Benchmark tests were run in MacBench 5.0 and the latest DR/3 version of BYTEMARK (DR/3 returns higher integer scores than previous versions). Throughout this review I used the standard convention of showing CPU and Cache speeds (in Mhz) in the format of CPU Speed/Cache speed, so 433/288 would mean a CPU speed of 433 Mhz and a backside cache speed of 288 Mhz. The PowerForce G3 ZIF was tested at the rated speed of 400MHz and also at 433MHz. No errors were seen during the tests. A full Retrospect backup was done at 433MHz successfully.

MacBench 5.0 and 4.0 tests were run and several other systems/CPU upgrades are shown for comparison. BYTEMARK DR/3 tests were also run to show raw integer and floating point speeds for that popular benchmark.

Apparently the baseline G3/300 system scores in MacBench 5.0 were from a rev 1 RageII G3 system. The Rev 2 RagePro delivered much higher scores even when the CPU speed was only 10% higher.

Note: Macbench 4 scores cannot be compared to MacBench 5. Here are the MacBench 4.0 CPU and FPU scores produced by the PF ZIF at 400 and 433MHz:

MacBench 4.0 Scores

The following table shows the Bytemark DR/3 results. Scores from a several previous CPU card reviews as well as the Apple G3/333 (running 333/222/66) and a 9600/400 (overclocked 350) are shown for comparison. All G3 scores listed are from cards or systems with 1MB of backside cache. Scores are rounded off to two decimal places.

Since the PowerForce G3/400 ZIF upgrade posted the best scores I've seen so far, I rated Benchmark performance a 10.

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