Synthetic Benchmarks (Cont.)

We still remain with the synthetic benchmarking of the PowerColor Radeon HD 2600 XT edition graphics card and how it stacks up against our system which features the GeForce 8600 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 2600 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 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	9549
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	6955
8x AA/16x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	5634
	Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	800/1400MHz (Ref - Single)	8004
4x AA/8x AF	800/1400MHz (Ref - Single)	4921
8x AA/16x AF	800/1400MHz (Ref - Single)	3789
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

With Futuremark developing updates, it soon came out with a newer version that was fully based upon DirectX 9.0c and that offered even more visual goodies. As of 3DMark05 the processing capabilities that make the difference is all about the graphics accelerator and less linked with the central processing unit used on the computer itself. Looking at the results, it does show us that the Radeon HD 2600 XT is no match for the GeForce 8600 GTS, although it might give the GT version a run for its money. This leaves the Radeon HD 2600 XT somehow hanging around and not able to go up against the competition which doesn't feel right. On the other hand it is a cheaper graphics card, with all DirectX 10 features.

Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	5404
	Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	800/1400MHz (Ref - Single)	3907
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	1931
	Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	800/1400MHz (Ref - Single)	1596
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

Since we kicked off the HD gaming discussion we are somehow implied to walk the path again and show the results with the newer version of the Futuremark benchmark suite. In the end the results are very similar as previously, with the Radeon HD 2600 XT trailing behind. And although at the highest resolution the difference become a bit less outspoken, it is still the GeForce 8600 GTS that comes with the strongest numbers. With the widescreen gaming becoming popular, it is clear that this should be left to the big guns like the GeForce 8800 and Radeon HD 2900 series. It should be very interesting to see the real DirectX 10 performance using the RV630 processing capabilities, together with the widescreen HD gaming and visual effects and scenery.

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 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	5710
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	3933
8x AA/16x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	2908
	Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	800/1400MHz (Ref - Single)	4506
4x AA/8x AF	800/1400MHz (Ref - Single)	2933
8x AA/16x AF	800/1400MHz (Ref - Single)	2219
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

The latest version brings the Shader Model 3.0 into the picture, which is only available in 3DMark06 which was released as the beginning of last year. It makes you wonder when the new version will be coming, to go and use the DirectX 10 technology. And yes, you can draw the same conclusion as the GeForce 8600 GTS is again the faster part. Being clocked higher for the core, but less on the memory it was very hard to state upfront which card would be better. It does show that the G84 architecture featuring 32 stream processors clocked at 1450MHz do have the edge over the 120 stream processors available on the RV630 core clocked at only 800MHz. This does proof that the unified shader architecture developed in two different ways aren't that predictable and very different in actual gaming performance.

Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	2978
	Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	800/1400MHz (Ref - Single)	2264
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6300 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8600 GTS 256MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	675/2000MHz (Ref - Single)	787
	Radeon HD 2600 XT 256MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	800/1400MHz (Ref - Single)	842
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

And finally as well the HD gaming resolution which does show a small change in the end. Yes, for the first time the Radeon HD 2600 XT was able to beat the competition. Somehow this does smell like the core clock speed has something to do with it. From our previous GTS experience we know that overclocking the G84 core to about 750-800MHz is able to match the Radeon HD 2600 XT score. The hype about HD gaming has actually started and it does show that both mid-range graphics card do come a bit short in processing power. But we are convinced that the High Definition gaming is a great experience and giving just that little extra punch. Both cards have excellent image quality and clarity. And although we did expect a bit more from the Radeon HD 2600 XT accelerator, it does nonetheless unleash true gaming power.