New CPU Tests: Eleven new processors go through our new procedures

Intel Core i7 870

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We've just brought our selection of processor tests bang up to date with a new, more demanding set of challenges.  To inaugurate the changes, we've tried them out on eleven new CPUs.

The new tests rely on the latest versions of the software we use, but we've also added some new tasks and removed others.  The audio/video section still reflects current trends, with tests using Maxon Cinema 4D R11, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.5 and Cubase 5.1 all part of the line-up.

We've adjusted the encoding section, though, with new tests using Windows Live Move Maker.  The HD encoding test that uses x264 and the iTunes 9 audio encoding test haven't budged, and we also try the CPUs out compressing files, this time in WinRAR 3.9.

We don't leave games untouched either, and so a third title has joined the two existing members of the line-up: we now test all processors with Far Cry 2, Crysis Warhead and World in Conflict: Soivet Assault. 

Finally, energy consumption measurements are still included.

Amongst the first dozen or so (and more will be on their way soon), there's a little of everything, from very high-end processors like the Intel Core i7 alongside dual-core options like the AMD Phenom II X2 or Intel Core 2 Duo families.  You'll also find part of AMD's triple-core range, the X3 family.

You can find the whole range of tests--old and new--in the Face-Off: Processors.  If that's a little much for you, there's also a summary table recapping the performance of all our current models, while the more curious amongst you might like to know just what hardware we used for our tests.

> Product Survey: Processors

> Processors: Performance Index
> Processors: Test Equipment
> Product Face-Off: Processors




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