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.