STARS Euler3d computational fluid dynamics
Few folks run fluid dynamics simulations on their desktops, but we've found this multi-threaded test to be particularly demanding of memory subsystems, making it a good link between our memory and application performance tests.

While our DDR3-based P45 configuration scores well in Euler3D, its DDR2 counterpart doesn't fare so well. Then again, neither does the DDR2-based nForce 780i, which was the fastest DDR2 setup in our memory subsystem tests.

WorldBench
WorldBench uses scripting to step through a series of tasks in common Windows applications. It then produces an overall score. WorldBench also spits out individual results for its component application tests, allowing us to compare performance in each. We'll look at the overall score, and then we'll show individual application results alongside the results from some of our own application tests.

DDR2 and DDR3 flavors of the P45 are evenly-matched in WorldBench, where they sit smack dab in the middle of the pack.

WorldBench's multimedia editing and encoding tests don't give the P45 much opportunity to stretch its legs. Scores are pretty close throughout.

The pack remains closely-bunched through WorldBench's office and multitasking tests. The DDR3 P45 config is consistently faster than its DDR2 twin, but only by marginal, er, margins.

WorldBench's 3dsmax rendering and DirectX modeling tests are largely gated by the system processor and graphics chip, respectively, so the chipset doesn't have much influence here.

Given the tendency of Windows Vista's intelligent disk caching scheme to affect WorldBench's Nero test, I'm hesitant to make much of the results. There's certainly no reason why the DDR3 P45 configuration should be so much slower in that test.