By
combining DirectX8 support with completely new graphics, it continues to provide
good overall system benchmarks. 3DMark2001SE has been created in cooperation
with the major 3D accelerator and processor manufacturers to provide a reliable
set of diagnostic tools. The suite demonstrates 3D gaming performance by using
real-world gaming technology to test a system's true performance abilities.
Tests include: DirectX8 Vertex Shaders, Pixel Shaders and Point Sprites, DOT3
and Environment Mapped Bump Mapping, support for Full Scene Anti-aliasing and
Texture Compression and two game tests using Ipion real-time physics.
Higher
numbers denote better performance.
Despite
having AA and AF enabled, the PowerColor Radeon 9600XT performs pretty
well.
A
completely rewritten 3D engine based on DirectX8 encompasses many visual effects
such as volumetric Nebulae (gas clouds) that have a real impact in the game (you
can hide in them), many new engine, shield, weapon and explosion effects.
Objects cast real dynamic 3D shadows! Dynamic DP3 bump mapping allows a
previously unseen level of detail.
While
performance slows down with AA and AF enabled, it's nice to see that the
PowerColor Radeon 9600XT still has enough raw power in it to use 2x AA and 8x
AF!