How We Tested

During our benchmarking sessions we used the configuration listed below. Between our benchmarking sessions the only different device was the video card being tested.

Hardware Configuration

• Motherboard: Biostar K8VHA Pro (VIA K8T800) (July 12th, 2004 BIOS)
• CPU: Athlon 64 3200+
• Memory: Two 256 MB DDR400/PC3200 modules from TwinMOS
• Hard Drive: Maxtor DiamondMax 9 Plus (40 GB, ATA-133)
• Screen resolution: 1024x768x32@85 Hz

Software Configuration

• Windows XP Professional installed using NTFS
• Service Pack 1A
• Direct X 9.0c
• ATI video driver version: 4.8
• nVidia video driver version: 61.77
• VIA Hyperion driver version: 4.53

Used Software

• 3DMark2001 SE
• 3DMark03 Business 3.40
• Aquamark 3
• Doom III
• Far Cry 1.1
• X2 – The Threat

We adopted a 3% error margin. Thus differences below 3% cannot be considered relevant. In other words, products with a performance difference below 3% should be considered as having similar performance.

Total or partial reproduction of the contents of this site, as well as that of the texts available for downloading, be this in the electronic media, in print, or any other form of distribution, is expressly forbidden. Those who do not comply with these copyright laws will be indicted and punished according to the International Copyrights Law.

We do not take responsibility for material damage of any kind caused by the use of information contained in Hardware Secrets.