2 systems - Same mobo, cpu, ram, video card, 1 runs slower :|

predder · 5th January 2004, 12:36 PM

I recently built a mate a clone of my computer, and for some reason his runs noticeably slower after a fresh install, heck his even took a minute longer to install windows. (and his ram timings are tighter)

Also occasionally he'll get little glitches in windows or a game where everything will kinda stall for a second (almost like lag in an online game)

my system:
NF7-S using bios 19
AMD 2500+
2 x 256meg Geil "ultra high performance" pc3500 running @ 333mhz
WD800JB
Gigabyte 9600pro

His system:
NF7-S using bios 17
AMD 2500+
1 x 512MB Xtreme DDR 3500 @ 333mhz & rated timings (memtested fine)
WD120JB
Sapphire 9600pro

Both using FAT32, same bios options, same optical drives...

I've put heatsinks on the north and south bridges whereas he's running stock but his case has plenty of airflow and even does it on cool nights

Just realised... this could be the clincher - i'm running an antec truepower 480, he's running a yumcha 350.

I'll benchmark them in the next couple of days, what program would you recommend?

fxr91 · 5th January 2004, 1:08 PM

Prime 95 would probably be a starting point

predder · 5th January 2004, 5:39 PM

prime95 as a benchmark or stability tester?

theyetti · 5th January 2004, 5:55 PM

Are your 2 * 256MB RAM running in Dual Channel Mode whereas his 1 * 512MB isn't?

Other than that would the BIOS version make any difference?

Cheers theyetti :-)

fxr91 · 5th January 2004, 6:28 PM

Prime 95 as a stability tester. If something fails, it will give you an indication of what to look at. And being an AMD system, DC ram only makes about 10-15% difference.

predder · 5th January 2004, 8:49 PM

which would probably still be noticeable. But no, it isnt dual channel.

Before I do anything i think the bios update is in order though

anlashok · 6th January 2004, 3:47 AM

my system:
NF7-S using bios 19
AMD 2500+
2 x 256meg Geil "ultra high performance" pc3500 running @ 333mhz
WD800JB
Gigabyte 9600pro

His system:
NF7-S using bios 17
AMD 2500+
1 x 512MB Xtreme DDR 3500 @ 333mhz & rated timings (memtested fine)
WD120JB
Sapphire 9600pro

1.BIOS is different
2.are the CPU's out of the same batch? are they both running the same multi?
3. dual channel vs single
4. different brand ram "bandwidth - latancy"
5.Different brand video cards

This probally wont be a easy fix case, you will systematicaly have to check everything.

its not really a hardcore testing that you need to do if you want to get them running the same.
grab Sandra and 3d 2001se
benchem both
look at cpu, ram, hdd etc.
what your after is hunting down the slow link.

Also same version of Windows? same drivers?

Run the benchmarks and post them for each machine.

(psu may indeed cause problems but i currently doubt it is the single cause)

predder · 6th January 2004, 8:56 AM

same cpu and i've already said i'm running both single channel.

I've also said his ram is running tighter timings that mine so i fail to see how that would make his faster.

Would the video card really be an issue... i'm talking general slowness not graphics benchmarking etc.

and yeah, this is running same windows, same drivers, both formatted at the same time (there was a lan the next day and i wanted a clean system... he figured he'd do the same too while i was there)

anyway i'll -
1) install bios 19 on his pc
2) prime it
3) bench it and post the results

5th January 2004, 12:36 PM	#1
predder Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Gold Coast, Qld. Posts: 1,364	2 systems - Same mobo, cpu, ram, video card, 1 runs slower :\| I recently built a mate a clone of my computer, and for some reason his runs noticeably slower after a fresh install, heck his even took a minute longer to install windows. (and his ram timings are tighter) Also occasionally he'll get little glitches in windows or a game where everything will kinda stall for a second (almost like lag in an online game) my system: NF7-S using bios 19 AMD 2500+ 2 x 256meg Geil "ultra high performance" pc3500 running @ 333mhz WD800JB Gigabyte 9600pro His system: NF7-S using bios 17 AMD 2500+ 1 x 512MB Xtreme DDR 3500 @ 333mhz & rated timings (memtested fine) WD120JB Sapphire 9600pro Both using FAT32, same bios options, same optical drives... I've put heatsinks on the north and south bridges whereas he's running stock but his case has plenty of airflow and even does it on cool nights Just realised... this could be the clincher - i'm running an antec truepower 480, he's running a yumcha 350. I'll benchmark them in the next couple of days, what program would you recommend? __________________ im details trades list (un/pw ocau)

5th January 2004, 1:08 PM	#2
fxr91 Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Brisbane, QLD Posts: 7,548	Prime 95 would probably be a starting point Last edited by fxr91; 5th January 2004 at 1:09 PM.

5th January 2004, 5:39 PM	#3
predder Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Gold Coast, Qld. Posts: 1,364	prime95 as a benchmark or stability tester? __________________ im details trades list (un/pw ocau)

5th January 2004, 6:28 PM	#5
fxr91 Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Brisbane, QLD Posts: 7,548	Prime 95 as a stability tester. If something fails, it will give you an indication of what to look at. And being an AMD system, DC ram only makes about 10-15% difference. Last edited by fxr91; 5th January 2004 at 6:30 PM.

5th January 2004, 8:49 PM	#6
predder Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Gold Coast, Qld. Posts: 1,364	which would probably still be noticeable. But no, it isnt dual channel. Before I do anything i think the bios update is in order though __________________ im details trades list (un/pw ocau)

5th January 2004, 5:55 PM	#4
theyetti Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Adelaide Posts: 244	Are your 2 * 256MB RAM running in Dual Channel Mode whereas his 1 * 512MB isn't? Other than that would the BIOS version make any difference? Cheers theyetti :-)

6th January 2004, 3:47 AM	#7
anlashok Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,729	my system: NF7-S using bios 19 AMD 2500+ 2 x 256meg Geil "ultra high performance" pc3500 running @ 333mhz WD800JB Gigabyte 9600pro His system: NF7-S using bios 17 AMD 2500+ 1 x 512MB Xtreme DDR 3500 @ 333mhz & rated timings (memtested fine) WD120JB Sapphire 9600pro 1.BIOS is different 2.are the CPU's out of the same batch? are they both running the same multi? 3. dual channel vs single 4. different brand ram "bandwidth - latancy" 5.Different brand video cards This probally wont be a easy fix case, you will systematicaly have to check everything. its not really a hardcore testing that you need to do if you want to get them running the same. grab Sandra and 3d 2001se benchem both look at cpu, ram, hdd etc. what your after is hunting down the slow link. Also same version of Windows? same drivers? Run the benchmarks and post them for each machine. (psu may indeed cause problems but i currently doubt it is the single cause) Last edited by anlashok; 6th January 2004 at 3:49 AM.

6th January 2004, 8:56 AM	#8
predder Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Gold Coast, Qld. Posts: 1,364	same cpu and i've already said i'm running both single channel. I've also said his ram is running tighter timings that mine so i fail to see how that would make his faster. Would the video card really be an issue... i'm talking general slowness not graphics benchmarking etc. and yeah, this is running same windows, same drivers, both formatted at the same time (there was a lan the next day and i wanted a clean system... he figured he'd do the same too while i was there) anyway i'll - 1) install bios 19 on his pc 2) prime it 3) bench it and post the results __________________ im details trades list (un/pw ocau) Last edited by predder; 6th January 2004 at 8:57 AM.