3d performance as root and normal user (ATI)
 

I get much higher scores in glxgears and fgl_glxgears when I run them as root.

root:
glxgears: ~1900 FPS
fgl_glxgears: ~380 FPS

normal user:
glxgears: ~780 FPS
fgl_glxgears: ~190 FPS

Is there a simple reason for this difference? The card is a Radeon 9000 Pro and the output from glxinfo is the same in both situations.

How odd, is that by su'ing to root or by logging in as root?

Only when logged in as root.

Hmm, I am sorry, but I dont have any suggestion just yet, but maybe you should join in on the other thread "Not enough fps on radeon 9600 mobility"

I know you have a different card, but it uses the same driver.

I also am assuming you are running on the ATI 3.11.1 drivers right?

Right.