Best Compression Format

[DRAGoN.X]

I ran a test, to see what the best form (and format) of compression would be to back up files. I used a FEAR save folder since that compresses nicely .
Since I don't have anything better to do I decided to test which copression format was king in both speed and size. The options are set to the highest amount of compression. With and without using solid archive.

Here are my results (in KBs) and with out using solid archive (a little more speed):
Original Folder Size: 9.59 MBs
Zip: 1,203 KB
RAR: 1,092 KB
7z: 1,001 KB

If you are planning on NOT locking the archive, 7z format is king on compression. If speed of compression is your goal, Nothing beats Winzip (although the speed difference between them all is minimal)

Results (in KBs) with solid archive (higher compression):
Zip: 1,203 KB (didn't support solid archives!)
RAR: 688 KB
7z: 527 KB

Locking an archive is a good way to get greater compression, although then some restrictions are put on the archive like when you only want 1 file from the archive, all previous must be analized. And solid archives also currupt easier so recovery record it key here.

Looking at the results, 7z is king in compression with Winrar not to far behind. If you want the best of both worlds, Winrar and the rar format is prabably the program/format for you. It compresses rather quick (almost no difference between winzip and winrar, winzip slightly faster), and gives a excelent compression ratio.

To sum it up:
You need best compression: go with 7z.
You want speed!!!!!: go with Winzip or Winrar.

But basically if I had to choose 1, I'd choose Winrar. Winrar is prabably the best program there is for compression, and is widly used, like on GCW .
Furthermore, the features in Winrar are also great like solid archives and sfx's.

Winner: Winrar
Runner Up: 7z
Last Place: Winzip

I'd like to also hear your feedback and experiences with the different archive formats. (Like do you agree with me on this one?)

dragonx
P.S. I only did this since I don't have anything better to do with my free time, like make a Warhammer 40k Dawn of War: WA trainer...