Welcome to SynthMARK 2002 Edition.
Version 0.9.9.9 (Pre-release, 12 December 2001)
© RubyMicro Software Development, All Rights Reserved.

Email: techsupport@rubymicro.co.za for troubleshooting information.
Email: Andrew@rubymicro.co.za for feedback or bug reporting.
Visit: www.rubymicro.co.za for more information.

1. Introduction

Welcome to the all new version of SynthMARK 2002, Features:

•	8 Different Benchmarks.
•	All new, clean looking interface and ergonomics design.
•	ATM (Advanced task manager) for process optimization.
•	Improved benchmark accuracy (in Throttling and Design).
•	Fully implemented system information.
•	Fully fledged result browser. /w swapping ability.
•	Built in benchmark documentation and help support.
•	Improved Direct3D benchmark design.

2. System Requirements
System Requirements:
•	Intel Pentium or AMD K5 Class CPU or Higher.
•	32mb Ram.
•	20mb of Uncompressed Hard Drive Space.
•	Windows 9x/ME/NT/2000/XP
•	A DirectX7 complaint graphics accelerator.

Recommended System:
•	Intel Pentium III or AMD Duron Class CPU.
•	64mb Ram.
•	30mb of Uncompressed Hard Drive Space.
•	Windows 2000/XP.
•	A 16mb DirectX8 Graphics AGP GPU.

3. Using SynthMARK 2002

The wizard design of SynthMARK 2002 makes it quite easy operate and use, simply follow on-screen instructions and there should be no problem. However the tools built into SynthMARK might need a little explaining ..

ATM (Advanced Task Manager)
The ATM is one of the more powerful tools integrated into SynthMARK 2002, it allows users to customize all the tasks running under your platform, and allows you to optimize your operating system before the benchmark, buy removing un-needed tasks. This tool cannot guarantee the programs closures, because some tasks are totally controlled buy windows, however, its still a very useful tool.

4. Benchmark Descriptions

Throttling: throttling has two purposes: To prepare the operating system to not interfere or perform any tasks while the benchmark is in progress. This is achieved by allowing un-benchmarked time to be allocated to the operating system under a benchmark situation. This allows the OS to dump any necessary ram to virtual memory and streamline the time slice management.

CPU(Cache/FSB): this benchmark tests the speed of the faster subsystems within your computer, these mainly being your CPU, its cache memory and the efficiency of the CPUs FSB.

CPU(RAM/Chipset): the benchmark test the speed of the slower subsystems within your computer. These systems include RAM (being DDR or SD), Chipset (Manufacturer) and CPU of course.

FPU(SPFP): the single precision floating point benchmark was previously a double precision floating point benchmark, this was changed when it became clear that optimizing single precision floating point calculations towards specific hardware was a lot easier.

FPU(Integer): the integer calculations benchmark is the simplest of them all, involving only simple mathematics, the integer benchmark performs twice as many calculations as the others, but the processors mange them better.

Direct3D: this is a 3D rendered benchmark through DirectX APIs Direct3D interface, it allows our 3D tunnel benchmark to be performed by using your 3D graphics accelerator. This test is very popular with gamers.

Spreadsheet Benchmark: This test is performed to give and estimation at your computers ability to handle the most common tasks performed buy spreadsheets and other related business applications.

Business Application Benchmark: This benchmark tests your computers ability to handle common business applications buy performing a wide range of common tasks according to word processors, database management and presentation software.

Imaging Application Benchmark: This benchmark performs a series of calculations often used in imaging applications. This includes special effects, distortions and blending algorithms.

If you would like more information please email techsupport@rubymicro.co.za.

5. Ending (for SynthMARK 2002)

Thank you for using SynthMARK 2002 Edition, we hope you will enjoy using it and it will prove a fruitful experience for your benchmarking needs.

						- Andrew Futcher