Strange results

old Bill · Jan 07, 2007, 17:29:56

I ran a speed test today on my laptop using the BBmax speed test it came back that my download speed was about 3.1 meg. I then ran the test using the BT speed test which said my download was 4.2 meg. I then ran the BBMax speed test using both my laptop and my my Apple Imac. The Apple results were about 1 meg higher than my laptop. I then ran the BT speedtest on both machines and the results was allmost the same. I ran a full antivirus and spyware scan on my laptop but did not find a thing. Then ran a couple more tests which put my download speed higher on the Apple and closer to the BT speedtest. Is it normal for tests to vary from computer to computer, or is there something wrong with my laptop ?

Philip · Jan 07, 2007, 18:12:38

speedtests are not the most reliable of things, they give a basic guide at best. Try doing a real time download of say a linux app, something around 100mb, that should give you a better result.

old Bill · Jan 10, 2007, 11:55:16

Have just completed fresh install on my PC and my Mac. Out of intrest I ran some more speed tests these were run only a few seconds apart. using speedtest.net. Each time the Mac gave a higher download speed and lower pings. Mac results D/L 4316 U/L641 pings 37ms PC results D/L 3632 U/L 374 pings 58ms. Then ran BT speedtest on both machines the PC results was D/L 4223 and on the Mac it was D/L 4200. I know theses test are only a guide but should there be such a large gap in the results. Or am I correct in thinking that Macs are just better than Windows

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Nerval · Jan 10, 2007, 12:16:41

Never heard of the type of machine affecting the speedtest. Even if you're running it on a fridge/freezer, the processing involved will be so much faster than the download as to make no difference.
And on your final result, the PC is actually faster anyway.

I'd put it down to the simple fact that speedtest results vary from second to second depending on so many factors.

You, on the other hand, should definitely put it down to Macs being better.

old Bill · Jan 10, 2007, 12:51:16

Well just spoke to C/S. It looks like the router MTU seting is 1500 which is the same for the Mac but not for the PC. Now have to work out how to change the MTU for the PC.

Nerval · Jan 10, 2007, 13:16:50

Wouldn't you have thought the setting on the router would override those on the machines though?

That said, I've never had any luck with different MTUs, and Rik is the expert on that kind of thing, so he may have something to say.

old Bill · Jan 10, 2007, 13:22:43

Well that somes Idnet up. How many ISP have their own Mac expert. (I can only think of 1 other).

Rik · Jan 10, 2007, 16:08:26

Meantime, to set up MTU on the PC, download TCP Optimizer from here.

old Bill · Jan 10, 2007, 18:39:29

Thanks for that. Speeds on PC now the same as Mac

Rik · Jan 11, 2007, 08:16:32

I'd hate to think a Mac had the edge.

old Bill · Jan 11, 2007, 10:53:35

Forgot to say in last year of owning a Mac never had a problem. Pc been reformated a couple of times and been back for repair quite a few times. Plus it makes a good rain coat.

Rik · Jan 11, 2007, 10:56:07

Bet the water plays havoc with it when you turn it on though!