Xvid Encoding:

We tested video encoding performance using VirtualDub-MPEG version 1.6.15 and a multi-threaded version of the Xvid codec, along with the LAME MT MP3 encoder for encoding audio. We did a two-pass encode of a 15-minute 276MB digital TV recording with a target file size of 100MB.


Xvid encoding is consistent with only a second SLI overhead. The performance is about average but the field spread is again only very small over the several minute test.

MP3 Encoding:

We used LAME MT for our audio encoding test - it's the multi-threaded version of the popular LAME MP3 encoder. We ran tests with both Intel's and Microsoft's compilers - naturally, the Intel compiler resulted in some performance increases on Intel's processors. We converted all 18 tracks from Moby's popular Play album to a 192kbps variable bit-rate MP3.



MP3 encoding is consistent and as fast as the fastest boards tested with both the Microsoft and Intel compilers.

MP3 Decoding

When using the Intel compiler, the XFX fares extremely well offering a very consistent and fast decode speed. However, with the Microsoft compiler, the XFX 680i SLI's performance is only average at best.