Xvid Encoding:

We tested video encoding performance using VirtualDub-MPEG version 1.6.15 and a multi-threaded version of the Xvid codec, along with the LAME MT MP3 encoder for encoding audio. We did a two-pass encode of a 15-minute 276MB digital TV recording with a target file size of 100MB.


5500 seconds equates to about 90 minutes. In comparison we usually wait less than 15 minutes for an X6800 when we test an Intel motherboard. Obviously the two aren't quite in the same league but the AMD systems still manage five times more performance due to the extra clock speed, extra core and better memory performance. We understand the system isn't designed with this in mind, but it's a part of our test suite anyway and it gives you a perspective of the mountains of performance difference.

Citing our Abit IP35 Pro article; it takes nearly eleven and a half minutes to complete the test instead, but uses 166W to do so. Comparatively, if you didn't care how long the test took, you'd be 70 percent more efficient if you came back straight after the test when using the Core 2 Extreme X6800 and Abit IP35 Pro system rather than the EPIA. However, for the same time length the Abit would spend 80 minutes idle at 110W, which would make the EPIA 70 percent more efficient instead. That's not taking into account OS power saving features like sleep, hibernate or standby that come into play after a set amount of time idling.

MP3 Encoding:

We used LAME MT for our audio encoding test - it's the multi-threaded version of the popular LAME MP3 encoder. We ran tests with both Intel's and Microsoft's compilers - naturally, the Intel compiler resulted in some performance increases on Intel's processors. We converted all 18 tracks from Moby's popular Play album to a 192kbps variable bit-rate MP3.



Again the AMD systems are five times faster at MP3 encoding. This is actually a viable test for a HTPC if you want to drop some music from your collection onto it for later listening, be prepared to come back in 20 minutes after you've had lunch.

MP3 Decoding

Decoding is much the same as above, but the AMD system is only just over three times faster now. At worst.