Gaming Benchmarks

As we saw the synthetic benchmark results, the next logical step is to dive into the real gaming performance of the PowerColor Radeon X1600 PRO 512MB video card. We will compare it against the GeForce 6800 GT AGP video card and this due to the fact that it has been a very decent performer and extremely popular card for the AGP platform. Each card is going to run each game in both 1024x768 and 1280x1024 settings using a variety of AA & AF 3D effects. So in effect we are stuffing both cards in the same system, using the same settings and spending some time playing games and performing tests on the following game titles, let's check what we got.

The first on our list of favorite games is Doom 3 developed by id Software. Doom 3 is quite possibly the best looking game ever, thanks to the brand new 3D graphics engine used to generate its convincingly lifelike, densely atmospheric, and surprisingly expansive environments. At the same time, when you look past the spectacular appearance, you'll find a conventional, derivative shooter. Doom 3 is essentially a remake of the original Doom, though series fans will find reimagined versions of almost every monster from both previous versions in the new sequel.

Doom 3 - 1024x768 Gaming Results

	GeForce 6800 GT	Radeon X1600 PRO
No AA	83.1 fps	51.4 fps
4x AA	68.6 fps	32.2 fps

Doom 3 - 1280x1024 Gaming Results

	GeForce 6800 GT	Radeon X1600 PRO
No AA	74.9 fps	36.8 fps
4x AA	51.8 fps	24.3 fps

When looking at the game play results we noticed that the reported frame rates are quite our of range for both cards. And when going for the higher resolutions the real power of the NV40 chips surfaces and leaves the Radeon X1600 PRO well behind. A similar logical conclusion can be made when AA is enabled; the older GeForce 6800 GT comes out on top. The results of the PowerColor board are however not bad considering it has less real processing capabilities.

Our next game is build around the same 3D engine. Quake 4 is based upon id Software's revolutionary Doom 3 technology. Furthermore, Quake 4 wasn't even developed by id Software internally; it instead outsourced game development to the capable minds at Raven Software, who have turned in a fantastic looking game with a great single-player campaign. The multiplayer, however, is underwhelming. Quake was among the first PC shooters to let you take your multiplayer matches onto the Internet, and over the years, the series has become synonymous with great technology and exciting multiplayer.

Quake 4 - 1024x768 Gaming Results

	GeForce 6800 GT	Radeon X1600 PRO
No AA	88.0 fps	61.9 fps
4x AA	70.6 fps	42.1 fps

Quake 4 - 1280x1024 Gaming Results

	GeForce 6800 GT	Radeon X1600 PRO
No AA	77.5 fps	44.8 fps
4x AA	50.3 fps	29.5 fps

The Quake 4 gaming results show much similarities towards what we saw with Doom 3. This shouldn't surprise you as both are based upon the same 3D engine developed by id Software. Once again the Radeon X1600 PRO remains behind on the gaming performance, mainly due to the poor integration of OpenGL by ATI. The gaming experience certainly does feel better using the GeForce 6800 GT, while the Radeon X1600 PRO is a bit trailing behind.