PowerMizer Effects on Performance
In this test we will measure the effects of the three different PowerMizer profiles has on the GeForce Go 7900 GTX and GS. The following are the results of varying the power profiles in different graphical applications.
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PowerMizer 6.0 Settings | ||||
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GeForce Go |
GeForce Go | ||
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Core |
Mem |
Core |
Mem | |
|
Performance |
500 MHz |
600 MHz |
376 MHz |
500 MHz |
|
Balanced |
200 MHz |
300 MHz |
200 MHz |
300 MHz |
|
Power Savings |
100 MHz |
110 MHz |
100 MHz |
110 MHz |
The above table summarizes the effect the different PowerMizer settings have on the Core and Memory of the two GPUs. As you can see at Balanced and Power Savings modes, both the GTX and GS are clocked the same, which should mean that both GPUs should perform almost identically in those settings.
Something to be aware of: as seen in the above screen capture, Balanced and Power Savings are the only options available for the Go 7900 GTX when it is unplugged (i.e. Performance mode can only be used when plugged in). Whereas all three settings are available for Go 7900 GS GPUs when running on batteries.
Now let’s see how PowerMizer affects 3DMark and Cinebench!
In 3DMark, the performance of the GeForce Go 7900 GS is nearly halved when going from Performance to Balanced, and a further 50% going from Balanced to Power Saving. The GTX loses 55% in switching from Performance to Balanced which is a very serious drop in performance. I have a feeling Power Save mode will be unplayable for games (we will investigate this shortly).
The GeForce Go 7900 GTX is a bit more resilient in Cinebench by offering a decent result though it has dropped from Performance to Balanced. The GeForce Go 7900 GS on the other hand adapts poorly and loses 30% of its Cinebench score between Balanced and Performance.
Now let’s take a look at some games.
