All tests using the BAPCo benchmarks (see graphs A through D) are
compared here to a system that could be a low-priced alternative as a desktop
workstation. The entire system, which costs about $2950, includes a standard
Intel board with a 100-MHz Pentium, 32MB of RAM, a 2MB Diamond Stealth 64 PCI
video card, 1GB hard disk, 4X CD-ROM drive, and a 3Com Etherlink III. The
SYSmark rating is based on a suite of common office automation and CAD packages
(Microsoft Word, Texim Project, Max EDA) running scripted operations that are
similar to what a typical user might do. The actual results are computed
relative to a 486DX2/50 baseline system running Windows NT Workstation 3.51 with
16 MB of RAM. They are presented on a linear scale where a machine with an
overall rating of 200 is twice as fast as one that rates 100. Each application
was run three times. The final result is an average of three runs to allow for
inconsistencies between runs.
Graph A shows the average SYSmark rating for each application, graph B
shows runtimes, graph C shows overall performance, and graph D gives you an idea
of the system's value in performance per cost. For more information on the BAPCo
test suite, visit their web site at http://www.bapco.com.