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Synthetic Benchmarks (Cont.) We remain still with the synthetic benchmarking of the Gainward BLISS 9800 GX2 edition graphics card and how it stacks up against our system equipped with the older GeForce 8800 Ultra accelerator. We will go through the newest benchmark suites developed by Futuremark. Take into account that currently just one DirectX 10 compatible benchmark has been released. Though we keep in mind that Windows XP as operating system is still used by a wide range of gamers around the world. These benchmark suites will provide a good indication on the processing value and performance of this newer GeForce 9800 GX2 card but next to that also on the game play of today's games. Similar to the other benchmarks we will simply compare both configurations and also analyze the differences related to the performance figures.
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. And 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. And being designed for higher image quality and the new processing capabilities, it will show some input and what is possible with compliant hardware, as well as deliver some great scenery and rendering of exciting gaming landscapes. | Benchmark Results - 1280x1024 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM | | GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB | 3DMark05 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 17441 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 14558 | | BLISS 9800 GX2 1024MB | 3DMark05 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 19239 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 17526 | | Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better. | |
| Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM | | GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB | 3DMark05 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 16520 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 12803 | | BLISS 9800 GX2 1024MB | 3DMark05 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 18617 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 16563 | | Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better. |
First we would like to address that as of Futuremark 3DMark05, the intensive graphics processing capabilities are really explaining the difference on the benchmarks scores, and the CPU becomes surely less significant in the overall performance indication. Yes, it is still important but doesn't make or break the final score. When we are looking at the scores we can see that the difference is less significant and both cards are performing in a very similar way. In the end the GeForce 9800 GX2 graphics card is showing higher figures and smoother rendering experience though the older GeForce 8800 Ultra is still able to follow some steps behind. Of course the GX2 version has the edge due to more shader processors, higher memory throughput, more raw processing and shader power compared to the GeForce 8800 Ultra accelerator. Due to having two graphics cores running in SLI mode the GeForce 9800 GX2 edition is able to outperform the former champion. | Benchmark Results - 2560x1600 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM | | GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB | 3DMark05 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 13550 | | 4x AA/8x AF | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 10333 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 7212 | | BLISS 9800 GX2 1024MB | 3DMark05 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 17502 | | 4x AA/8x AF | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 15392 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 12283 | | 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. And actually there is no real difference as already shown at lower resolutions. It become clear that the GeForce 9800 GX2 video card has an edge over the Ultra version, and does show more clearly when anti-aliasing is tuned up to a maximum. In the end the Gainward version delivers excellent performance, but comes of course at a much higher price. With widescreen gaming becoming more popular each day it does show that the GeForce 8800 series have set a new dimension on the high definition experience. It should be very interesting to see the real DirectX 10 performance using the outstanding G92 processing capabilities, together with the extreme high definition stunning visual quality.
Futuremark 3DMark06 
To complete our view and the Futuremark performance figures we also run the newest 3DMark06, which is the worldwide standard related to advanced 3D game performance benchmarking. A fundamental tool for every company in the PC industry as well as PC users and gamers. The 3DMark06 suite uses advanced real-time 3D game workloads to measure PC performance using a suite of DirectX 9.0c graphics tests, CPU tests and full fetched 3D feature tests. These 3DMark06 tests include all new high dynamic range and Shader Model 3.0 graphics tests, some Shader Model 2.0 rendering tests, AI and physics driven single and multiple cores or processor CPU tests and a quite wide collection of comprehensive feature tests to reliably measure and validate next generation gaming performance today. | Benchmark Results - 1280x1024 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM | | GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB | 3DMark06 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 12429 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 8342 | | BLISS 9800 GX2 1024MB | 3DMark06 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 14012 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 11382 | | Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better. | |
| Benchmark Results - 1600x1200 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM | | GeForce 8800 Ultra 768MB | 3DMark06 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 11216 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 6721 | | BLISS 9800 GX2 1024MB | 3DMark06 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 13485 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 9630 | | Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better. |
This latest version brings the Shader Model 3.0 into the picture, which is only available in 3DMark06 which was released now about more than two years ago. It makes you wonder when the new version will be coming, to go and use the DirectX 10 technology, but that is now over as Futuremark has recently released their newest version. Once again we see that the GeForce 8800 Ultra edition is just humping behind GX2 edition and reaches some very impressive scores. Wouldn't it be great to combine two of these cards and to enjoy some SLI performance? Euh, which is exactly what the GeForce 9800GX2 already does. 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 9800 GX2 version from Gainward 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) | 8189 | | 4x AA/8x AF | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 5894 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 612/2160MHz (Ref - Single) | 3869 | | BLISS 9800 GX2 1024MB | 3DMark06 Score | | 0x AA/Optimal | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 11810 | | 4x AA/8x AF | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | 9007 | | 8x AA/16x AF | 600/2000MHz (Ref - Single) | N/A | | Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better. |
You didn't have enough yet? We neither, so again we did a spin with selecting the ultra widescreen resolutions 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 9800 series it does turn a smile on our faces. The image quality is outstanding, providing stunning image clarity. Extreme high definition 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 two G92 cores we can say it does quite well and it takes over the performance crown from the GeForce 8800 Ultra, and in such way it is an experience beyond our senses. 
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GLY GTX275 (OC) PCIe 0896MB - Rev 01
