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. 
It should 
be no surprise that 3DMark scores stay about the same at stock speeds, on the 
Athlon64 system. On the Intel rig, we see a nice boost when the system is 
overclocked.
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.
At stock 
speeds the Buffalo Firestix FSX5000V performs on par with the Corsair 
TwinX4400PT DIMM's, which is pretty good.