Difference in memory score

[Rikard]

Hi,
I've built two very similar computers with the following relevant components:

Computer 1:
Asus P5QL-pro
Intel E8500
Corsair 2*2GB XMS2-PC8500

Computer 2:
Asus P5QL-pro
Intel E8400
Corsair 2*2GB XMS2-PC8500

When doing the passmark memtest (repeatedly), computer 1 gets about 1005 points, and computer 2 gets about 960 points. Both computers have the following BIOS settings; 5-5-5-15, 2.1V and 1066MHz.
Does anyone have an idea why there is a difference in performance? Does it just deviate that much between different DDR2 modules? Setting the speed to 800MHz on computer 2 gives about 950 points, only 10 lower than with 1066MHz (I haven't tested this on computer 1, but I expected a larger impact on passmark rating). Any thought on the issue is welcome.

Thanks,
/Rikard

[David (PassMark)]

The result also depends somewhat on the CPU speed, the speed of and size of the memory cache, and availability of free RAM. 5% is a pretty small variation all things considered.

[Rikard]

Thanks a lot for the fast reply!
So this is okay even if the DDR2 modules are the exact same type?

An interesting thing is that the score for computer 1 is 5% higher, which also happens to be the difference in CPU speed... :idea:

The amount of free RAM is somewhat higher on computer 2, the one with the lower score.

The only differences between the computers are:
1. CPU model (as stated before)
2. Graphic card
3. Hard drive
Apart from these, all components are exactly the same.

Thanks,
/Rikard