*** Setting up a benchmarking partition ***

[cornelious0_0]

Alright, first off....if anyone is coming at this thread with things in their head like "who would actually care about this stuff" or "this is so pointless" you might as well turn around right now, because i don't expect everyone to understand where I'm coming from here.

Well, with minimal chit-chat...let's get down to business here. What I'm going to try and do is give a fairly short/simple step by step of what I do to get my benchmarking partition up and running. This "guide" is going to be assuming that you're sitting in your main partition ATM and have taken no steps towards prepping your system for any of this. Well then, shall we?

1: One way or another, create a 5GB partition on your hard drive, placing it after your main C: drive on the disk
2: Make sure you either have an install cd for WinXP with SP2 integrated, or have the SP2 isntaller handy
3: Format the newly created 5GB partition (NTFS) and begin to install WinXP
4: Make sure to unplug your network cable anytime during the initial installation of WinXP...as we're not going to be making use of it, and I have still managed to get virus' on my benchmark partition from simply plugging in the cable but not installing any LAN drivers
5: Once XP is finished installing you're gonna want to install SP2 if you don't/didn't have it integrated into your install CD.

The following steps will be a relatively "short and sweet" step by step of what to install when, and what services/features to disable within XP.

1: Install your motherboards' chipset drivers only, no sound or LAN drivers needed here
2: Install your video card drivers
3: Install any third party program needed to overclock your video card if the feature isn't bulit into your drivers
4: Install any/all of your benchmarking programs that will be made use of
5: Click on Start -> Run and type in "msconfig"
6: Click on "startup"
7: Make sure that you don't have a single thing checked off in the "startup" list
8: Click on the "Services" tab
9: Click "Disable All"
10: Sort the services by name and check off the following services to run on startup:

- Event Log
- Plug and Play
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
- Windows Management Instrumentation

You might even be able to get away without "Plug and Play" but I haven't tested it out as of yet. Also, if you're using an ATI video card there will be one or two ATI related services on the list that I have also not experiemented with, but will be tonight......so for now I'm leaving them checked.

11: Click "Apply", and restart your computer
12: Open "My Computer" in the start menu and click on "Properties"
13: Click the "Advanced" tab and then under Performance click "Settings"
14: Select "Adjust for best performance" and click on "Ok"
15: Click on Start -> Run and type in "gpedit.msc"
16: Looking in the main window, double-click "Computer Configuration"
17: Double-click "Administrative Templates"
18: Double-click "Windows Components"
19: Double-click "Windows Messenger" and make sure both options are set to Enabled

At this point you should be more or less ready to defrag the partition and start benching. Not that it helps out scores at all, but I usually go ahead and set my start menu to "classic" and simply it as much as humanly possible...as well as uninstalling any windows components I know I'm not using...just because.

By this point I usually end up restarting into my benchmark partition with a commit charge on boot of about 42MB or so, which will help you out, especially in cpu/memory dependent tests like 3DMark2001 and even things like SuperPi times.

I can't recal exactly how much I did end up gaining in some of my tests from this entire process, but seeing as it DOES give me a fairly decent boost in everything except 3DMark03 and 3DMark05 I'd say it's worth the time. Also, this way if you do manage to somehow fuxor your XP install while overclocking (which I HAVE done) you can simply boot off your XP cd and do a repair install, or just go back to your main partition for awhile if you want to, as opposed to having some downtime while you get your main partition back up and running.

I hope this can be of SOME help to some ppl that are maybe as much into the benchmarking scene as I am.....as it's been fun toying with this whole process and perfecting things for awhile, and it's something that really should be done if someone is looking for the most they can get out of their systems.

A note though, once you complete any 3DMark runs in this benchmarking partition, you'll have to be sure to save the project, so that you can load it up in your main partition to submit it.....this way you never have to install any LAN drivers...and better yet, no Anti-virus programs sucking up memory.

Also, one last thing.....for those of you running A64's.....you should REALLY use this seperate partition as an opportunity to install Windows 2000 if you have it...because it IS the faster operating system for AMD rigs...although some of the above steps may not then apply......the OS itself is/will be a better choice over WinXP for an AMD benchmarking rig.

Have fun guys, and be sure to post up any suggestions or questions you might have.....but flammers or thread crappers need not apply.

 

[ballistic]

Nice writeup, I'm sure some people will put your info to good use.
I know I've messed my install up while overclocking.


by the way, is that your real name? I have a cousin with the same name.

 

[joecuddles]

Just as an addition, go with Windows 2000 SP4 if you're using 2K. 2K will net you a few extra hundred points over Windows XP and SP4 is the best pack to be running.

How do you swap back and forth between partitions? This pretty much means 3 partitions for me.

1) Win2K SP4 DX8.1 (2001)
2) Win2K SP4 DX9 (2003, 2005, AC3)
3) Normal Win2K SP4 (normal install)

Guess I'm off to find dual booting guides

 

[cornelious0_0]

Nice writeup, I'm sure some people will put your info to good use.
I know I've messed my install up while overclocking.


by the way, is that your real name? I have a cousin with the same name.

I'm hoping at least a few ppl get something out of this, so thx.

And no, real name is NOT cornelious....got it from Babar.

Name's Jeff, pleased to meetcha.

 

[ryuji]

i dont get it... athlon 64s didnt exist win 2000 days... why get more preformance that way

 

[cornelious0_0]

i dont get it... athlon 64s didnt exist win 2000 days... why get more preformance that way

This is one of these times where an Intel man such as myself has to humble himself and tell you that "I don't know exactly WHY".....but that's just the way it goes.

If you're eagerly curious about why Win2k is that much faster for AMD setups then by all means go read up on it.....but as I sit right now I don't have an answer for you beyond "because".

 

[joecuddles]

All benches will get an increase in Windows 2000 because is the most streamlined OS. It's XP without the crap, basically. You can gain hundreds of points in 2001 just by using 2K instead of XP. Not so great for 2003 and 2005, but 2001 definately.

SuperPi also runs faster under Win2K Server and Win2K than XP 2K also gives the opportunity for a few extra tweaks

 

[cornelious0_0]

All benches will get an increase in Windows 2000 because is the most streamlined OS. It's XP without the crap, basically. You can gain hundreds of points in 2001 just by using 2K instead of XP. Not so great for 2003 and 2005, but 2001 definately.

SuperPi also runs faster under Win2K Server and Win2K than XP 2K also gives the opportunity for a few extra tweaks

However, P4 users gain basically nothing.....one more reason why I wanna switch this 3.4E setup for an FX-55....more to play with.

 

[boostieboy]

suppose i wanted to connect to the internet, what service or services needed to be enabled in order to do this.

thanks

 

[James Earl Ray]

I'm hoping at least a few ppl get something out of this, so thx.

And no, real name is NOT cornelious....got it from Babar.

Name's Jeff, pleased to meetcha.

I thought it was from Planet of the Apes!

 

[cornelious0_0]

suppose i wanted to connect to the internet, what service or services needed to be enabled in order to do this.

thanks

I haven't gone one by one to see which services need to be enabled to allow interenet access, but frankly, i see it as pointless anyways. If you enable internet access on that partition but do not have any antivirus or other protective software installed you're basically a sitting duck, and I wouldnt trust the partition for too long.

The reason I say that its pointless trying to get internet access in teh benching partition is because if you have a main partition you simply dont NEED it. For 3DMark tests you always have the option after you receive your score to save the results....then you can simply "submit a saved result" by loading 3DMark in the other partition and loading up the project file to submit it. Aquamark3 simply logs your runs in a folder in "My Documents" and can be accessed easily from a "main" partition.

I see no real reason to allow internet access on a benchmarking partiiton, because not only is it not needed, but it forced you to leave yourself open and/or have extra programs installed that will suck up memory and/or cpu usage...which will in turn lower your scores.

 

[joecuddles]

suppose i wanted to connect to the internet, what service or services needed to be enabled in order to do this.

thanks

www.google.com -> "XP Tweaks". There isn't an easy way to just answer that question. Most services in 2K / XP won't let you kill them just by end tasking them.

 

[joecuddles]

I haven't gone one by one to see which services need to be enabled to allow interenet access, but frankly, i see it as pointless anyways. If you enable internet access on that partition but do not have any antivirus or other protective software installed you're basically a sitting duck, and I wouldnt trust the partition for too long.

This isn't always true I've gone from Windows 2000 to XP over the course of 4 years or so with no Anti-Virus or Firewall software whatsoever and never been hacked, or even had a virus. It's an issue for most people, but for some it isn't (such as myself). Not entirely sure why though. And it's been the same on both of my computers, over multiple formats and re-installs. Some of us just don't get those issues

 

[cornelious0_0]

www.google.com -> "XP Tweaks". There isn't an easy way to just answer that question. Most services in 2K / XP won't let you kill them just by end tasking them.

But..........we're not talking about "end tasking" anything.....you CAN kill off almost any service in msconfig by simply preventing it from running in the first place. Loading a service or program on startup and then closing it is still loading it into your memory on boot, and taking up un-necessary space. Following the steps above and leaving enabled only the few services I listed above will give you the basic functionality you need to run your benchmarks without hindering performance.

Again, it's your call, but there is NO reason to enable internet access and install LAN drivers in this benchmark partition I have laid out....as it goes against a couple of the reasons why I decided to go this route in the first place.

As I said though, your call....but you won't be helping things any.

I fully realise that a lot of ppl never have virus or spyware issues....but I HAVE gotten worms and virus's from simply having the ethernet cable plugged into my comp. What I mean is that I had the benchmark partition setup, no LAN drivers installed, and almost all services disabled.....when i forgot to unplug my network cable. Even though I didnt have any LAN drivers or anything else installed, I still managed to get some ridiculous worm on my benchmark partition...forcing a format and re-install.

So you see, you can take your chances, its just that I'm coming from the angle that I've seen and experienced to many weird-a$$ things in cases like this, and I prefer to eir on the side of caution.

Here's a question for boostieboy though.....why DO you want internet access on teh benchmarking partiiton?

 

[vapb400]

is there an easy way to repartition if there is only 8mb nonpartitioned? Is there a good way to repartition my main partition to free up a few gigs (would like to try this and xp-64)

 

[cornelious0_0]

is there an easy way to repartition if there is only 8mb nonpartitioned? Is there a good way to repartition my main partition to free up a few gigs (would like to try this and xp-64)

Yes, there is.....the program I use is called PartitionMagic....and it works great. Using it you have the ability to create, delete, merge....and alter partitions, and taking a 3-5GB "chunk" out of your main partition to setup another one is ridiculously simple.....just make sure that your "main" partition is always at the beginning of the disk...because if you create an extra partition and accidently place it ahead of the main partition...and then delete that extra partition.....you may not be able to boot into the "old" main partition.....it's happened to me, I just had to learn the hard way.

 

[boostieboy]

Here's a question for boostieboy though.....why DO you want internet access on teh benchmarking partiiton?

oh i always thought you have to be a pro user or something like that to submit saved results

 

[L0s7 4 Lyf3]

This isn't always true I've gone from Windows 2000 to XP over the course of 4 years or so with no Anti-Virus or Firewall software whatsoever and never been hacked, or even had a virus. It's an issue for most people, but for some it isn't (such as myself). Not entirely sure why though. And it's been the same on both of my computers, over multiple formats and re-installs. Some of us just don't get those issues

Me too....

Short answer: probably not. Longer answer.. probably not because you are one of millions of computers and there are not enough hackers to go around. Anyway, any spare ones are not interested in your digital family photo album or excel expense worksheets... but they could get to your files if you don't care to learn about security.

 

[vapb400]

Yes, there is.....the program I use is called PartitionMagic....and it works great. Using it you have the ability to create, delete, merge....and alter partitions, and taking a 3-5GB "chunk" out of your main partition to setup another one is ridiculously simple.....just make sure that your "main" partition is always at the beginning of the disk...because if you create an extra partition and accidently place it ahead of the main partition...and then delete that extra partition.....you may not be able to boot into the "old" main partition.....it's happened to me, I just had to learn the hard way.

any free alternatives? I downloaded it and tried to repartition but it was a trial version

 

[cornelious0_0]

oh i always thought you have to be a pro user or something like that to submit saved results

No you don't have to be, and I honestly can't think of any other reason as to why you'd want or need the internet in this partition.

any free alternatives? I downloaded it and tried to repartition but it was a trial version

I honestly haven't used anything other then PartitionMagic in a good while....just give Google a shot and see what you can dig up, there should be more apps out there.

 

[boostieboy]

No you don't have to be, and I honestly can't think of any other reason as to why you'd want or need the internet in this partition.

that clears it up, i don't see a need for it either if it can be uploaded later, thanks

 

[cornelious0_0]

that clears it up, i don't see a need for it either if it can be uploaded later, thanks

No problem.....any other questions about this process in general let me know.....I've been toying with this benchmark partition for a little while now, and I'm more then willing to "spread the wealth" and share as much as I can with others.

 

[2Fresh]

Nice info, but to big of a pain in the ass to just benchmark, for myself anyway. Have you actaully noticed a difference in doing this?

 

[joecuddles]

Nice info, but to big of a pain in the ass to just benchmark, for myself anyway. Have you actaully noticed a difference in doing this?

On A64 systems, going from XP to 2K nets you 300-700 points. Using A64 tweaker for your ram if you do it properly can get you 500+. Having it on a seperate partition is probably good for 100 or so.

In the world of benchmarking, these things matter. Even 1 Mhz matters If you hit 29,750 in 3DMark 2001 and are on XP, you can break 30K just by using Windows 2000

Most of these things help much, much more with 2001 than they will AquaMark or 03/05. I'm sure the increases are there, they're just more apparent with 2001.

 

[cornelious0_0]

Nice info, but to big of a pain in the ass to just benchmark, for myself anyway. Have you actaully noticed a difference in doing this?

Yes I have noticed a difference in doing this....but only in 3DMark2001, Aquamark3, and some things like SuperPi for the most part.

I said at the beginning, if you're coming at this with the attitude that it's not worth the time then don't bother.....cus this is just one more of those things that MOST ppl never bother with....but those of us who are truely devoted to our benchmarks see it as a very simple way to gain some ground.

Using the seperate partition easily gained me about 300 or so in 3DMark2001....and about the same in Aquamark3....so for me it was worth it.

Most ppl are going to look at that and think "So what.....who cares about 300 points"......but I/we're coming at this from a different angle. Honestly, other then going through HL2 I haven't played any games on my computer in a long while....its here for me to play with and benchmark....aside from the net and tunes of course.

I'd say that even if it took up an hour of your time, it's easily worth it for the gains that are there, and for some of us it could have added value....as it has saved me from reformatting my main partition a number of times when I messed up my XP install and had to do a repair while I was overclocking.