Hands-On Testing: 21 Pyrotechnic Pentiums

Our Windows and Unix benchmarks identify the best 60- to 100-MHz Pentium systems for high-performance computing

Scott Higgs and Jim Kane

Power users have never had it so good, as long as you stick to Windows and DOS applications. We tested 21 Pentium systems, with speeds ranging from 60 to 100 MHz, and found that even the slowest systems scream through Windows applications at least 30 percent faster than 66-MHz 486DX2-based systems.

That's the good news. The problems come if you're a Unix user who wants to take advantage of Pentium performance. Our attempts to run Unix on these high-speed systems were often thwarted: 10 of the state-of-the-art video cards used to complement these fast processors did not offer Unix d rivers to support our SCO Unix-based benchmarks (see ``The Best Pentiums for Unix,'' page 171).

The introduction of 90-MHz and the currently rare 100-MHz Pentium processors (both of which run not only faster but, at 3.3 V, cooler, too) is helping to drive down prices of the 60- and 66-MHz systems that began appearing late last year. As a result, wise buyers can now save thousands of dollars on high-end Intel-based systems.

For example, the two 66-MHz Pentium systems available for our last systems Lab Report in April carried an average price of $8300. Today's equivalent Pentiums are more plentiful and more economical: The nine 66-MHz systems we tested averaged $5200. What's more, the top-end 90- and 100-MHz systems averaged about $6900 in this report. This indicates how quickly the cost of Pentiums has dropped since last fall, due in part to 80x86 and PowerPC competition (see ``80x86 Wars,'' June BYTE, and ``Apple, IBM Bring PowerPC to the Desktop,'' April BYTE).

To identify today's best P entium performers, we rank systems in three categories: general-purpose Windows, where we consider 60- and 66-MHz systems; high-performance Windows, which ranks 90- and 100-MHz systems; and Unix, where we rank systems of any speed that currently support this platform. We tested these systems with an array of low-level and application tests for Windows, Unix, and DOS that give real-world comparisons of overall system performance, as well as performance for individual system components such as video and hard disk subsystems. We combined these results with our hands-on evaluation of features and ease of use.

How to use this guide

To find the best Pentium system for your needs, follow the main headings until you come to the applications category that most closely matches yours. Then look to the Best Overall or Low Cost summaries to find the appropriate rankings.

List prices are for the as-tested configuration, which includes 32 MB of RAM, a minimum of 1 MB of video memory, a 1-GB or larger hard drive, a 15-inch color monitor (unless otherwise noted), and a CD-ROM drive.

Features scores rate systems for expandability and flexibility.

Speed scores are calculated from either Windows low-level and application benchmarks or BYTE and SPEC Unix tests. In each case, higher scores indicate faster performance.

Ease-of-use scores indicate how easy it is to configure and upgrade a system; they include the quality of the documentation.

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Illustration: Pentium Components HARD DRIVE STORAGE Standard system configurations specify capacities of about 500 MB; however, many high-performance Windows and Unix users will be better served by 1-GB drives, which we specified for this report and which are reflected in our performance and pricing information. Choose tower designs for network servers or other applications that require space for mass-storage expansion. Choose a hard drive with a fast controller and access times at or below 11 milliseconds. Local bus (VL-Bus or PCI) drives usuall y offer the fastest data transfer rates. POWER SUPPLY The power supply must be large enough to support all the mass-storage devices that may be installed in the system. Power supplies rated for 200 W are generally the minimum for systems in this class; 300 or 400 W is better. EXPANSION SLOTS All systems offer some room for expansion, but flexibility varies widely. If you plan to use the system for disk- or video-intensive applications, look for available local-bus slots. Also make sure that awkward placement of CPU cooling apparatus or cables doesn't block access to expansion slots. SIMM BANKS Assess the degree of difficulty you may encounter in trying to add RAM; avoid systems that require you to remove drive bays and/or processor boards to add SIMMs. CPU Economy-minded users may find the 60- and 66-MHz models' lower prices appealing; 90- or 100-MHz CPUs are best for applications that are calculation and graphics intensive. Pentiums generate heat, so be sure the chip is adequately cooled: A h eat sink and fan combination is best. There should also be plenty of room around the chip for air to circulate. CD-ROM Choose double- or triple-speed CD-ROM drives for multimedia, text search and retrieval, and convenience in loading software. If the system will stand on its side, the CD-ROM drive should have a caddy load. If the system will sit vertically, direct or caddy loads are both options. Some units now offer a locking center spindle for use in either orientation.