Well, I was curious to see how TestMy.net would hold up to a little test, First I got the average of three real-world downloads, then I ran speed tests at 10 of the most used speed testing sites on the internet.  TestMy.net was hands down the most accurate of all the testing sites used in the experiment.  The results even surprised me since I didn't tally the average until after I have completed all the tests.

NOTE: this benchmark was done in 2003, to see a more recent version of this benchmark go to http://www.testmy.net/tools/the_bench_version2.php

Tests were performed under controlled circumstances - No other programs or downloads running in the background nor were any of these results altered in ANY way.  Also all tests were performed on December 26th 2003 between 12-2PM.  Using Cox Communications 3000/256 high speed cable internet in Phoenix, Arizona. (as you can see, I do run faster than my advertised 3Mbps).  Also running Windows XP 5.1.2600 SP1, Internet Explorer 6.0.2800 on my main box, [System SPECS :: AMD Athlon XP 2100+ ATI Radeon 9800 pro, Asus motherboard with 1GB DDR PC3000 corsair --- Network SPECS :: Netgear MR314 4-port router/hardware firewall/switch with wireless but test was not performed off the wireless, LinkSys BEFCMU10 cable modem.. tested computer is about a 40' run from the router junction... junction is about 60' run from the d-mark.  Enough details?  Couple people asked ;)].

Real world download results [screenshot]

These are three servers that I consider to be fast and accurate places to perform my little benchmark, I am sure you will agree that these are big name places that can be trusted in a test like this.

1. Winamp.com :: 458 KB/sec (or 3751 kbps) [4.03 MB download]

2. Download.com :: 447 KB/sec (or 3661 kbps) [3.49 MB download]

3. AIM.com (AOL Instant Messenger) :: 509 KB/sec (or 4169 kbps) [2.98 MB download]

   • Average 471.3 KB/sec (or 3860.9 kbps) « [458+447+509 / 3 = 471.3 KB/sec]

Speed Test results - Listed in order of accuracy

1. TestMy.net :: 472 KB/sec (3864 kbps) [screenshot]
   +0.7 KB/sec off vs. real world downloads

2. Bandwidth Place :: 459 KB/sec (or 3760 kbps) [screenshot]
   -12.3 KB/sec off vs. real world downloads

3. 2 Wire :: 408.57 KB/sec (or 3347 kbps) [screenshot]
   -62.73 KB/sec off vs. real world downloads

4. PCPitstop :: 538 KB/sec (or 4415 kbps) [screenshot]
   +66.7 KB/sec off vs. real world downloads

5. DSL Reports :: 390.7 KB/sec (or 3200 kbps) [screenshot]
   -80.6 KB/sec off vs. real world downloads

6. CNET :: 354 KB/sec (or 2900 Kbps) [screenshot]
   -117.3 KB/sec off vs. real world downloads

7. ADSL Guide :: 236.5 KB/sec (or 1892 kbps) [screenshot]
   -234.8 KB/sec off vs. real world downloads

8. Toast CA :: 192.5 KB/sec (or 1577 kbps) [screenshot]
   -278.8 KB/sec off vs. real world downloads

9. Beeline Bandwidth Test :: 120 KB/sec (or 983 kbps) [screenshot]
   -351.3 KB/sec off vs. real world downloads

10. Time Warner - Austin RR :: 98.5 KB/sec (or 807 kbps) [screenshot]
    -372.8 KB/sec off vs. real world downloads

Out of the ten most popular connection speed testing sites on the entire internet, TestMy.net was the closest to perfect in comparison to the average of three real-world downloads from three major servers.  TestMy.net was not even off by a full KB, only 5.7 kbps, that is 1/10th the speed of 56K, hardly even a measurable number!! 

TestMy.net gives you the best idea of what your over all connection speed actually is... and since no matter what you do you are going to get varied speeds from server to server... it's a good thing you have a site with reliable results.  All of this, to you for free thanks to advertisers... - CA3LE6UY!