The above test is the time it took to export a 503.7MB QuickTime raw DV movie to MPEG-2 format using Final Cut Pro 3.02 under Mac OS X.

The test file was created using iMovie's included tutorial movies. Load all of the included clips and duplicate them 2x to have 3 movies in a row in the timeline. Save the file as raw DV footage and open the file using Final Cut Pro. In Final Cut Pro, then export the file to MPEG-2 format, with the following specifications set:

• 720x480 Resolution
• 6.5Mbps Bitrate
• Include Audio
• Write Report File

The exported MPEG-2 file ends up being 140.1MB.

This test is fantastic for a benchmark as I ran the export multiple times and the test scores were exactly the same every time. This removes any stopwatch variables (the export writes a text file with vital statistics when it runs, no stopwatch needed) and I was amazed that there was no variation - ever. Perfect for testing!

Time to execute Photoshop 7 test script while iTunes visuals are running full screen in the background. All times in seconds, shorter bars are better.

The above test is a seriously difficult task for any processor to run. If you wish to duplicate it, this is what is involved.

• Set your monitor's resolution to 1280x1024, millions of colors.
• Open iTunes and play a song. For this test I chose a 10 minute live version of a Rolling Stones track, and had it repeat in a loop so all of the processors tested in this series would be having the same visual patterns displayed.
  • Some of the iTunes visuals differ in CPU load, and this levels the playing field, so to speak.
• Expand the iTunes window to fill the screen (1024x768 for this test)
• Activate the visual effects, at full screen resolution.
• Open Photoshop
• Select the action script to run, and start the stopwatch.

I have used this test in the PowerLogix Dual CPU review; comparison to that test is very interesting.

For more information on the Photoshop Action script used to generate this test, visit this page.

Continue on to Page 5