Automation, license keys, Read Only media

[john w]

I really like PT, and especially the automation switches. I would like to build myself a test stick or test CD (perhaps using autorun), so I can run PT on machines without installing it on them, or clicking anything during the test:

Is there a way to turn off CD test and graphics test? I don't want to have to insert a CD rom AND a flash stick, one or the other would be nice.

If I just use a flash stick. I am prompted to insert a CDROM for the CD speed test.

If I just use a CDROM, I get a problem creating 3D textures on a read only media, asking me to click OK...

The CSV, and html command line format options are great (details in help->contents->"Other Info"), but is there a way to get the detailed processor info saved in the binary format (cache size, cpu version, etc) into the csv file? or another text file? I have thought of using the .ini file feature with a small interval, generating a binary file which has the info on one fast warmup run, then generating a csv in a longer second run.

I saw a post about putting the license key in a text file on the media, if you could point me to that info, or the "White Paper" that another poster referred to that would be great too.

Thanks,

John.

[Ian (PassMark)]

We are about to release a new point release of PerformanceTest that I believe covers everything you ask about. Among other features, PerformanceTest V6.1 includes the following:
- Test scripting. You can specify whichever tests you want (and hence exclude the CD and graphics test);
- You can now suppress the main test warning dialogs using a new option in Preferences;
- The build of DirectX9.0c that PerformanceTest uses has been updated to October 2006. This no longer requires write access to the drive (ideal for CD's and Windows Vista);
- The testing you describe can be done with a script. Note that V6.1 adds a new formatted text report type that includes the System information (such as CPU cache). eg.

# Suppress the main test warnings during the script
SUPPRESSWARNINGS ON
# Set the preferences test duration
SETDURATION 3
# Run all tests except the 3D and CD tests
RUN CPU_ALL
RUN G2D_ALL
RUN ME_ALL
RUN DI_ALL
# Save a Formatted text report
EXPORTTEXTF "MyResults.txt"
# Set the preferences test duration
SETDURATION 30
# Run all tests except the 3D and CD tests
RUN CPU_ALL
RUN G2D_ALL
RUN ME_ALL
RUN DI_ALL
# Save a Formatted TEXT report (append results)
EXPORTTEXTF "MyResults.txt"
# OK, start showing the warnings again
SUPPRESSWARNINGS OFF

Scripts can be run automatically using command line parameter /s <filename> (or from the Test -> Execute script menu option).

Putting your key in a key.dat file is described at:
http://www.passmark.com/support/pt6_faq.htm
(section: Q. How can I set-up PerformanceTest to run from a CD or USB memory stick under Windows?)

You can download a Beta of V6.1 from:
http://www.passmark.com/ftp/petst611000_2.exe
This is only a Beta and has known issues. We hope to release a public version of V6.1 in the next week.

If you have any problems with this version, please send us email at:
help [at] passmark [dot] com

Regards,
Ian