11. 3DMark05 Graphics Benchmarks

As its name implies, FutureMark's 3DMark05 test suite focuses on the graphics capabilities of computers. There are three basic benchmarks: Games tests, CPU tests and feature tests.

Within the Games tests there are three subtests, each of which tests different aspects and levels of complexity in various gaming graphics environments. 3DMark05 reports an overall Games tests score, as well as the average number of frames per second achieved during each subtest. The three gaming scenarios are named Return to Proxycon, Firefly Forest and Canyon Flight. Proxycon is a classic shoot-em-up type game set in a futuristic environment. Fire Forest, the most complex graphically, involves a firefly moving through a dense and very ecologically diverse forest. In Canyon Flight, a powered sailing ship that flies through the air suspended under a balloon encounters a gigantic dragon while navigating though a graphically complex canyon.

The CPU tests measure CPU performance using specific segments from the Games tests. There are two CPU subtests, the results of which are reported as an overall score. Frames per second are also calculated for each of the two subtests.

The Features tests provide detailed measures in the areas of single- and multi-texturing fill rate, pixel shading and simple and complex vertex shading. These tests are valuable, but we feel that the Games and CPU tests adequately summarize the performance of a computer's graphics subsystem.

Thus, we report the summary scores for the Games and CPU tests. Additionally, we mention any interesting frames per second findings from both sets of tests. Because computer graphics systems and supporting components tend to respond differently depending on the resolution of the display being tested, we run the 3DMark05 Games and CPU tests at both the graphics system's highest resolution, as well as a resolution of 1024x768.