Asus Eee PC 1201PN ION netbook benched
March 2, 2010 at 2:38 pm
The last time we saw some benchmark numbers for Nvidia’s next-gen ION, it seemed to suggest that the performance wasn’t up to the original. Following the official new ION announcement this morning, we now know that two ION versions are hitting netbooks. An 8-core version for 10-inch netbooks and 16-core version for 12-inch ones.
It is safe to say that the Asus Eee PC 1201PN will sport 16-core ION and Notebook Italia has managed to conduct a benchmark to give us an idea as to where performance sits. Using the 3DMark06 benchmark, they managed to record a score of 2,013. This compares to a score of around 1,580 3DMarks for the Asus Eee PC 1201N.
This is a nice 27 percent improvement, although not the 50 percent suggested by Nvidia. However, it’s worth remembering that we’re not comparing apples to apples here. The Eee PC 1201N is a dual-core netbook compared to the 1201PN that is a single-core Pine Trail netbook. Whilst 3DMark is predominantly a graphics test, the CPU will make a small difference.
A more comparable test is using the 3DMark06 score from the Samsung N510 that we reviewed at the beginning of the year. The 1.66GHz N510 scored 1,301, meaning the 1201PN outperforms it by 54 percent, in line with Nvidia’s claims. Whichever way you look at it, it is interesting to see that there has been this outperformance considering it has the same number of cores compared to the original along with the benefits of Optimus power saving technology.
Update: NetbookNews.de did the 3DMark03 benchmark test on the Eee PC 1201PN where it scored 4,482. This compares to 3,593 for the Samsung N510 that we tested.
March 2nd, 2010 8:57 PM
Is it just me or am I not impressed with the frame rates in the first video from 2:08 to the end?
March 2nd, 2010 11:36 PM
Hope you never have any problems with ASUS, as their newly launched 1005 Netbook line will leave you disappointed. As part of my normal business process I purchased a machine from BestBuy. ASUS refuses to support a manufacturing defect, basically insisting that the only option is mailing it back to them, leaving the business traveler strandard without a machine.
For a machine marketed towards “business people” on “business travels” and a VIP support plan that claims to cover “anything” for 60 days, plus 1 year on the machine itself from fault, they will do nothing for you.
Customer service for business customers means prompt, reliable support to get you back to work asap. Customer service from ASUS means they assume you’re liar and will expect you to pay for priority, insured mail to and from them via FEDEX/UPS.
The ASUS EEE netbook is a new product, so no third party support or accessories will work. Save your self the headache and buy a machine from a reputable company with a good support history.
The ASUS EEE product line looks sharp, has a nice battery, and claims to offer free VIP support. Pure marketing garbage as they fail to support any of their claims with action.
From this reviewers perspective: Avoid ASUS, go elsewhere for your computing needs.
March 12th, 2010 5:09 PM
Hey Variety, I think its important to note here that the portion you are referring to is while it is running 3dmark… which has the sole purpose of overtaxing the machine to gauge its rendering power… so it should be choppy.
March 14th, 2010 12:38 AM
so how long does the battery lasts again?
April 1st, 2010 5:33 PM
To GrandNYC I say who buys a $250 netbook and expects the company to come to your location and fix it for you? I dare you to find any company willing to do that with a netbook and not charge you the same price you paid for the computer for a warranty upgrade. You could buy from a company like Lenovo for better/more serious business support but expect to pay twice as much.
November 2nd, 2010 4:47 PM
choppy streaming video on hdmi,poor quality