3DMark03 Overview @ Beyond3D

ToshiroOC · Feb 12, 2003, 08:10 AM

Well, we've had a release of a new DirectX API late last year, with the introduction of DirectX9, and we've had DirectX9 capable hardware much before that in the form of the Radeon 9500/9700 and the upcoming GeForce FX series, isn't it about time we saw a new version of everyone's favourite 3D benchmark? Well, as if on cue, Futuremark Corporation (formerly MadOnion) have released 3DMark2003 and Beyond3D has been given the opportunity to test the software early.

In some respects the plan behind 3DMark2003 appear to be "If it ain't broke don't fix it". With this latest version you'll see a very familiar testing system, with 4 main game tests that comprise the overall score for the benchmark, and also they'll be a number of feature tests that provide further analysis of the 3D board and overall system. Naturally, however, all the game tests have been overhauled and are completely new in order to better reflect the current and future market trends in 3D capabilities and feature adoption within games, and we also get a number of other enhancements to boot.

As shader capable 3D hardware proliferates through the market developers are increasingly targeting shader programming as the basis for game engines. Futuremark want to represent this change, hence more of the game tests require shader hardware to operate. The 3DMark2003 game tests now comprises only one DX7 test, with two DX8/DX8.1 tests and a DX9 test. First, we'll take a closer look at each of the game tests and the details behind them.

--By David Baumann, source: Beyond3D

Article can be read here.

Small note: Its 3DMark03, not 3DMark2003 as far as I can tell.

Feb 12, 2003, 08:10 AM	#1
ToshiroOC Unbiased. Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 4,812 Rep Power: 0	3DMark03 Overview @ Beyond3D Well, we've had a release of a new DirectX API late last year, with the introduction of DirectX9, and we've had DirectX9 capable hardware much before that in the form of the Radeon 9500/9700 and the upcoming GeForce FX series, isn't it about time we saw a new version of everyone's favourite 3D benchmark? Well, as if on cue, Futuremark Corporation (formerly MadOnion) have released 3DMark2003 and Beyond3D has been given the opportunity to test the software early. In some respects the plan behind 3DMark2003 appear to be "If it ain't broke don't fix it". With this latest version you'll see a very familiar testing system, with 4 main game tests that comprise the overall score for the benchmark, and also they'll be a number of feature tests that provide further analysis of the 3D board and overall system. Naturally, however, all the game tests have been overhauled and are completely new in order to better reflect the current and future market trends in 3D capabilities and feature adoption within games, and we also get a number of other enhancements to boot. As shader capable 3D hardware proliferates through the market developers are increasingly targeting shader programming as the basis for game engines. Futuremark want to represent this change, hence more of the game tests require shader hardware to operate. The 3DMark2003 game tests now comprises only one DX7 test, with two DX8/DX8.1 tests and a DX9 test. First, we'll take a closer look at each of the game tests and the details behind them. --By David Baumann, source: Beyond3D Article can be read here. Small note: Its 3DMark03, not 3DMark2003 as far as I can tell.