After a bit of a hiatus, I've returned with some good news.
I upgraded to Windows XP recently and have since run some benchmarks with the new OS.
Here's my results:
3DMark2001SE - 12,186 (gain of 62)
3DMark2003 - 4,544 (gain of 256!!)
I still can't explain why my 03 marks are so high when compared to my 2001SE marks, but I'm pleased with the gains. I also seem to be enjoying an increase of 10-20 FPS in UT2k3, which is stellar. Naturally, I don't have the experience to say whether or not the improvements can be attributed to the new OS or simply the fresh install/defrag/etc. Either way, I'm very happy to date with XP. It's almost idiot proof to some degree. Now, I just need to tweak it up. Anybody have any suggestions?
BTW, Here's my system:
2.4GHz P4
MSI 645 Ultra MOBO w/ 450Watt PS
1024MB PC2100 DDR
Radeon 9700 Pro running Catalyst 3.2
Creative Labs Audigy Gamer
40GB Seagate HD @ 7200RPM
Yamaha CRW2200E
Windows XP Home SP1 running DirectX 9.0
start.....run.......msconfig.....will let you shut off alot of stuff you don't need on start-up.
next.....Administrative Tools........services.....make sure to disable remote registry edit (nice back door for some) and messenger (nothing to do with MSN messenger)
There are few more things you can disable per your needs
Set restore point incase you shut off something that win xp needs
Score 4,768 in 3DMark03 but strangely the CPU tests wont run! My screen just goes all flickery and i have to abort (it does not freeze!!)
Dunno bout CPU Test 2, just try it... Runs -- only at 8.3fps average though! Going to have to get round to overclocking soon! Up to now all my scores and benchmarks are stock.
LIST OF BEST SCORES TILL NOW
3Dmark03 4,768
3Dmark01SE 16,746
Sysmark LatestVer 312
CPU test just ran fine that time!! WeIrD!! I will try and sort it out - by the way 3DMark03 is no way NEAR as goog as 3DMark01SE!!! It is because it is based on cr*ppy DX9.0a!
GA-8PE800 Ultra Motherboard (I845PE chipset)
Intel Pentium 4 3.06Ghz @ 3082Mhz
1Gb DDR RAM (PC2700)
160Gb hard disk (7200rpm, 8Mb buffer)
ATI Radeon 9700 Pro (128Mb)
Windows XP Pro SP1
Catalyst 3.4
On 3DMark 2003, I got 4839 which I think is OKish.
On 3DMark 2001, build 330 I get 14674, which I think is way too low considering most of the reviews I've read get 15500 and above.
I think I have the same problem as Mr. Underhill. Low 3dmark 2k1 scores, and high 3dmark 2k3 scores.
Oh yeh, defragging my hd got me an extra 60 3dmark 2003 points, and 197 extra 3dmark 2001 points!