A comparison of speeds of personal computers using an x-ray scattering Monte Carlo benchmark

Abstract

In recent years personal computers, PCs, have become more popular and competitive with other computers, in terms of price and memory, to run Monte Carlo (MC) programmes. A few years ago some work was performed to test computer speed, mainly other than PCs, using the MC code EGS4. In the present work a Monte Carlo neutron and photon code, MCNP version 4.2 and 4A, was used to test the speed of various PCs. A benchmark was written, with previously checked results, to test the PCs' speed. PCs used in the test were based on the Intel 486 (33, 66 and 100 MHz) and pentium 90. The benchmark was also used on an upgraded SunSparcstation 4/360. The pentium speed was found to be about 3.5, 2 and 1.5 times faster than that of the 33, 66 and 100 MHz, respectively. The 33 MHz speed was comparable to that of the SunSparcstation. It is concluded that the application of MC code, the cost of the PC and the required speed of results may influence the choice of the PC.