Synthetic Benchmarks (Cont.)

We remain still with the synthetic benchmarking of the Gainward BLISS 8800 GTS graphics card and how it stacks up against our SLI system which features two GeForce 7950 GT accelerators. We will go through the newest benchmark suite developed by Futuremark, but also use the older well known AquaMark 3 software. These will provide a good indication on the processing value and performance of the GeForce 8800 GTS, but next to that also on the game play of today's games. Similar to the other benchmarks we will compare both configuration and analyze the differences related to the performance figures. So, read on and find out what it is all about...

Futuremark 3DMark06

To complete the view and Futuremark performance figures we also run a 3DMark06, which is the worldwide standard in advanced 3D game performance benchmarking. A fundamental tool for every company in the PC industry as well as PC users and gamers, 3DMark06 uses advanced real-time 3D game workloads to measure PC performance using a suite of DirectX 9.0c 3D graphics tests, CPU tests, and 3D feature tests. 3DMark06 tests include all new HDR/SM3.0 graphics tests, SM2.0 graphics tests, AI and physics driven single and multiple cores or processor CPU tests and a collection of comprehensive feature tests to reliably measure next generation gaming performance today.

Benchmark Results - 1280x1024 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	BLISS 7950 GT 512MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	7805
4x AA/16x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	N/A
8x AA/16x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	N/A
	BLISS 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	8666
4x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	6647
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	5553
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	BLISS 7950 GT 512MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	7323
4x AA/16x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	N/A
8x AA/16x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	N/A
	BLISS 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	7583
4x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	5616
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	4243
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

Going down the list, we have 3DMark06 which was only released at the beginning of last year. And this is where it all comes down to; as it is more advanced and uses the DirectX 9.0c technology. We can see that the Gainward BLISS 8800 GTS takes the lead and reaches a higher score. The SLI setup build around two GeForce 7950 GT's can't stand the real processing power unleashed by the G80 core, and shows that the unified shader technology is the way forward. Certainly the higher memory bandwidth does make a difference when looking at frame buffering and shader intensive tasks. But in the end the main value driving the performance is the G80 core that lifts the BLISS 8800 GTS to the next level.

Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	BLISS 7950 GT 512MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	4466
4x AA/16x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	N/A
8x AA/16x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	N/A
	BLISS 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	5252
4x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	3165
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	1929
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

Now that we are getting a bit used to the HD resolutions and the Extreme HD experience as NVIDIA likes to call it, we can show that the Gainward BLISS 8800 GTS does have quite an edge over the multi-GPU setup. Yeah we certainly are convinced that the High Definition gaming is one hell of an experience and with the GeForce 8800 series it does turn a smile on our faces. The image quality is outstanding, providing stunning image clarity. Extreme HD will immerse you in games like never before, letting you see more of the exciting gaming action. We are sold for it, when will you?

Massive AquaMark 3

Another benchmark suite which was very popular and still is somehow, is known as AquaMark 3 and is a fully DirectX 9.0 compatible benchmark from Massive Development. Unfortunately the programmers, Massive Development, don't exist anymore but that doesn't mean it isn't a great tool. To be able to see how well a graphics card is performing under the challenging DirectX 9.0 environment, AquaMark 3 was developed. However it is not solely a DirectX 9.0 benchmark; if you are working with an older DirectX compatible graphics card, you will still be able to use it just with a lot of graphical features missing. Make no mistake, AquaMark 3 is a DirectX 9.0 benchmark, as it is based on a real game engine it has fallbacks to previous DirectX versions.

Benchmark Results - 1280x1024 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	BLISS 7950 GT 512MB	AquaMark 3 Score
0x AA/4x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	141811
4x AA/16x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	131254
8x AA/16x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	N/A
	BLISS 8800 GTS 640MB	AquaMark 3 Score
0x AA/4x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	139902
4x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	130023
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	117465
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	BLISS 7950 GT 512MB	AquaMark 3 Score
0x AA/4x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	135138
4x AA/16x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	121313
8x AA/16x AF	550/1400MHz (Ref - 2x, SLI)	N/A
	BLISS 8800 GTS 640MB	AquaMark 3 Score
0x AA/4x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	127535
4x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	114676
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	94112
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

So finally we have gotten the AquaMark 3 updated performance figures. This time the BLISS 8800 GT from Gainward has to recognize that it is no longer faster than the SLI config. The GeForce 7950 GT multi-GPU nails down an excellent score and can hold its position against the BLISS 8800 GTS which features the more advanced G80 unified shaders chip. Although the figures are very close and when enabling AntiAliasing it becomes even more visible that the GTS does a bit better. Since AquaMark 3 has been around for quite some time, the main driving force behind relies a lot on the CPU power. But it clearly shows that Gainward has a real winner in their ranks with the BLISS 8800 GTS edition!