The AMD X2 range of central processing units are the first multicore CPUs made by the company for desktop computers. The AMD X2 series features improvements like "multithreading" whereby software can run in parallel and thus much faster, as well as lower power requirements. Because traditional CPU tests were designed to benchmark single core processors it is necessary to use newer tests when benchmarking the AMD X2 series to the full. Most CPU benchmarking tools released after 2005 will make provisions for the 64bit architecture of the AMD X2.
ScienceMark
"ScienceMark" is a CPU benchmarking program that uses mathematical calculations and formulas to test processors like the AMD X2. The tests are repeated several times in order to get an average result. Due to the complexity of the tests they can run for a long time depending on what speed the X2 processor is. This also allows the program to be used as a "stability" test for the AMD X2. The "ScienceMark" program can be downloaded for free from the Internet.
3DMARK
The "3DMARK" application is designed to benchmark the graphic card and central processing unit of computers. A series of tests are run and the results are then calculated and translated into a score. Users can upload this score to the Internet and compare it with other users. The CPU test runs a performance intensive sequence using only the CPU allowing users to see how well the AMD X2 copes and how it fares compared to other processors. The "3DMARK" program can be downloaded from the Futuremark website.
wPrime
The CPU benchmarking utility "wPrime" is specifically designed to test the multithreading capabilities of processors like the AMD X2. The program will also test the stability of the AMD X2 as it is very performance intensive. If the program crashes or freezes while the test runs it means that the CPU may be faulty or overheating. The "wPrime" program is free and can be downloaded from the official website.
Y-cruncher
The pi program, "y-cruncher," is used for multithreading processors like the AMD X2. The program uses mathematical formulas to compute the value of pi as well as other constants. The program is very performance intensive and will place the AMD X2 processor under maximum load; something that is not easy to achieve with normal means. The resulting benchmark results can then be compared with other scores on the Internet. Because the processor is put under such a load the program also functions well as a stress tester to measure the stability of the AMD X2.
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