3dMark06 Test Settings

[Olin Coles]

Benchmark Reviews uses 3dMark06 for testing video cards on the Windows XP O/S. The following images detail the set-up configuration we use.

First we remove the CPU tests from the default selection. CPU Tests are irrelevant to a video card review, as it does not isolate the hardware we're testing.

http://benchmarkreviews.com/images/artwork/sitefiles/3dMark06_Select_Tests.png

Next the post-processing effects are added, and the test is set to loop three times. Tests conducted only once usually suffer a lower score due to buffering.

http://benchmarkreviews.com/images/artwork/sitefiles/3dMark06_Benchmark_Settings.png

Once tests are complete, 3dMark06 displays a generic SM2 and SM3/HDR score. These scores are very synthetic, and there are better ways to deliver the results.

http://benchmarkreviews.com/images/artwork/sitefiles/3dMark06_Basic_Score.png

By pressing the 'Details' button, the individual test frame rates are displayed. It makes more sense to chart frame rates than it does scores, as there's more uniformity among all benchmark tools and games.

http://benchmarkreviews.com/images/artwork/sitefiles/3dMark06_Score_Details.png