Dual 1.25 GHz Power Mac G4
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Photoshop Benchmarks
Next, we tested the machine using Photoshop 7.
2. The next test goes into filter effects. In Photoshop, various filters offer radically differing performance. The Gaussian Blur, for example, can take great advantage of the dual processors, while something like Colored Pencil can't. This test resizes the image 500 percent and then applies the following filters: Ink Outlines, Glowing Edges, Tiles, Bas Relief, Lighting Effects, Difference Clouds, Mosaic, Pinch, Colored Pencil, Gaussian Blur and Curves.
3. The last test consists of a huge string of effects, transformations, text manipulation and adjustments. It goes like this: Convert background to layer; resize image 500 percent; apply Inner Glow; apply Gradient Overlay; make four different adjustment layers (Curves, Gradient Map, Selective Color and Color Balance); make text; set antialias; warp text (arc); warp text (flag); rasterize text; set selection; duplicate; scale 411 percent; save alpha; select inverse; and fill with solid color.
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Conclusion
So, as you can see, the new dual 1.25GHz Macs are faster than their predecessors, as we expected. But they could have been even faster, if only the Motorola chips could play along with the speedy DDR memory. But we're not complaining. Even if Apple did have to overclock this tough hombre and fill the box with holes and noisy fans, the extra speed will certainly come in handy for After Effects jockeys, and for that, we're grateful. I have to say, for an aggressive and innovative company dealing with a nearly brain-dead chipmaker, this new computer represents a resourceful effort on the part of Apple to keep the Mac platform competitive.
By the way, we've gotten literally hundreds of requests for a re-match of our shootout between the Mac dual 1GHz G4 and Dell's 2.53GHz P4 box (Benchmark Duel: Mac vs. PC, Round II), so we're going to hold onto these benchmark numbers, and then run the identical tests on the fastest PC we can get our hands on. We're currently waiting for Dell to send us a machine with Intel's fastest processor, which the company promises will arrive here at the Midwest Test Facility in about two weeks. It's so new, they won't even tell us how fast its processor is. We do know the company has decided to send us another single-processor Intel P4 machine, configured as closely to this Mac as possible. Look for the results of this upcoming shootout between the Mac and PC, Benchmark Duel: Mac vs. PC, Round III, right here on Digital Media Net.
Here's the configuration of this machine:
Price as tested: $3,949.00
Charlie White has been writing about new media and digital video since it was the laughingstock of the television industry. A technology journalist and columnist for the past eight years, White is also an Emmy-winning producer, video editor and shot-calling PBS TV director with 28 years broadcast experience. Talk back -- Send Chazz a note at cwhite@digitalmedianet.com.Prev 1 2 3 4
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