Synthetic Benchmarks (Cont.)

We remain still with the synthetic benchmarking of the Gainward BLISS 8800 GT Golden Sample edition graphics card and how it stacks up against our system which features the GeForce 8800 Ultra 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 this newer GeForce 8800 GT 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 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	16096
8x AA/16x AF	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	13975
	BLISS 8800 GT 1GB Golden	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	15777
8x AA/16x AF	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	12656
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	15350
8x AA/16x AF	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	12426
	BLISS 8800 GT 1GB Golden	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	15090
8x AA/16x AF	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	10854
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

Now, 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 BLISS 8800 GT Golden Sample edition shows to be almost as fast in all aspects compared to GeForce 8800 Ultra config, and showing the way to higher scores. Of course the Ultra has the edge with a bit more shader processors, memory throughput, raw processing and shader power compared to the GeForce 8800 GT accelerator. Although to somehow compensate the Gainward Golden Sample comes pre-overclocked out of the box which shows of great leadership. Doing so it is able to show great performance almost on par with the high-end GeForce 8800 Ultra series.

Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	13138
4x AA/8x AF	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	10263
8x AA/16x AF	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	7287
	BLISS 8800 GT 1GB Golden	3DMark05 Score
0x AA/Optimal	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	12655
4x AA/8x AF	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	8977
8x AA/16x AF	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	6578
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 we are 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 GeForce 8800 Ultra does have an edge over the GT version, and does show more clearly when anti-aliasing is tuned up to a maximum. In the end the Gainward version delivers similar performance, but can do this at a much lower price. With widescreen gaming becoming more popular each day it does show that the GeForce 8800 series have set a new dimension on the HD experience. It should be very interesting to see the real DirectX 10 performance using the G92 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 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	11634
8x AA/16x AF	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	8150
	BLISS 8800 GT 1GB Golden	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	10983
8x AA/16x AF	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	7004
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	10753
8x AA/16x AF	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	6591
	BLISS 8800 GT 1GB Golden	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	9935
8x AA/16x AF	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	5724
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 now about two full years ago. It makes you wonder when the new version will be coming, to go and use the DirectX 10 technology, but as we have heard this would be sometime in February of this year. Once again we see that the Gainward BLISS 8800 GT Golden Sample edition is just humping behind Ultra edition and reaches some very impressive scores. Wouldn't it be great to combine two of these cards and to enjoy some SLI performance? The new unified shader technology does bring some extra flexibility and also does make a lot of sense even with the current and older DirectX 9.0c games. With DirectX 10 now going full steam ahead, the BLISS 8800 GT Golden Sample is ready to take on the new games to be released...

Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	7999
4x AA/8x AF	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	5756
8x AA/16x AF	612/2160MHz (Ref - Single)	3811
	BLISS 8800 GT 1GB Golden	3DMark06 Score
0x AA/Optimal	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	7232
4x AA/8x AF	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	5034
8x AA/16x AF	650/1900MHz (Ref - Single)	3442
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

You didn't have enough yet? We neither, so again we did a spin with selecting the HD resolution to sense and feel the hype around the high definition gaming experience. 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. Looking at the Gainward card which is build around the G92 core we can say it does quite well and once again is coming surely close to the GeForce 8800 Ultra performance, in such way it is an experience beyond our senses. We are sold for it, when will you?