How does the ATOM 330 compare against a P4-3.0?

[Texun]

I have a question for anyone with experience using an ATOM 230 or 330. How does it feel compared to something like an single core XP4000 or a P4, 3.4g?

The reason I ask if because I found this Passmark chart and I'm either in denial or I'm not reading it correctly. It shows the 330 faster than a 3.4g P4 and an AMD FX-55. Are they implying the chip will feel as fast or faster? That just can't be right unless the ATOM is the best kept secret in the universe.

I want to build a iTX box that will work as a media server for 720P video, no Blu-Ray yet. I'm after low power and 24\7 use with W7 and an mpeg analog decoder tuner card. According to the Passmark results the ATOM should handle it with ease.

 

[Fox5]

Well, the 330 is a hyper-threaded dual core, if passmark is multithreaded it could come out ahead of single core cpus.

Is the atom just serving up 720P video? The 330 should be fine for that, I'm not sure if it could do playback without dedicated decoding hardware though.

 

[richierich1212]

Maybe OP is looking at a IONITX -A-U mobo like This? Looks pretty cool and says blu-ray playback.

 

[Texun]

Originally posted by: richierich1212
Maybe OP is looking at a IONITX -A-U mobo like This? Looks pretty cool and says blu-ray playback.

I wasn't looking at that one specifically but it does look like a nice board. I am currently looking at this one from Newegg. Reviews at NE say it's great but I don't normally use their reviews as a buying guide. It's got S-Video so I can't expect too much.

 

[TurtleCrusher]

If you really need video decoding on one of those mini-ITX boards, this radeon 2400 pro uses PCI and can decode HD without a hitch. $54.99.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814131082

 

[21stHermit]

I purchased a Foxconn Atom 330 barebone from the Egg last month. I got it to replace a Core Duo lappie I'd been using as a desktop for the past 2-years.

The Atom is now my everyday computer and I'm pleased. My biggest task is my mapping program which has very large data sets (1-2GB) and the Atom has no problem loading them and allowing me to manipulate the data, export text code and compile to binary using a 3rd party compiler.

The main reason for the Foxconn was it's mini-ITX so I can upgrade. Got my eye on a 32nm Clarkdale early next year.

I'd definitely buy another Atom 330 if I had to do it over again.

 

[21stHermit]

Are you aware that Anand just published a Intel's Atom Processor Compared to 68 CPUs in Bench? Perhaps a P4 is in those 68.

 

[heyheybooboo]

I wouldn't put much stock in Passmark

 

[Zensal]

This review of the Atom is almost exactly what you are looking for.

Intel Atom vs Ion Atom vs P4 2.66 GHz

Text

Summary is that in single threaded apps and basic functions like web browsing, the P4 is much faster. Anything threaded and the Atom kills.

 

[coolVariable]

Originally posted by: Scholzpdx
If you really need video decoding on one of those mini-ITX boards, this radeon 2400 pro uses PCI and can decode HD without a hitch. $54.99.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814131082

I would wait for a deal on a HD 3650 that is passively cooled though.
Got a passive HD3650 for approx the same price one year ago.