Another thing I just noticed...
When you set the processor "Processor Scheduling" from default "Programs" to "Background Services", you get a higher benchmark Sandra 2001se for CPU Benchmarks... When you make this change, XP will not ask you to reboot the system but it appears that it goes into effect after you reboot the system. Try it. You should be seeing about 120~160 points difference on the Sandra CPU benchmark... I just dont understand how this can be!