Game tests

So the gains when using the ATI chipset were very evident in the system tests, especially in games. Our next set of tests looks at performance when the limiting factor is the graphics card used in the system. It’s a well known fact that most PCI Express to AGP comparisons show the performance on the 2 interfaces being almost exactly the same, let’s see how the Radeon Xpress chipset changes this….

Running at maximum detail we can see that there is a small performance increase from using the ATI chipset, it squeezes an extra 2fps out of the engine. Whilst not the largest of margins when your involved in a graphically intense HL2 section or CSS battle you’ll be glad that 2fps was available to you.

Doom3 at maximum detail also shows a small but significant increase in performance on average fps when using the ATI chipset. The Radeon Xpress is 3fps faster than the Via. Looking at the minimum fps shows the Via at 26fps and the ATI at 30fps, again the ATI board is leading.

In order to achieve completely smooth game play 30fps is the lowest you would want to see, only the ATI chipset can achieve this.

 

 

Next: Onboard Graphics

Select 1. Introduction 2. The Board 3. System/CPU Tests 4. Game Tests 5. Onboard Graphics 6. Conclusion