Multitasking Scenario 3: Web Browsing

For this benchmark, we decided to switch things up a bit and keep Firefox as our foreground application while background tasks ran.

The Firefox, iTunes and Newsleecher tasks from the first test scenario were also present in this one, plus we did the following:

Open Outlook, immediately import 130MB PST file and immediately switch app focus to Firefox.

We then recorded the total time required to import the new PST while Firefox was our foreground application. The results were very interesting:

Multitasking Performance - Scenario 3

The benefits of dual core are obvious, and the Athlon 64 X2 continues to be a strong performer, offering performance virtually on par with Intel's dual core flagship.

Multitasking Scenario 2: File Compression Multitasking Scenario 4: 3D Rendering
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  • DrMrLordX - Monday, May 9, 2005 - link

    #9, I found it a little odd as well, but keep in mind that, not too long ago, Intel was still winning multimedia and 3d rendering benches on a regular basis with Northwood and Prescott. This might explain why Intel won narrow victories in some of the in-house multitasking benchmarks.

    What is clear is that the X2 is the superior processor when it comes to running lone multithreaded applications.

    The X2 is useful for anyone, while the Pentium D will only shine for people with distinctive usage patterns. Too bad the X2 costs so much.
  • Zebo - Monday, May 9, 2005 - link

    #9 every REAL WORLD AMD wins. I don't even look at synthetics or contrived benches so someone else maybe tells you if Intel won one.:) They tend to do really well in those.
  • Zebo - Monday, May 9, 2005 - link

    Total domination too bad I can't get one now!!!

    Anand what memory timings and CMD rate used in this review?
  • Frew - Monday, May 9, 2005 - link

    Is overclocking the same with a dual core cpu?

  • reactor - Monday, May 9, 2005 - link

    good article, cant wait to see how yonah stacks up so i can make a decision on what to get.

    btw the graphs all say intel pentium D 840, instead of 640.
  • Aenslead - Monday, May 9, 2005 - link

    Is it just me, or did AMD win in EVERY benchmark program? Simply amazing.

    Still, it surprises me to see intel push ahead on multitasking by a tad.
  • Swaid - Monday, May 9, 2005 - link

    I hate the price of admission!
  • anandtechrocks - Monday, May 9, 2005 - link

    Amazing preformance, but half a G is really pushing it for a processor...
  • Capt Caveman - Monday, May 9, 2005 - link

    I hate that we have to wait til Q3/Q4.
  • Brian23 - Monday, May 9, 2005 - link

    While I'm very impressed by this IC, I hate paper launches.

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