MSI X340 Slim Core 2 Solo Notebook Review

Cinebench & wPrime

Cinebench

CINEBENCH is the free benchmarking tool for Windows and Mac OS based on the powerful 3D software CINEMA 4D. Consequently, the results of tests conducted using CINEBENCH 10 carry significant weight when analyzing a computer’s performance in everyday use. Especially a system’s CPU and the OpenGL capabilities of its graphics card are put through their paces (even multiprocessor systems with up to 16 dedicated CPUs or processor cores). The test procedure consists of two main components; the first test sequence is dedicated to the computer’s main processor. A 3D scene file is used to render a photo realistic image. The scene makes use of various CPU-intensive features such as reflection, ambient occlusion, area lights and procedural shaders. In the first run, the benchmark only uses one CPU (or CPU core), to ascertain a reference value. On machines that have multiple CPUs or CPU cores, and also on those who simulate multiple CPUs (via HyperThreading or similar technologies), MAXON CINEBENCH will run a second test using all available CPU power. Again, higher Frames/Second and lower rendering time in seconds equal better performance.

Once again we see the X340 fall in right where we expect it to. The Intel Atom-based netbooks are a little shy of the Core 2 Solo SU3500. When comparing to the ASUS N81Vp, take note we are comparing it to a 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo dual-core processor.

wPrime

wPrime uses a recursive call of Newton’s method for estimating functions, with f(x)=x²-k, where k is the number we’re sqrting, until Sgn(f(x)/f'(x)) does not equal that of the previous iteration, starting with an estimation of k/2. It then uses an iterative calling of the estimation method a set amount of times to increase the accuracy of the results. It then confirms that n(k)²=k to ensure the calculation was correct. It repeats this for all numbers from 1 to the requested maximum.

Here, we were a little surprised that the overclocked MSI Wind U100 was a little faster than the MSI X340. Other than that, the MSI X340 Slim is right where it should be. This little calculation benchmark just goes to show why the Intel Atom became such a popular processor, for low-power and light-weight laptops! The MSI X340 did not have any options for overclocking.