Synthetic Benchmarks (Cont.)

We remain still with the synthetic benchmarking of the Sparkle GeForce 8600 GTS edition graphics card and how it stacks up against our system which features the Radeon X1950 PRO accelerator. We will go through the newest benchmark suite developed by Futuremark. Take into account that currently no DirectX 10 compatible benchmark has been released yet. But these will provide a good indication on the processing value and performance of the GeForce 8600 GTS, but next to that also on the game play of today's games. Similar to the other benchmarks we will compare both configurations and analyze the differences related to the performance figures. So, read on and find out what it is all about...

Futuremark 3DMark05

The following version from Futuremark came as 3DMark05, and is best suited for the latest generation of DirectX 9.0 graphics cards. It is the first benchmark to require a DirectX 9.0 compliant hardware with support for Pixel Shaders 2.0 or higher! By combining high quality 3D tests, CPU tests, feature tests, image quality tools, and much more, 3DMark05 is a premium benchmark for evaluating the latest generation of gaming hardware. In fact 3DMark05 is the answer to the continuously growing challenge in benchmarking. Designed for higher image quality and the new processing capabilities, it will show some input and what is possible with compliant hardware.

Benchmark Results - 1280x1024 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	Radeon X1950 PRO 256MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	575/1380MHz (Ref - Single)	9289
4x AA/8x AF	575/1380MHz (Ref - Single)	7462
	GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	9549
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	6955
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

We would like to mention that as of Futuremark 3DMark05 benchmark, the graphics processing capabilities are really making the difference on the scores, and the CPU becomes less significant in the overall performance indication. The GeForce 8600 GTS shows to be quite on par with the Radeon X1950 PRO config, but is trailing slightly behind when anti-aliasing is enabled. Of course the extra pixel and shader capabilities have the edge combined with the memory throughput compared to the GeForce 8600 GTS accelerator. Although, you can already figure that some overclocking on the GTS could bring down this leadership, although it would have been wise for NVIDIA to have opted for a faster 256-bit memory bus on their GeForce 8600 series, as the budget 128-bit bus is becoming a bottleneck on the mid-range segment.

Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	Radeon X1950 PRO 256MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	575/1380MHz (Ref - Single)	6175
	GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	5404
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	Radeon X1950 PRO 256MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	575/1380MHz (Ref - Single)	2164
	GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	1931
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

Since we started the High Definition gaming discussion, it is only natural to also take that approach when looking at the performance results reported by 3DMark05. Actually it is the first time the Sparkle GeForce 8600 GTS is not fully up to speed and dropping behind a bit faster. Yeah it is only a minor difference but which you can't neglect although it does proof that the G84 technology has quite some potential though being a bit crippled. With widescreen gaming becoming more popular each day it does show that the GeForce 8600 series can set a new dimension on the HD experience. It should be very interesting to see the real DirectX 10 performance using the G84 processing capabilities, together with the Extreme HD stunning visual quality.

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
	Radeon X1950 PRO 256MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	575/1380MHz (Ref - Single)	5214
4x AA/8x AF	575/1380MHz (Ref - Single)	4037
	GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	5710
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	3978
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

And last but not the least we arrived at the performance results marked by 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 Sparkle GeForce 8600 GTS takes the lead and reaches a higher score, unless when the anti-aliasing feature is enabled then it drops a bit faster in performance. However it does show great processing power unleashed by the G84 core, and shows that the unified shader technology is the way forward. Certainly the lower 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 G81 core that lifts the GeForce 8600 GTS to the next level.

Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	Radeon X1950 PRO 256MB	3DMark03 Score
4x AA/8x AF	575/1380MHz (Ref - Single)	3203
	GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	2978
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	Radeon X1950 PRO 256MB	3DMark03 Score
4x AA/8x AF	575/1380MHz (Ref - Single)	841
	GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	787
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 Sparkle GeForce 8600 GTS edition does quite well but can't really take on the Radeon X1950 PRO which shows faster results. Having a bit less raw power capabilities and a lower memory bandwidth does stand in contrast with the high clock speeds. Yeah we certainly are convinced that the High Definition gaming is one hell of an experience and with the GeForce 8600 series it does turn a smile on our faces for a nice budget. 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?