Multiplan: Testing the Speed of the Math Coprocessor
PSS ID Number: Q20775
Article last modified on 10-08-1990
PSS database name: D_MPlan

2.x 3.x 4.00 4.01 4.2

MS-DOS


Summary:

At the DOS prompt, enter SET NO87= to enable the 8087/80287 math
coprocessor. Enter SET NO87=TRUE to disable the coprocessor. 

To test the speed of the coprocessor in Microsoft Multiplan, perform
the following steps: 

1. At the DOS prompt, enter SET NO87=TRUE to disable the coprocessor. 

2. Load Microsoft Multiplan and set Options Iteration to "Yes" to
   eliminate any background recalculation. 

3. Enter the formula "R[-1]C*1.01" into R2C1. 

4. Copy the formula down 4000 cells. 

5. Enter the number "1" into R1C1.

6. Press the Recalc key (F4) and time the recalculations. 

7. At the DOS prompt, enter SET NO87= to enable the coprocessor.

8. Repeat steps 2-6 and note the difference in time. 

With the coprocessor enabled, the general decrease in time to perform
the recalculations should be about 5-15 percent.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1990.