DX10: 3DMark Vantage

3DMark Vantage is a PC benchmark suite designed to test the DirectX10 graphics card performance. FutureMark 3DMark Vantage is the latest addition the 3DMark benchmark series built by FutureMark corporation. Although 3DMark Vantage requires NVIDIA PhysX to be installed for program operation, only the CPU/Physics test relies on this technology.

3DMark Vantage offers benchmark tests focusing on GPU, CPU, and Physics performance. Benchmark Reviews uses the two GPU-specific tests for grading video card performance: Jane Nash and New Calico. These tests isolate graphical performance, and remove processor dependence from the benchmark results.

• 3DMark Vantage v1.02
  • Extreme Settings: (Extreme Quality, 8x Multisample Anti-Aliasing, 16x Anisotropic Filtering, 1:2 Scale)

3DMark Vantage GPU Test: Jane Nash

Of the two GPU tests 3DMark Vantage offers, the Jane Nash performance benchmark is slightly less demanding. In a short video scene the special agent escapes a secret lair by water, nearly losing her shirt in the process. Benchmark Reviews tests this DirectX-10 scene at 1680x1050 and 1920x1080 resolutions, and uses Extreme quality settings with 8x anti-aliasing and 16x anisotropic filtering. The 1:2 scale is utilized, and is the highest this test allows. By maximizing the processing levels of this test, the scene creates the highest level of graphical demand possible and sorts the strong from the weak.

Cost Analysis: Jane Nash (1680x1050)

Test Summary: In the Jane nash Vantage test none of the cards tested really score too well but this is a synthetic test after all that is designed to push the GPU to its limits. Significant improvements will only be seen when you lower the quality settings or resolution or double up in SLI mode. The GTX550-Ti shows how much better it is than it's sibling the GTS 450 beating it by 2.8 FPS but at the same time it can't quite match the previous generations 'best bang for buck' card; the GTX460, slipping behind by 6.6 FPS at 1680x1050. The HD5770, which was able to outperform the GTS450 can't match the GTX550-Ti, slipping behind by 1.6 FPS. When we look at price per FPS we see that now the GTX 460 has come down in price even more, (even though it is more expensive than the GTX550-Ti) it still is the best price for performance card with the GTX550-Ti coming in third place.

3DMark Vantage GPU Test: New Calico

New Calico is the second GPU test in the 3DMark Vantage test suite. Of the two GPU tests, New Calico is the most demanding. In a short video scene featuring a galactic battleground, there is a massive display of busy objects across the screen. Benchmark Reviews tests this DirectX-10 scene at 1680x1050 and 1920x1080 resolutions, and uses Extreme quality settings with 8x anti-aliasing and 16x anisotropic filtering. The 1:2 scale is utilized, and is the highest this test allows. Using the highest graphics processing level available allows our test products to separate themselves and stand out (if possible).

Cost Analysis: New Calico (1680x1050)

Test Summary: The tables have turned in the New Calico Vantage test, here the NVIDIA cards win outright the GTS 450 leads the HD5770 by 1.72 FPS and the GTX550-Ti leads that by 2.4 FPS. The gap between the GTX550-Ti and the GTX460 hasn't narrowed any but 336 cores and a 256-bit memory (GTX460) interface can't be beaten by 192 cores and a 192-bit memory interface (GTX550-Ti). The price for performance result is the same as the Jane Nash test with the GTX550-Ti coming in third.

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