CPU and multimedia tests
CPU| 7-zip compression of 205MB files | ||
|---|---|---|
| Novatech Allspark VHP64 | Acer Timeline 5810 (mains) | Scan 3XS ION |
| 82 | 93 | 175 |
| CINEBENCH R10 64-bit - multi-CPU render | ||
|---|---|---|
| Novatech Allspark VHP64 | Acer Timeline 5810 (mains) | Scan 3XS ION |
| 12011 | 2902 | 1250 |
The two CPU-based tests show, clearly, that Core 2 Quad is fundamentally faster than either the dual-core ULV chip in the Acer Timeline notebook or the dual-core Atom in the Scan 3XS system.
In particular, the multithreaded CINEBENCH test shows it in the best light, so if your work tends to be CPU-intensive, look towards the Allspark.
Multimedia
| Terminator Salvation 720p (mov) playback via VLC | ||
|---|---|---|
| Novatech Allspark VHP64 | Acer Timeline 5810 (mains) | Scan 3XS ION |
| 6.95 | 18.9 | 24.1 |
| Terminator Salvation 1080p (mov) playback via VLC | ||
|---|---|---|
| Novatech Allspark VHP64 | Acer Timeline 5810 (mains) | Scan 3XS ION |
| 14 | 32.4 | 51.7 |
And the CPU helps out in the non-GPU-accelerated 1080p QuickTime decoding via VLC Player. As expected, performance is smooth and stutter-free.
The powerful CPU handles Flash HD in its stride - something which can't be said for the low-power competition.
But, generally, movie decoding has now moved on to the GPU. Even QuickTime is supported by MPC-HC, and running it on the GPU reduces the average CPU utilisation to just six per cent.
| Die Hard 4.0 Blu-ray playback | ||
|---|---|---|
| Novatech Allspark VHP64 | Acer Timeline 5810 (mains) | Scan 3XS ION |
| 22.6 | 44 | 27 |
Blu-ray decoding can also be offloaded to the discrete GPU, but having to run the test via an external, USB-powered drive diminishes the Allspark's performance. Still, we're in no doubt that it would be a capable Blu-ray player, should it be outfitted with such a drive.