Synthetic Benchmarks (Cont.)

We still remain with the synthetic benchmarking of the PowerColor Radeon HD 3850 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 some of the first DirectX 10 games are getting released and some compatible gaming benchmarks are currently available. But these will provide a good indication on the processing value and performance of the Radeon HD 3850, 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 - E6700 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	14323
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	12105
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	10392
	Radeon HD 3850 Xtreme 512MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	720/1800MHz (Ref - Single)	16007
4x AA/8x AF	720/1800MHz (Ref - Single)	12278
8x AA/16x AF	720/1800MHz (Ref - Single)	10515
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

First, 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 3850 Xtreme 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 3850 Xtreme 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. An overclocked version might just swing the figures in favor of the GeForce 8800 GTS graphics accelerator.

Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6700 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	10360
	Radeon HD 3850 Xtreme 512MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	720/1800MHz (Ref - Single)	10548
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6700 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	5964
	Radeon HD 3850 Xtreme 512MB	3DMark05 Score
4x AA/8x AF	720/1800MHz (Ref - Single)	6663
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 benchmark results reported by 3DMark05. Actually there is no real difference as already shown at lower resolutions. It become clear that the Radeon HD 3850 Xtreme 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 3850 Xtreme can take the full advantage. With widescreen gaming becoming more popular each day it does show that the Radeon HD 3800 series have set a decent impression on the HD experience. It should be very interesting to see the real DirectX 10 performance using the RV670 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 various 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 - E6700 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	9032
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	6971
8x AA/16x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	5676
	Radeon HD 3850 Xtreme 512MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	720/1800MHz (Ref - Single)	10075
4x AA/8x AF	720/1800MHz (Ref - Single)	7178
8x AA/16x AF	720/1800MHz (Ref - Single)	6142
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 PowerColor Radeon HD 3850 Xtreme edition takes the lead and reaches a higher score. The GeForce 8800 GTS setup can't stand the real processing power unleashed by the RV670 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 RV670 core that lifts the Radeon HD 3850 Xtreme to a higher level. Of course if we go and fetch the GeForce 8800 GTX version, the story would be completely different.

Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6700 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	5869
	Radeon HD 3850 Xtreme 512MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	720/1800MHz (Ref - Single)	6166
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6700 2.80GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 GTS 640MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	513/1584MHz (Ref - Single)	3451
	Radeon HD 3850 Xtreme 512MB	3DMark06 Score
4x AA/8x AF	720/1800MHz (Ref - Single)	4034
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 3850 Xtreme 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 3800 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 38500 Xtreme is doing a great job giving the HD gaming a different view. We are sold for the HD gaming, when will you?