Gaming Benchmarks (Cont.)

Let's continue with the next games we have selected, being Doom 3 and Quake 4. Both games which are very popular amongst gamers and that will give a good idea on the performance delivered by the Gainward BLISS 8800 GT Golden Sample graphics accelerator. Both games are based on the same 3D engine coming from id Software which is based on the OpenGL technology. The OpenGL is quiet special as it is less common than the DirectX technology, but we have to say that since id Software is coding their 3D engine based on this technology they have been released quite some great games. The goal of this engine is to provide stunning gaming experience with awesome looking visual graphics and physics. So, load em up, and start your 3D engines...

idSoftware Doom 3

Next on our list of favorite games is Doom 3 developed by id Software. Doom 3 is quite possibly the best-looking game ever, thanks to the brand-new 3D graphics engine used to generate its convincingly lifelike, densely atmospheric, and surprisingly expansive environments. At the same time, when you look past the spectacular appearance, you'll find a conventional, derivative shooter. Doom 3 is essentially a remake of the original Doom, though series fans will find reimagined versions of almost every monster from both previous versions in the new sequel.

Gaming Results - 1280x1024 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 8800 GT Golden
No AA/-- AF	218.1 fps	208.7 fps
2x AA/-- AF	202.3 fps	169.8 fps
4x AA/-- AF	174.2 fps	136.0 fps
8x AA/-- AF	77.0 fps	57.1 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Gaming Results - 1600x1200 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 8800 GT Golden
No AA/-- AF	209.2 fps	186.0 fps
2x AA/-- AF	168.1 fps	131.1 fps
4x AA/-- AF	137.3 fps	100.2 fps
8x AA/-- AF	49.9 fps	40.6 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

Another one that is already going a long way but still is considered a very good reference in terms of OpenGL gaming performance. We notice that the reported frame rates are in favor of the GeForce 8800 Ultra system. The GeForce 8800 GT has a very good basis, and by unlocking the G92 a bit further with higher clock settings it shows that it can come close but not able to beat the Ultra version. We must admit that the G92 is very impressive and does allow a decent amount of overclocking. The only point that is critical is the memory bandwidth which is scrutinized by having a 256-bit memory interface compared to the greater 384-bit available for the G80 Ultra version. Having said that, we have to admit that the G92 based graphics cards are much cheaper, while the Ultra edition does remain quite pricy on the other hand.

Gaming Results - 2560x1600 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 8800 GT Golden
No AA/-- AF	137.8 fps	112.6 fps
2x AA/-- AF	93.4 fps	67.9 fps
4x AA/-- AF	67.8 fps	51.5 fps
8x AA/-- AF	20.4 fps	15.1 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

When looking upon the HD gaming results, it shows a similar performance. The GeForce 8800 GT Golden Sample edition from Gainward is less fast at normal operation and with anti-aliasing. The GeForce 8800 Ultra edition takes the lead on all benchmark runs and when you up the stakes and raise it to the maximum level. And, if you are in favor of games based upon the great 3D engine from id Software, meaning based upon the OpenGL technology then don't think twice and just go for a NVIDIA based graphics card. And a good choice would certainly be this BLISS 8800 GT Golden Sample version from Gainward, a pre-overclocked version which shows once again superior images visualization and quality. On top of that it comes with a huge amount of high-end memory, and a silent though powerful cooling solution.

Raven Software Quake 4

As we want to have a good mix of games, we just had to give Quake 4 a spot in the gaming analysis. Quake 4 is based upon id Software's revolutionary Doom 3 technology. Furthermore, Quake 4 wasn't actually developed by id Software itself but instead it outsourced the game development to the capable minds at Raven Software, who have turned in a fantastic looking game with a great single-player campaign. The multiplayer, however, is underwhelming. Quake was among the first PC shooters to let you take your multiplayer matches onto the Internet, and over the years, the series has become synonymous with great technology and exciting multiplayer.

Gaming Results - 1280x1024 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 8800 GT Golden
No AA/-- AF	233.9 fps	222.2 fps
2x AA/-- AF	213.6 fps	189.8 fps
4x AA/-- AF	187.3 fps	162.3 fps
8x AA/-- AF	92.1 fps	68.8 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Gaming Results - 1600x1200 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 8800 GT Golden
No AA/-- AF	220.3 fps	197.9 fps
2x AA/-- AF	195.0 fps	157.1 fps
4x AA/-- AF	166.8 fps	130.2 fps
8x AA/-- AF	60.5 fps	48.4 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

When looking at the Quake 4 gaming results we can see that these follow the same logic as we have encountered with Doom 3. Since both games are using the same 3D engine developed by id Software it doesn't come as a surprise. Both games use the OpenGL technology to bring the action alive. The frame rates are showing the same trend between both cards, but clearly showing the GeForce 8800 Ultra version as being superior. Also when we up the stakes by enabling the anti-aliasing feature, the Golden Sample edition shows a similar trend, but keeps trailing behind. But by all means the Gainward Golden Sample is able to deliver smooth game play and sharp visual sceneries. In the end quite normal as both cards feature a very similar technology, while Gainward's Golden Sample is set at higher core clock speed tough scrutinized by less stream processors.

Gaming Results - 2560x1600 - E6700 2.66GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 8800 GT Golden
No AA/-- AF	162.5 fps	134.3 fps
2x AA/-- AF	112.4 fps	82.3 fps
4x AA/-- AF	88.6 fps	69.0 fps
8x AA/-- AF	26.1 fps	19.3 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

Looking upon the figures with the widescreen HD resolution, we can draw the same conclusion. The Gainward BLISS 8800 GT Golden Sample edition does provide lower frame rates consistently, and that also shows when we start increasing the anti-aliasing capabilities. Again the stunning game play keeps amazing us, and with that said Quake 4 looks impressive with the BLISS 8800 GT Golden Sample accelerator provided by Gainward. If you are a looking for the best visual quality available today, and you are into the HD gaming then we would point towards the GeForce 8800 series. And, well since the Gainward card is based upon the G92 core it does come at a very attractive price and comes with excellent gaming performance.