During our benchmarking sessions, we used the configuration listed below. Between our benchmarking sessions the only variable was the CPU being tested and the motherboard, which had to be replaced to match the different CPU sockets.

Hardware Configuration

• Motherboard (Socket 775): Intel DG45ID (0113 BIOS)
• Motherboard (Socket AM3): Biostar TA785GE 128M (07/23/09 BIOS)
• CPU Cooler (Socket 775): Intel stock
• CPU Cooler (Socket AM3): AMD stock
• Memory: Two 1 GB Crucial CT12864AA800 modules (DDR2-800/PC2-6400, CL6, 1.8 V), configured at 800 MHz
• Hard Disk Drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 500 GB (WD5000AAKS, SATA-300, 7,200 rpm, 16 MB buffer)
• Video Card: Zotac GeForce 9600 GT Synergy Edition
• Video Monitor: Samsung Syncmaster 932BW
• Power Supply: OCZ StealthXStream 400 W
• Optical Drive: Lite-On LH-20A1L

Operating System Configuration

• Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit
• Service Pack 2
• NTFS
• Video resolution: 1440x900 60 Hz

Driver Versions

• NVIDIA video driver version: 190.62
• Intel Inf chipset driver version (Intel): 9.1.1.1020
• Intel video driver version (Intel): 15.13.6.1908
• Intel network driver version (Intel): 14.5
• IDT audio driver version (Intel): 6224 v1.78
• Video/Chipset drivers (AMD): Catalyst 9.7
• Realtek audio driver version (AMD): R1.89

Software Used

• PCMark Vantage Professional 1.1.0
• VirtualDub 1.9.5 + MPEG-2 Plugin 3.1 + DivX 6.8.5
• Adobe Photoshop CS4 Extended + GamingHeaven Photoshop Benchmark V3
• Adobe After Effects CS4
• WinRAR 3.90
• Cinebench 10
• 3DMark06 Professional 1.1.0
• 3DMark Vantage Professional 1.0.1
• Half-Life 2: Episode Two – Patch June 23th 2009 + HardwareOC Half-Life 2 Episode Two Benchmark Tool 1.2.0.0
• Fallout 3 – Patch 1.7

Error Margin

We adopted a 3% error margin; thus, differences below 3% cannot be considered relevant. In other words, products with a performance difference below 3% should be considered as having similar performance.