due to limits of larger memory capacity, memory controller, the RAM itself or what -- the Super Talent set is behind in majority of our benchmarks. In theory, despite other factors, memory with higher bandwidth even if it's not running 1:1 with the CPU will at least put out slightly better performance, or by all means -- at least a tie with exception to latency. However, benchmark results indicate that Merom based Core 2 Duos (At least in our scenario) likes PC2-4200 more than PC2-5300 -- we might need to provide more proof with 2x1GB PC2-4200 RAM in the future. However, when the DDR2-667 RAM really made a difference, it really did in our EVEREST FPU tests -- the performance is quite significant ahead of what can be offered by the same configuration with PC2-4200 SODIMMs.

This, in general, will show us that PC2-5300 is probably better for office work than gaming when compared to low latency PC2-4200, at least in our Prey custom timedemo benchmark. On the other hand, what we can really tell you today is that what's not shown in our benchmark results in this article today. This is the advantage of memory capacity, and since Vista is released already, I would say upgrading to 2GB RAM will definitely enhance your mobile computing experience. Even if you are not upgrading to Vista, if you are a demanding user who wants higher memory capacity, by all means -- a couple of Super Talent T667SB1G/S 1GB sticks will definitely enhance your experience and a very good buy. Why I am saying this is that you will get (theoretical by specification) faster memory at around 10% or lower cost than comparable memory from other manufacturers at major online retailers in the United States. I've had absolutely no problems with compatibility and detecting timing tables on my Dell Inspiron 6400. In addition to that, the Super Talent T667SB1G/S memory modules passed every single one of our memory and stability tests with absolutely no issues. Competitive price? Yes. Quality RAM? Totally, in both testing programs and real life usage. What's more, you might benefit from slightly lower latency at 5-5-5-13 when compared to other PC2-5300 SODIMMs at 5-5-5-15. At least on paper anyway.

Special thanks to Amy and Joe over at Super Talent for making this review possible. Don't worry, the modem behind the RAM has nothing to do with this review. It's just there.

Rating: 7.2/10 | APH equal.balance
- More information on our APH equal.balance award in our Review Focus.
- The rating 7/10 means "Great product with many advantages and certain insignificant drawbacks; but should be considered before purchasing".
- The rating 8/10 means "Definitely a very good product with drawbacks that isn't likely going to matter to the end user".
- More information in our Review Focus.

Trust me, upgrading RAM in your laptop is a piece of cake. And a couple of Super Talent T667SB1G/S 1GB RAM modules might just fit your bill -- and that counts both price and quality in mind as well. In terms of performance, we'll have to research more into that later on to see if this is specifically lower performance of these RAM, or is it external imposed limitations independent of these SODIMMs.

---

Page Index
1. Introduction and Installation
2. A Closer Look
3. Benchmark Results
4. Benchmark Results Continued, Conclusion