Gaming Benchmarks (Cont.)

Let's continue with the next games we have selected, being X³: Reunion and Quake 4. Both games which are very popular amongst gamers and that will give a better idea on the performance delivered by the Gainward BLISS 9800 GX2 graphics accelerator. Both games are based on a different 3D gaming engine and each is actually using a different standard, and where we have DirectX versus OpenGL technology. The OpenGL is quite 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 to enjoy our gaming ride...

EgoSoft X³: Reunion

Following up on our gaming overview, we are using one of the well known games which goes by the name, X³: Reunion. This is actually a sequel to the award winning X²: The Threat game. And quite some extensive development has gone into the X³ engine, making use of DirectX 9.0c technology, to create dramatic visual effects and stunningly realistic starships. Coupled with these massively enhanced artificial life system, X³: Reunion will present the players with an ever changing, evolving universe and give as such an experience where a player's action really can shape the future of the universe. Also newcomers will enjoy the additions to the already graphically impressive, almost living X³ universe, while veterans can expect new construction options and an improved physics model. The improvements of the X³ engine give an excellent view on the current feasible visual effects.

Gaming Results - 1280x1024 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 9800 GX2
No AA/No AF	104.243 fps	98.643 fps
2x AA/4x AF	99.336 fps	96.383 fps
4x AA/8x AF	93.573 fps	94.118 fps
8x AA/16x AF	90.852 fps	92.775 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Gaming Results - 1600x1200 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 9800 GX2
No AA/No AF	98.819 fps	96.822 fps
2x AA/4x AF	88.809 fps	93.175 fps
4x AA/8x AF	83.485 fps	91.327 fps
8x AA/16x AF	78.070 fps	88.357 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

Looking at the X³: Reunion game, the results are in favor of the Ultra config build around the GeForce 8800 Ultra edition accelerator. The GeForce 9800 GX2 from Gainward shows to be in second position at the start though marking higher frame rate scores afterwards. When we go enabling the anti-aliasing functionality, the scores are dropping for both video cards, with the Ultra dropping faster. And the BLISS 9800 GX2 edition accelerator shows its real potential by showing stunning game play results and performance figures. If we look at the technology behind the game, namely a powerful 3D engine based upon the DirectX 9.0c specifications it is clear that the GeForce 9800 GX2 setup takes the lead on this one as it features more processing logic in the form of stream processors, due to combining two graphics processors and a superior memory interface.

Gaming Results - 2560x1600 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 9800 GX2
No AA/No AF	71.468 fps	87.292 fps
2x AA/4x AF	61.155 fps	77.857 fps
4x AA/8x AF	54.697 fps	71.639 fps
8x AA/16x AF	47.414 fps	59.233 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

Also when looking at the high definition gaming score, a similar conclusion can be drawn. The Gainward BLISS 9800 GX2 version does perform very well, and when it is put against a GeForce 8800 Ultra version system it can easy beat it. Of course when you would start comparing all the aspects it all comes down on the available vertex and pixel shaders. And at this point the dual G92 power comes out on top as it features more raster operation units to get the job done. Of course the GeForce 8800 Ultra is penalized by having twice as less stream processors than the GX2 edition, and that since it is powered by a single G80 chip. The BLISS 9800 GX2 graphics card delivers awesome frame rates as a dual GPU solution with excellent visual image quality and easily takes over where the Ultra couldn't keep up.

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 have become synonymous with great technology and exciting multiplayer. The game follows the story of a marine named Matthew Kane who is a raw member of the fabled Rhino Squad which are tasked with spearheading the mission to finally secure the aliens' home planet.

Gaming Results - 1280x1024 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 9800 GX2
No AA/-- AF	253.7 fps	256.9 fps
2x AA/-- AF	228.6 fps	246.2 fps
4x AA/-- AF	198.9 fps	220.8 fps
8x AA/-- AF	147.7 fps	174.7 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.
Gaming Results - 1600x1200 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 9800 GX2
No AA/-- AF	238.0 fps	254.9 fps
2x AA/-- AF	202.9 fps	230.0 fps
4x AA/-- AF	172.2 fps	197.1 fps
8x AA/-- AF	104.6 fps	117.9 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 9800 GX2 version as being superior. Also when we up the stakes by enabling the anti-aliasing feature, the Ultra edition shows a similar trend, but keeps trailing behind. But by all means the older GeForce 8800 Ultra 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 dual GPU solution is coming with more processing logic tough scrutinized by a lower clock speeds. But since it features two G92 chips it doesn't matter that much as it delivers the highest frame rates, delivering stunning gaming performance.

Gaming Results - 2560x1600 - E6700 3.00GHz - 2GB RAM
	GeForce 8800 Ultra	BLISS 9800 GX2
No AA/-- AF	163.1 fps	224.3 fps
2x AA/-- AF	113.9 fps	155.6 fps
4x AA/-- AF	89.5 fps	100.8 fps
8x AA/-- AF	42.4 fps	57.4 fps
Results Interpretation: Higher index values are better.

Looking upon the figures with the widescreen high definition resolution, we can draw the same conclusion. The previous GeForce 8800 Ultra 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 Gainward BLISS 9800 GX2 accelerator which just brings the gaming experience to the next level. If you are a looking for the best visual quality available today, and you are into the high definition gaming then we would point towards the GeForce 9800 series. And, well since the Gainward card is based upon two G92 cores it does come at a higher price, though providing excellent gaming performance. There is no doubt in our mind that the GX2 is the best choice for the hardcore gamers looking for the smoothest game play.