35% loss w/USB in 3dMark2000

[jswcpm]

I just installed a USB Efficient SpeedStream DSL Modem and saw my 3dMark2000 score go from 1870/99 without usb enabled to 1798/95 with USB enabled to 1167/59!!! with the USB modem connected. CPUMark99 went from 53.1 to 36. SiSoft Sandra 2000 showed

I cannot use the 400GMAX DVD player without choppiness if the modem is connected.

Is this usual?? What happened?

Would an internal DSL modem do the same? - of course, it might pose an IRQ problem if not shared properly.

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AMD K6 III 450 at 500, Asus P5a, 400g Max, RR, 256mg sdram, Pioneer 10x DVD 104s(no soda holder), Creative DVD dr3, 18g ultra66, 6.4g ultra33, Atapi Zip & PP 100, SB Live Platinum, Cambridge Theatre 5.1, DTT2500 Digital, USB 4060 SpeedStream DSL Efficient Modem

[jswcpm]

oops, SiSoft Sandra 2000 showed a small decline from 1241/625 and 1232/1814 to 1214/611 and 1205/1774 with the modem attached.

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AMD K6 III 450 at 500, Asus P5a, 400g Max, RR, 256mg sdram, Pioneer 10x DVD 104s(no soda holder), Creative DVD dr3, 18g ultra66, 6.4g ultra33, Atapi Zip & PP 100, SB Live Platinum, Cambridge Theatre 5.1, DTT2500 Digital, USB 4060 SpeedStream DSL Efficient Modem

[Maggi]

I guess your USB port is sharing its IRQ with your G400 ... check that first.

[The PIT]

Also whats your CPU usage?

[mynx]

I have found that certain USB devices require a more cpu usage. If I connect up my web cam, even though I'm not using it my system seems to run slower. No IRQ's shared

[paulcs]

I think it's CPU usage as well, and your K6 isn't the most powerful CPU in the world.

Is their any way you could exchange the USB modem for a standard DSL modem. You'll have to get a NIC, but I bet it'll work a lot better.

A USB DSL modem sounds to me like a Mac solution, and realworld performance doesn't seem to matter to Mac users as long as Steve Jobs tells them they're getting super computer-like performance.

Paul
paulcs@flashcom.net

[jswcpm]

Ok - let's see - irq or cpi useage or ??

1) IRQ - I had the creative pci modem enumerator sharing with the matrox 400DMAX on IRQ 11 - (my creative modem has this device?) so I shifted card slots so that now it shares with the creative live card on irq 5 with a irq holder for pici - no apparent changes in performance of computer, video card, or sound card - seems like a no harm sharing

2) CPU utilization - Now this seems interesting - with the dsl modem plugged into the usb cable - the computer shows 15% useage with just the computer on (no screen saver) and 56% to 63% with the Matrox DVD running - choppy AND now with the dsl modem not plugged into the cable - the computer shows 1% to 3% with the computer in idle and 65% to 70% utilization with Matrox DVD playing and no choppiness....

Is this consistent with the expectations of the CPU utilization mavens?? I used the CPU utilization meter from BCM diagnostics and parked it on the taskbar...

Now, would an internal dsl modem do this?
Why is the dsl modem, if not in use - although come to think of it - maybe it is in use even if it is not engaged on - since it is still flashing led - is that the answer??

Is the answer just to keep the modem cable off unless I want to use it????..not a big deal -

By the bye, I just wanted to say how proud I was of our group - yes, i know this is self-serving (boo) but we really do try and help others while keeping us on the cutting edge of development - yeah, i know, pushing the envelope .......and of course, for SETI participation....We are not alone!!!.....

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AMD K6 III 450 at 500, Asus P5a, 400g Max, RR, 256mg sdram, Pioneer 10x DVD 104s(no soda holder), Creative DVD dr3, 18g ultra66, 6.4g ultra33, Atapi Zip & PP 100, SB Live Platinum, Cambridge Theatre 5.1, DTT2500 Digital, USB 4060 SpeedStream DSL Efficient Modem

[DosFreak]

USB is a processor hog in 9x. In NT it's ALOT better. Get the internernal. Sigh. Firewire is soooooo much better than USB.

[RAB]

Get rid of the Creative DVD dr3 thingy and try again. You have no need for it with a K6-3@500 and a G400 and its taking up an IRQ that could be better utilized by something else.

RAB