TMPGenc 2.54 is faster, but you need to check "Use Multi tread" and then "Enable Pipelilne", "Enable pipeline for emotion search", "Prefect video". For the last one use multiplies of 16, like 32, 64, 128, 256 etc but don't go higher the half memory go got. For 128MB Ram, set this to 64.
Mark those even if you have only 1 proccessor.
This trick increase the speed basicly on P4, Celeron and Duron. With athlon XP there is no significant increase...
As I said many times, Tsinumi dislike AMDs.....
When I'll find time, I'll post results with tmpgenc 2.54 plus (not 2.54a). Nowdays, I also testing reatime Xvid capture (amazing results), my CVD final templates to publish them, a CVD FAQ and .... Mandrake Linux 8.2 'cause there is the future... So, no much time for forums...