SFF Roundup, Part I: Socket 478 and 754 Systems
by Jarred Walton on February 15, 2005 2:00 PM EST- Posted in
- Systems
Encoding and Network Benchmarks
For our encoding benchmark test, we used AutoGK to encode the high quality TV input from the Aopen into a 5 MB file using two passes and timed how long it took. We used both the DivX 5.2.1 and Xvid 1.0.2 with audio encoding enabled. While some might find it useful to test the video and audio encoding separately, with the assumption that SFF computers would often be used as HTPCs, we wanted to show how a real-world test runs. Video size was set to a fixed width of 640 pixels (i.e. no loss in video size) and audio was set to auto. We then timed the entire encoding process from start to finish. We have samples of the DivX and Xvid encoded video files, and when compared with the 28MB source file, you can see the benefit of re-encoding.
We also ran some rudimentary performance tests on the network connections, just to verify that gigabit Ethernet performance was reasonable. We copied a 4 GB file from one system to each computer - with both connected to a switch - and timed how long it took. Since the source computer was running a standard 7200 RPM SATA drive, we should be HDD limited, but even then GbE is still three to four times faster than 100Mb.
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gerf - Thursday, March 24, 2005 - link
I noticed! :Dbut i doubt that you will notice back anyway. Heh
JarredWalton - Tuesday, December 6, 2005 - link
Touche! And only 9 months late. LOLJarredWalton - Wednesday, February 23, 2005 - link
UPDATE! I screwed up in comment 28 above and neglected to mention this in the article. The iDEQ 210P actually *CAN* use a two slot graphics card. That makes high-end cards like the 6800 Ultra an option, as well as quieter solutions like the Silencer GPU HSF. I'm not sure how many will actually notice this post, but it's one more point in favor of the 210P.JarredWalton - Friday, February 18, 2005 - link
Update: I inadvertently stated that the ASUS quick-boot mode supports MP3 CDs. It does not. Sorry for any confusion. The Aopen and Foxconn do support this feature, but my brain got a little scambled in the process of reviewing all five units.JarredWalton - Friday, February 18, 2005 - link
27 - at least for the units in this roundup, none of them could take a large two-slot graphics card. The AGP slots are all on the outside, so the HSF would end up outside the case. Clearance even with the X800 Pro used was tight on several of the cases and it required a bit of finagling to install. Any of the cards that use a large cooler like the Silencer would also not fit in the cases. I'll be sure to make note of any SFFs that could actually accept a two-slot GPU, though.benjin - Friday, February 18, 2005 - link
Excellent reviews, I appreciate all the hard work.Since noise is a big issue, it'd be nice to see how well some of the new, larger and passively cooled video cards fit, if at all.
I could see that as being difficult since they'll all be different, but maybe future reviews could offer an idea of how much clearance would be available to work with.
JarredWalton - Thursday, February 17, 2005 - link
The Kloss is amoung the systems in the 775 roundup I'm working on. Do they have a 939 version as well?Noli - Thursday, February 17, 2005 - link
can you include the Trigem Kloss as well pls? Sounds and looks pretty cool.. (esp if they have an A64 version - anyone know?)http://www.tomshardware.com/howto/200502161/index....
JarredWalton - Thursday, February 17, 2005 - link
23 - I've sent a request to Biostar for any additional units, particularly Athlon 64 units. The same goes for several other companies.REMF - Wednesday, February 16, 2005 - link
Biostar are are about to release an nForce4 SFF in their 300 series chassis. :D