Notebook Trio: ASUS A8JS and G2P and ABS Mayhem Z5
by Jarred Walton on December 29, 2006 12:15 PM EST- Posted in
- Laptops
General Performance (Continued)
Going along with the SYSmark and PCMark application suites, we have some of our own benchmarks that test similar areas. Several of these tests also scored much lower on the ABS then the ASUS laptops initially, but after changing the Windows power settings the scores improved to the point where all of the systems are once again roughly equal - as we would expect in CPU oriented tests.
The ABS Mayhem Z5 comes in last in the Cinebench results, but it turns the tables in all of the multimedia benchmarks. Cinebench is actually the benchmark we credit with helping us to realize that the ABS system was truly not running properly, as normally CPU speed is the only major factor in this benchmark. The initial single core result failed to kick the processor into maximum performance mode, as only one core was being stressed, resulting in a score of just over 200. All of the multimedia benchmarks were also 10 to 20% lower than the other two systems until we corrected the power settings. Ideally, when a laptop is on AC power we would like to get maximum performance, and while it isn't always necessary there are definitely times where the reduced performance can be felt. Try to learn from our mistake, or else you may find that the several hundred dollars you spend on an upgraded CPU is going to waste due to power saving features.
Going along with the SYSmark and PCMark application suites, we have some of our own benchmarks that test similar areas. Several of these tests also scored much lower on the ABS then the ASUS laptops initially, but after changing the Windows power settings the scores improved to the point where all of the systems are once again roughly equal - as we would expect in CPU oriented tests.
The ABS Mayhem Z5 comes in last in the Cinebench results, but it turns the tables in all of the multimedia benchmarks. Cinebench is actually the benchmark we credit with helping us to realize that the ABS system was truly not running properly, as normally CPU speed is the only major factor in this benchmark. The initial single core result failed to kick the processor into maximum performance mode, as only one core was being stressed, resulting in a score of just over 200. All of the multimedia benchmarks were also 10 to 20% lower than the other two systems until we corrected the power settings. Ideally, when a laptop is on AC power we would like to get maximum performance, and while it isn't always necessary there are definitely times where the reduced performance can be felt. Try to learn from our mistake, or else you may find that the several hundred dollars you spend on an upgraded CPU is going to waste due to power saving features.
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Ajax9000 - Sunday, January 7, 2007 - link
Some of us want a highly portable computer that can can drive a big screen at home or work. For us, a 13" or 14" laptop with (say) a Go7700+DL-DVI is actually way more useful than a 17" laptop with DL-DVI. Gaming isn't a priority for us and the 17" is too big for good portability and just gets in the way when used with a big screen on a desk.tinus - Thursday, January 4, 2007 - link
Why did you not include the Asus G1 laptop in the comparison, since you dislike the gpu on the G2 laptop? I would have loved to see a comparison between the A8js and the G1, since the only difference between the two ought to be the screen (both feature a Geforce Go 7700). Especially since you say that the screen on the G2 is so much better than that on the A8Js. If nothing else, I would much appreciate any comments regarding the G1 since i am looking a replacement for my current laptop, and the G1 seems to fit me perfectly.JarredWalton - Thursday, January 4, 2007 - link
Unfortunately, ASUS sent me the G2P - as I've frequently commented, we basically review what we get. I don't know why, as the G1 seems better overall. G1 is a 15.4" though, so the display may not be as good - without seeing it in person, I can't say, although I can put in a request to ASUS to get a G1 for review if you'd like. G1 also comes with either a 1280x800 (YUCK!) LCD or a 1680x1050 (HOORAY!) LCD - but if they're both more like the A8J LCD than the G2P then it's still sort of a wash as to which is best.tinus - Friday, January 5, 2007 - link
Thanks for the reply, but no, you do not have to request the G1, because I already found a review of it on another site, and they claim that it is the same screen as on the G2.And yes, the 1680x1050 screen would be perfect!
JarredWalton - Friday, January 5, 2007 - link
It can't be the same display, as the G1 is a 15.4" LCD and the G2 is a 17" LCD. Now, if it's the same quality overall, that would be good, and hopefully that's what you meant. :)tinus - Sunday, January 7, 2007 - link
Yea well.. you understand what I wanted to say ;)customcoms - Saturday, December 30, 2006 - link
on this page: http://anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=2899&am...">http://anandtech.com/mobile/showdoc.aspx?i=2899&am...there is some mislabeling of the pictures (between the Asus G2P and the A8JS). It clear that this page is talking about the G2P but the article should still be fixed!
JarredWalton - Saturday, December 30, 2006 - link
This is the second image-related complaint, and again I'm a bit confused. Page 5 is definitely showing the G2P images, at least for me. I have no idea what you're seeing that convinces you otherwise, but please check it again and if you really aren't seeing the right images take a screenshot so I can figure out what you *are* seeing. Also, information on what browser and OS you're using could be helpful.yacoub - Saturday, December 30, 2006 - link
I found this review article very worthwhile. That Asus "gaming" laptop, however, is a joke with that GPU. =(Tommyguns - Monday, January 1, 2007 - link
I agree. Very happy seeing this review done. I've been looking at getting a laptop for awhile now and waited on the C2D's. Was gonna pick one up, but for the money vs performance, I was far too disapointed with the current GPU results. It seems there are reviews for all the desktop GPU's and graphed ect... but its impossible to get a clear understanding on the laptop side. X1600 was looking good. Perhaps a mass peformance testing of most of the current GPU's?Yeah, so basicly i am just really confused on how all these chips compare. Thanks for the review!