Tuesday, April 07, 2009

Vista 64-bit added to the 2009 Defrag Shootout

I have decided to abandon testing on Windows 7, partly because I screwed up the backup I had made, and mainly because I think it would be better to test a 64-bit environment instead. So I have been busy installing Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition instead.
There is another reason, too. I need to see if I can get my database environment to work with MySQL, so I am combining the two requirements together and installing MySQL 5.1 64-bit on the FRAGG machine as well. I will not run the MySQL service when doing the benchmarks, but at least I can save some time having both available.
I have obtained a legitimate license for Acronis True Image Home 11.8101, which is working perfectly (Not 2009). Stand by (but don't hold your breath) for more results. I am still experimenting with the hIOmon software, in order to obtain some useful benchmark information and analysis.
On the defrag front I have been notified of several new defrag programs, which will be included in the testing:

Update Tuesday 7.30pm: One thing I have already noticed is that the 64-bit Vista needs more RAM. Much more than the 1GB available in the machine. I guess that anyone buying it without at least 4GB is basically wasting their time anyway, but be warned if you intend to buy the 64-bit version of Vista or Windows 7. Most of the SPECviewperf V10 benchmarks failed for lack of RAM (or some other incompatability I haven't found). I have experimented with switching off a bunch of services in order to conserve RAM usage.
Update Wednesday 10pm: There must be a problem with the graphics driver or something, because only 2 of the 64-bit SPECviewperf V10 benchmarks worked, and some of the PCMark Vantage 64 benchmarks failed. So I have run the 32-bit versions, and they seem fine. Clearly 64-bit software is not ready for prime time just yet.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW! This "defrag shootout" is really "shaping up" Donn. It definitely looks to be quite exciting. I'm sure I can speak on behalf of all fans of your blog when I say that we appreciate your efforts and attention to detail. Thank you and great work!

Donn Edwards said...

I just wish I had some results to report. A quarter of the year has gone already. I just hope all this preparation turns into something useful.

Nnyan said...

I'm not sure if this is on your list but if possible could you add it ot the 2009 shootout?

http://sourceforge.net/projects/ultradefrag/

Thank you!