Our testing methods
Because the GX630's automatic overclocking mode doesn't stick after a reboot, we were unable to test WorldBench with it enabled (WorldBench automatically reboots after each individual application test). We also had trouble getting MobileMark's DVD playback test to run on the MSI system, but this isn't the first time we've had issues with that particular test. For tests run on the battery, we used the "Gaming" preset built into MSI's ECO power management software and 50% screen brightness.

Today we'll be comparing the GX630's performance with that of Asus' G50V-A1. The Asus system runs about double the price of the MSI, so the two aren't direct rivals. Still, this comparison should give us an idea how the GX630 stacks up against more expensive competition.

All tests were run three times and their results were averaged.

Model MSI GX630 Asus G50V-A1
Processor AMD Athlon X2 QL-62 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T9400 2.53GHz
System bus HT 3.6 GT/s (1.8 GHz) 1066MHz (266MHz quad-pumped)
Bios revision 207 207
North bridge Nvidia MCP77 Intel PM45
South bridge Intel ICH9M
Chipset drivers 5.1.2600.149 INF update 8.2.0.1001
Memory size 4GB (2 DIMMs) 4GB (2 DIMMs)
Memory type DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz
CAS latency (CL) 5 6
RAS to CAS delay (tRCD) 5 6
RAS precharge (tRP) 5 6
Cycle time (tRAS) 13 18
Audio codec Realtek ALC888 with 6.0.1.5657 drivers Realtek ALC663 with 6.0.1.5643 drivers
Graphics GeForce 9600M GT 512MB GDDR3 with ForceWare 176.10 drivers GeForce 9700M GT 512MB GDDR3 with ForceWare 175.80 drivers
Hard drive Western Digital Scorpio WD2500BEVT 250GB SATA 2 Western Digital Scorpio WD2500BEVS 250GB SATA
OS Windows Vista Home Premium with Service Pack 1 Windows Vista Home Premium x64 with Service Pack 1

We used the following versions of our test applications:

All the tests and methods we employed are publicly available and reproducible. If you have questions about our methods, hit our forums to talk with us about them.