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I tried to compile a_speedtest for linux but it won't compile with BL2 
(wants m4).  This is supposed to test how fast a cpu works with floating 
point calculations.  Can anyone suggest a linux test of actual speed which 
takes into account cache, under various uses such as editing large photos?

We were given an early 2002 (? with Windows ME) DELL Dimension 820 with 
1.8GHz P4 (256/400) CPU (and RAMBUS memory - 2x128MB) and have a 2.4GHz 
(128/400) Celeron CPU from a dead eMachine (which come with older boards 
and low FSB but a high-MHz Celeron CPU to help them sell - they also tend 
to have exploded capacitors from overheating a small space).

The 256/128 is level 2 cache.  I read that P4 are about 30% faster than 
Celeron of the same speed due to more cache.  Games test out about 25% 
faster.  The rated speed of our Celeron is 33% faster (2.4/1.8) so we put 
it in, but I would like some way to actually test.

This DELL Dimension 8200 came our way because, apart from being 10 years 
old, it had the wrong power supply (they bought a replacement with 2 
instead of 1 4-pin plugs and with a power switch which kept it from 
fitting in the case, which they mangled, also they could only get in one 
screw, and the power plugs on short connectors tended to pull out when 
they opened the case) and it was taking forever to boot because it was 
looking for the second hard drive, which was not there, which caused it 
for some reason to also not find the first drive, which was there.  Our 
other DELL Dimension with RAMBUS (a server) also has a hard time finding 
its drives (won't boot from CD, gets confused about whether the burner is 
hdc or hdd).  These both require pairs of identical RAMBUS (800/45ns in 
this case - it also comes in 40ns, and in 400) or they beep instead of 
booting.  Older DELL servers could accept one RIMM paired with one dummy.

The two computers are now working perfectly with BL2 apart from one not 
finding its CD-ROM drive predictably.  Came with compatible CT sound, 
tulip video, vesafb video card, but probably non-linux Conexant modem.

I will see what Ultimate Boot CD has for testing speed.

Sindi Keesan