Graphics Cards: Test Procedure and Hardware

We test each graphics card with eight games, in two different resolutions, and with and without texture filters activated. We also measure the operating temperature, noise output and power consumption, both when the card is idle (2D) and when working hard in 3D mode.

Published: May 25, 2011 12:00 AM
By Régis Jehl

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The Test Procedure in Detail

We use two different resolutions:

- 1680 x 1050 dots (16:9 aspect ratio)
- 1920 x 1200 dots (16:9 aspect ratio)

We take readings for energy consumption, chip temperature and noise levels from the fan using the OCCT GPU test. After 30mn of activity, we measure the maximum temperature reached by the chip (using HWMonitor), maximum energy consumption (measured at the wall socket for the whole computer) and noise levels with a sound meter placed 20 cm from the centre of the fan. We then leave the machine in idle for 20 minutes and take readings of the minimum levels. All tests are carried out in Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Call of Pripyat

This science-fiction first person shooter game (FPS) is based on the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. We use the official benchmark tool. This game is compatible with DirectX 11.

F1 2010

As the name suggests, this is a Formula 1 racing game. We use the built-in test tool with just one car racing around a circuit. We carry out each test five times then calculate the average result. This game is compatible with DirectX 11.

Metro 2033

This heavyweight first person shooter is hard work for graphics cards to run effectively. We use the built-in test tool to evaluate performance. This game is compatible with DirectX 11.

Tom Clancy's HAWX

Next we move on to aircraft pilot simulation. This game was optimised for DirectX 10.1. We therefore activate this mode on compatible cards. All the other settings are pushed to max and we use 4x antialiasing in tests with filters activated. We use the internal test, in which combats and lowflying scenes are displayed on screen.

Crysis Warhead

The quality and size of the Crysis 3D engine has given this game great longevity. Here, we use the 64-bit DirectX 10 version. We use the ambush demo with the 'Enthusiast' quality preset. All tests are carried out twice and 4x antialiasing was used in the tests with filters activated.

Just Cause 2

This is a third person action game with outdoor scenes that are rich in detail. We use the 'Urban Jungle' internal test, first of all without filters and then with 8x antialiasing. This game is compatible with DirectX 11.

Far Cry 2

Far Cry 2 is a first person shooter (FPS) set in Africa. A mixture of war and adventure, this game has an advanced graphics and physics engine. Graphics options are all set to a max in DirecX 10. We used 8x antialiasing on games with filters activated. We then carry out the 'Ranch medium' test twice in a row.

BattleForge

Another real time strategy game based on cards you collect. It has quite an interesting fantasy universe for fans of the genre, with playability depending on these notorious cards. This game is compatible with DirectX 11. All the options are pushed to max and 4x antialiasing is used in tests with filters activated. We use the internal test.

Test Hardware

Motherboard: Intel DX58SO - socket LGA1366