Synthetic Benchmarks (Cont.)

We remain still with the synthetic benchmarking of the Jetway Radeon HD 2900 XT edition graphics card and how it stacks up against our system which features the GeForce 8800 GTS 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 Radeon HD 2900 XT, 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
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	14348
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	12117
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	10398
	Radeon HD 2900 XT 512MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	16300
4x AA/8x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	12797
8x AA/16x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	10141
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	12952
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	10372
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	8265
	Radeon HD 2900 XT 512MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	15480
4x AA/8x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	11113
8x AA/16x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	8327
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

We would like to mention that as of Futuremark 3DMark05, the graphics processing capabilities are really making the difference on the benchmarks scores, and the CPU becomes less significant in the overall performance indication. Yes, it is still important but doesn't make or break the final score. The Radeon HD 2900 XT edition shows to be faster in most aspects compared to GeForce 8800 GTS config, and showing the way to higher scores. Of course the Radeon HD 2900 XT has the edge with the higher clock speeds, memory throughput, raw processing and shader power compared to the GeForce 8800 GTS accelerator. Although is it only a minor performance difference, and the GTS can certainly keep the pace.

Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	9031
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	5968
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	3868
	Radeon HD 2900 XT 512MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	11711
4x AA/8x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	6878
8x AA/16x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	5013
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

As 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 there is no real difference as already shown at lower resolutions. It become clear that the Radeon HD 2900 XT does have quite and edge over the GeForce 8800 GTS, and does show clearly when anti-aliasing is tuned up to a maximum. This is exactly the point where the 512-bit memory interface become an important factor, and where the Radeon HD 2900 XT can take the full advantage. With widescreen gaming becoming more popular each day it does show that the Radeon HD 2900 series have set a decent impression on the HD experience. It should be very interesting to see the real DirectX 10 performance using the R600 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
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	9044
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	6977
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	5679
	Radeon HD 2900 XT 512MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	10513
4x AA/8x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	7328
8x AA/16x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	5856
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	7901
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	5875
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	4322
	Radeon HD 2900 XT 512MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	9328
4x AA/8x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	6260
8x AA/16x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	4916
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 Jetway Radeon HD 2900 XT edition takes the lead and reaches a higher score. The GeForce 8800 GTS setup can't stand the real processing power unleashed by the R600 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 R600 core that lifts the Radeon HD 2900 XT to a higher level. Of course if we go and fetch the GeForce 8800 GTX version, the story would be completely different.

Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	5439
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	3453
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	2019
	Radeon HD 2900 XT 512MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	6403
4x AA/8x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	3902
8x AA/16x AF	742/1658MHz (Ref - Single)	2165
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 GeForce 8800 GTS edition does okay, but the Radeon HD 2900 XT have quite an edge over the GTS setup. Yeah we certainly are convinced that the High Definition gaming is one hell of an experience and with the Radeon HD 2900 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. The Radeon HD 2900 XT is doing a great job giving the HD gaming a different view. We are sold for the HD gaming, when will you?