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TEST RESULTS
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Test Results: Asus P3-P5G33
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Test State
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Mean
CPU Use
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Peak
CPU Use
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System Power (AC)
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Stock PSU
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SS-400ET
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Off
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N/A
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N/A
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6W
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6W
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Idle
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1%
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2%
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80W
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65W
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H.264
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32%
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52%
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90W
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78W
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WMV3
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27%
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52%
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90W
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76W
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WVC1
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45%
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61%
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94W
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80W
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Blu-ray (HDD)
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14%
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27%
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87W
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74W
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Blu-ray (Disc)
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18%
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35%
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90W
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77W
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Prime95
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100%
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116W
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101W
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Prime95 + ATITool
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100 %
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116W
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101W
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Video Playback
Except for the H.264 test clip, which normally uses less CPU cycles to render
than WMV3, overall, the video playback was good. Our Blu-ray title is encoded
with MPEG-2 so it wasn't very demanding, and the GMA 3100 IGP had no problems
with it.
Power/Efficiency
Idle power consumption was particularly high, due SpeedStep being broken. The
Intel DG33TL drew about 10-15W less with EIST working properly (though some
of this is accounted for the energy required to power the Blu-ray drive).
We also tested the system with a Seasonic SS-400ET 80 Plus power supply, which
we usually use in our motherboard testing. Using the stock PSU resulted in a higher
AC draw of between 12-15W. Assuming the Seasonic is 65% efficient at idle and
80% efficient at load, the Enertronics unit is only 53~70% efficient. We also
measured a power factor of 0.65 through most of testing versus 0.97 for the
Seasonic unit. It's a low efficiency power supply by today's standards.
Thermals & Acoustics
The Delta fan was the really the main noise producer and it had a very aggressive,
almost growling tone. On a carpeted surface with the system laying horizontal
and the cover on, the noise level registered 34 dBA at 1m. With the extra fan
disabled, it lowered to 26 dBA. The thermal consequences of turning the fan
off were apparent immediately. The CPU temperature increased by 9°C and
the system temperature followed suit. Despite this the CPU fan did not ramp
up and the system remained perfectly stable. It's probably a good idea to have
an exhaust fan, but we recommend you use a quieter fan or to undervolt the one
it ships with.
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Thermal Results: Prime95 Torture Test
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Exhaust fan state
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CPU Temp.
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System Temp.
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NB Temp.
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SB Temp.
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Noise @1m
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Enabled
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55°C
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33°C
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42°C
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33°C
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34 dBA
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Disabled
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64°C
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47°C
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63°C
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44°C
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26 dBA
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CPU and System temperatures reported by SpeedFan/PC Probe.
SB and NB temperatures obtained via laser thermometer. |
The power supply, despite its two small fans, was not hard on the ears.
Though it registered 1 dBA higher on our sound meter than the CPU fan at minimum
speed, it had a very smooth noise profile. The CPU fan on the other hand, exhibited
a very noticeable ticking. The PSU also did not generate any noticeable or measurable
increase in noise when stressed with Prime95.
With a better CPU cooler, it would be quiet enough to be used as a home theater
PC, even with the volume turned down. We initially tried to use the Arctic Cooling
Alpine 7 Pro, but it was a few millimeters too tall (it's 86mm high). The Alpine
7 GT would be good a choice and if the auxiliary case fan is removed, the Zalman
CNPS8700 would also fit.
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