Benchmark: Z96J Benchmark

[GenTechPC]

I did 3DMark2005 first, will run 2006 later tonight, here is the setup:

T2400 1.83GHz
2GB DDR-2 667 Corsair
Seagate Momentus 100 GB 7200rpm SATA
ATI Driver: Version 8.204
All drivers are install from Asus CD, will try Omega drivers later.

3DMark2005
http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Z96J-3DMark05.JPG


http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Merom/3DMark05.JPG


3DMark2006
http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Z96J/Z96J-3DMark06.JPG



I've decided to download new ATI driver form Intel website before I install the Omega driver.

With new ATI Driver version V8.233
3DMark2005
http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Z96J/Z96J-3DMark05-2.JPG


3DMark2006
http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Z96J/Z96J-3DMark06-2.JPG




Now with Omega Driver version 3.8.252 and ATI tools:
3DMark2005
http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Z96J-3DMark05-5.JPG


3DMark2006
http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Z96J-3DMark06-5.JPG

Merom Setup:
T7400 2.16GHz 64Bit
2GB DDR-2 667 Corsair
Seagate Momentus 100 GB 7200rpm SATA
ATI Driver: Version 8.233

3DMark2005

http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Merom/DSCN0890.jpg

http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Merom/3DMark05.JPG

http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Merom/3DMark05-2.JPG

http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Merom/3DMark06-2.JPG

[tennisplayer121]

Wow, the Z96J didn't take as big of a hit in performance than I thought it would. I figured it would be knocked down around the 3200. It will be interesting to see what the Omega drivers do for it. Lol, but I still don't trust them. I forgot to mention earlier that on my desktop, it had disabled the "w,a,s,d" keys... so I could no longer walk around in Oblivion. I could only use the spacebar to jump and the mouse to turn/attack. It was really odd. Good luck with the Omegas though. I look forward to seeing the results. I think this is the first set of benchmarks I have seen for the Z96J.:)

[GenTechPC]

Actually I just found out it was at "High Performance" insead of Super Performance, I am running the Benchmark again.

update:
Turn out High Performance and Super Performance has the same score.

[GenTechPC]

I think this is the first set of benchmarks I have seen for the Z96J.:)

Exclusive for NBF. :)

[tennisplayer121]

I've decided to download new ATI driver form Intel website before I install the Omega driver.


Wow that gave it a decent increase... I'm still surprised the Z96J is getting that high of a score. I wish I still had 3dmark05 downloaded on a computer so when I get my S96J I can mess with it. (I may go up to a wireless hotspot to download it or something) I'm impressed with these benchmarks.

[GenTechPC]

Wow that gave it a decent increase... I'm still surprised the Z96J is getting that high of a score. I wish I still had 3dmark05 downloaded on a computer so when I get my S96J I can mess with it. (I may go up to a wireless hotspot to download it or something) I'm impressed with these benchmarks.

Yeah I 'll recommend everyone download the new ATI drivers from Intel website (http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/filter_results.aspx?strTypes=all&ProductID=2465&OSFullName=Windows*+XP+Professional&lang=eng&strOSs=44&submit=Go%21).

And for S96J owners who has BIOS Versin 0406 I would recommend they update new BIOS, I've made a bootable CD in NERO image files for dowload, just use NERO to burn the image files into CD and follow the instructions to update BIOS and the whole process won't take more than 5 minutes:

1: Download NERO image files: http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/S96J-BIOS-0601.nrg
2: Use Nero to burn the image file to the CD
3: Insert CD and when first power on the laptop press "ESC" at Intel logo scree
4: Select Optical drive at boot options screen
5: at "A:\" prompt type "Update"
6: it'll automatically update the BIOS and don't turn off or reset the computer during BIOS flash.
7: screen will go back to "A:\" prompt when finish8: restart the computer and boot to Windows, it'll start to find all kinds of new hardwares.

[tennisplayer121]

Hey... that's how you flash the bios. I have been wondering if I would be able to figure that out. Thanks for the walk-through. I don't know if I'll need to or not, but if I do, I think from that walk-through that I will be able to do it. Thanks.

[GenTechPC]

Hey... that's how you flash the bios. I have been wondering if I would be able to figure that out. Thanks for the walk-through. I don't know if I'll need to or not, but if I do, I think from that walk-through that I will be able to do it. Thanks.

You don't need to update BIOS, all new shipments came with new BIOS already.:)

[tennisplayer121]

Haha... sweet. I guess I can just refer to that if I ever need to update it in the future then. Anyways, I still think a thanks is in order. I just don't see this kind of customer service from computer companies that often...it's not like you have to help us update the bios or anything. It gives me a piece of mind about my purchase seeing that you are willing to help your customers even after they have gotten their laptops.

[c4Menace]

Will the Z96J need the bios upgrade?

[hyperluminous]

Wow, the Z96J didn't take as big of a hit in performance than I thought it would. I figured it would be knocked down around the 3200.

It shouldn't be a surprise because both the S96J and Z96J have identical GPUs and memory. The 3DMark benchmarks runs at the same resolution on all machines so scores should be identical.

Now, when somebody tries to run Oblivion at the native resolution they may find they have to use lower settings than the S96J to get acceptable frame rates. That's where the difference will come into play.

[tennisplayer121]

okay.... I haven't run 3dmark05 in a while, I had forgotten that it runs at the same resolution on all machines.

[Krista]

It shouldn't be a surprise because both the S96J and Z96J have identical GPUs and memory. The 3DMark benchmarks runs at the same resolution on all machines so scores should be identical.

Now, when somebody tries to run Oblivion at the native resolution they may find they have to use lower settings than the S96J to get acceptable frame rates. That's where the difference will come into play.

But.. my S96J got better marks by about 130 with the intel drivers than the Z96J. I wonder why.

Krista

[tennisplayer121]

Hmmm... the plot does thicken. Do you happen to have a t2500 or 2 gigs of ram? If you don't I have no idea why you would be 200 higher. If you do, that would be my first guess... but I don't know.

[Krista]

Hmmm... the plot does thicken. Do you happen to have a t2500 or 2 gigs of ram? If you don't I have no idea why you would be 200 higher. If you do, that would be my first guess... but I don't know.

Nope T2400 (If that's the 1.83 ghz) and 1 gig (single dimm) RAM.

I did turn off some background stuff. antivirus and the like.
I used the free version of 3Dmark05. So didn't set anything special. Hopefully the Z96J hasn't underclocked or anything.

Krista

[tennisplayer121]

Well, they seem to be identical then don't they. And I should have known that because that would have made things too simple right :) Oh well.

[Krista]

Well.... I did have omega drivers installed before removing them and installing the ones on the Intel site. Maybe something lingered. However, someone else downloaded the intel ones and got a very similar score so...

*shrug*.

I wonder what ATI tools shows the clock speeds as on the X1600 in the Z96J

Krista

[GenTechPC]

Will the Z96J need the bios upgrade?

No it doesn't, at least not yet. :D

[GenTechPC]

Well.... I did have omega drivers installed before removing them and installing the ones on the Intel site. Maybe something lingered. However, someone else downloaded the intel ones and got a very similar score so...

*shrug*.

I wonder what ATI tools shows the clock speeds as on the X1600 in the Z96J

Krista

I just reinstall Omega driver and ATI Tools, check out my score. :D

[mem]

OH ****! Thats a big ass increase. Are those the regular omega drivers? And should I install them on my beast right now? I haven't tried installing them yet. So far my score is 3951.

[GenTechPC]

OH ****! Thats a big ass increase. Are those the regular omega drivers? And should I install them on my beast right now? I haven't tried installing them yet. So far my score is 3951.

3951 is very good, you don't need Omega drivers. :)

[mem]

I installed them, uninstalled them then installed intel drivers again and I got 3953 my first time running it, I havent ran it again, Im going to soon to see my score again.

[GenTechPC]

I installed them, uninstalled them then installed intel drivers again and I got 3953 my first time running it, I havent ran it again, Im going to soon to see my score again.

I installed Omega driver and then use ATI Tool to overclock (http://www.techpowerup.com/atitool/).

But there is a risk of damage GPU for the long run, I only use it to run the benchmark.

[Madius]

Now, when somebody tries to run Oblivion at the native resolution they may find they have to use lower settings than the S96J to get acceptable frame rates. That's where the difference will come into play.

Are you saying the Z96J will take a performance hit on high end games because of the higher resolution?

[c4Menace]

Well, any game takes a slight hit on resolution because it has more rendering. The S96J will slightly work better on some games because its native res is much lower - thus the smaller and faster render. The drop isnt much. Mabye a couple fps. But that all depends on the game really

[mem]

When you sayh long run ken, do you mean like 4 years down the line or sooner? I don't really want to run the risk because i need this laptop for college. Or if I overclock it during games, then clock it back to its regular core speed when im done would that be fine?

and what temp is to high for the S? Mine idles at around 49-51 and when its really worked it goes as high as 56C.

[Mystery]

When you sayh long run ken, do you mean like 4 years down the line or sooner? I don't really want to run the risk because i need this laptop for college. Or if I overclock it during games, then clock it back to its regular core speed when im done would that be fine?

and what temp is to high for the S? Mine idles at around 49-51 and when its really worked it goes as high as 56C.
Your temperatures are fine on it. You can't expect a laptop to last in playing games for 4yrs, especially not a 1300$ one.

DirectX 10 is just around the corner, with revolutionizing new graphics and more power hungry games than ever. People with 7900GTX and such as worrying they won't be able to play the new games. If you've seen any pics you'll know why. So I think you're having an unrealistic expectation. Especially since the technology of the X1600 is already nearly 2yrs old.

I've had my 6800GT in my desktop for about 20 months now, and it still beats the best gaming card for a laptop under 15.4". Which means laptop technology is still far behind desktops. I think 3yrs is the best you can expect out of a gaming card for a desktop. And hopefully about 2years from a laptop to play on Medium or acceptable quality settings.

[mem]

That sounds good, the only games that I really play are TFC/CS which I know this computer can handle flawlessly, my friends have gotten me into oblivion but I rarely play games such as that one.

[tennisplayer121]

You shouldn't need to overclock for those games anyway, so you will be able to game on your laptop throughout college assuming no parts malfuntion and you take good care of it. You may not be able to play all the newest and latest greatest... but all the games that probably matter to you, you will be able to play.

[gochu]

why drivers and etc from intel, not ati or asus?

[hyperluminous]

ATI: Because they only release mobile drivers for a few manufacturers. They explain on their site that manufacturers do a lot of tweaking to the configuration so they assume no responsibility for making sure it all works.

Asus: Because this is under the Intel VBI umbrella. Intel is assuming the warranty repair for notebooks under this program so they'll be the ones issuing official drivers so that Asus doesn't bork a driver release and force Intel into handling the problems it might cause. (Realistically, I think we're safe using Z96J drivers).

As for gaming, when I decided on a notebook, I was accepting the fact that the hardware was going to determine what games I could and couldn't play. That was fine with me as there are dozens if not hundreds of interesting-sounding games already out that I haven't got around to playing that are bound to be just as good quality as anything else that's coming out. In any case, this is a very nice GPU and I wouldn't be surprised to be able to play almost every new game (with settings turned down) three years from now....especially is Merom increases performance as much as Conroe appears to.

[GenTechPC]

why drivers and etc from intel, not ati or asus?

Because Intel buy S96J from Asus and sell it to resellers and they provide support and warranty, but you can also downlaod from Asus website, they sahre the drivers.

[mostlarge]

3DMark 2005 score 4558 at 1024x786 using ATI Tools and Omega Drivers.
Core 505/Mem 468.
Default is 450/370.
Use this setting for benchmark only. Prey plays great at 1280X1024 w/high details using stock. I am going to try some games at native resolution and will report back.
This laptop has exceeded my hopes. Love the extra resolution. :thumbup:

[nikolasvm]

Hey.. really impressive. both S and Z... I t kinda made my mind up at buying a Z... I wonder how are the benchs raised up because of the Omega Drivers... how does it works??

Anyways thanx again!

[GenTechPC]

3DMark 2005 score 4558 at 1024x786 using ATI Tools and Omega Drivers.
Core 505/Mem 468.
Default is 450/370.
Use this setting for benchmark only. Prey plays great at 1280X1024 w/high details using stock. I am going to try some games at native resolution and will report back.
This laptop has exceeded my hopes. Love the extra resolution. :thumbup:

Hi Mostlarge,
One question, I was able to overclock using Omega Driver and ATI Tool when I bench mark Z96J, but not anymore, all I got was black screen when I set the GPU speed using ATI tool, my quuestion is what version of Omega driver and ATI tool are you using? thanks.

Ken

[RC30]

Thanks to Ken and GenTech I now have a working Merom Z96J. :banana: :banana: :banana: After just installing Windows and Asus CD drivers, I ran 3Dmark 5 and 6 at default settings. 3dmark5 = 4044 and 3dmrk6 = 1753.
I'll try the omega's too and report back.
I'm also working on a pictorial review of the barebones build process. Hopefully I can post that too.

[nikolasvm]

Very nice...
How much didi you pay in your Merom processor... Im sorry to ask... curiosity...
Nice!

[RC30]

Very nice...
How much didi you pay in your Merom processor... Im sorry to ask... curiosity...
Nice!
I got mine from the for sale forum here. You can find them for a little over $400 here or on eBay.
I tried the omega drivers and my scores are the same for 3Dmark5 & 6.
SuperPI is under a minute for 2M calc. 57sec :eek:

[GenTechPC]

Merom 2.16 GHz in 3DMark06:


http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Merom/3DMark05.JPG

http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/Merom/3DMark06-2.JPG

[GenTechPC]

Merom Benchmark Updated. :)

[superkdog]

Specs of system?

[GenTechPC]

Specs of system?

Z96J:
Merom T7400
2 GB RAM

[RC30]

Nice work Ken.:bow: Scores look right on. :dude: Could you also check your CPU temps and post them ?
I can't see your BIOS version on the screen shot. are you using the Intel 0901 ?

[GenTechPC]

Nice work Ken.:bow: Scores look right on. :dude: Could you also check your CPU temps and post them ?
I can't see your BIOS version on the screen shot. are you using the Intel 0901 ?


The CPU temperature is 51*C at idle.
You are right I am using S96J's BIOS 0901.

[tkoden]

Yeah I 'll recommend everyone download the new ATI drivers from Intel website (http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/filter_results.aspx?strTypes=all&ProductID=2465&OSFullName=Windows*+XP+Professional&lang=eng&strOSs=44&submit=Go%21).

And for S96J owners who has BIOS Versin 0406 I would recommend they update new BIOS, I've made a bootable CD in NERO image files for dowload, just use NERO to burn the image files into CD and follow the instructions to update BIOS and the whole process won't take more than 5 minutes:

1: Download NERO image files: http://1toppc.com/Merchant2/images/Notebook/Asus/S96J-BIOS-0601.nrg
2: Use Nero to burn the image file to the CD
3: Insert CD and when first power on the laptop press "ESC" at Intel logo scree
4: Select Optical drive at boot options screen
5: at "A:\" prompt type "Update"
6: it'll automatically update the BIOS and don't turn off or reset the computer during BIOS flash.
7: screen will go back to "A:\" prompt when finish8: restart the computer and boot to Windows, it'll start to find all kinds of new hardwares.

Which driver do I need to download. The ones that I see are for the Intel graphics chipset not ATI? I am sure I am missing something.

[GenTechPC]

Which driver do I need to download. The ones that I see are for the Intel graphics chipset not ATI? I am sure I am missing something.

Sorry wrong link, the correct drivers page is here (http://downloadfinder.intel.com/scripts-df-external/filter_results.aspx?strTypes=all&ProductID=2466&OSFullName=Windows*+XP+Professional&lang=eng&strOSs=44&submit=Go%21).

[mayaman2]

Is the heat a significant difference between the two models? I would like this as a portable workstation for XSI work. Can you take the laptop to any repair shop and have it repaired? This was the downside when i had a function sager since I was reliant on slow mail shipping repairs that didn't work.

[GenTechPC]

Is the heat a significant difference between the two models?

Z96J and Z92T? not much different but Z96J's fan runs much quieter.

[mayaman2]

Is the J model the one with the lower resolution?

[tkoden]

Is the J model the one with the lower resolution?

yeah