Usually, in the reviews of video cards (sometimes motherboards and processors), we show the results of testing in graphic applications. And naturally, our readers may have questions: how do we get these results and why is this needed? Veterans of overclocking (and not only) are unlikely to be interested in answers to these questions, but for beginners or people who have encountered some test packages for the first time, our descriptions of the programs in which testing takes place will probably help. We will try, step by step, to explain to you: what programs are needed for this, how to run the test and how to view the result.
Yes, but why test? For example, in order to know how much the performance of video cards based on different chips differs, or how much the performance of identical video cards differs, but from different manufacturers. Whether these graphics cards are ready for the games of today and tomorrow, as well as to find out how powerful the system as a whole is.
Since we always give the results in the reviews, starting with synthetic tests, then, perhaps, we will start with such applications. We will not describe the theory, so that a simple copying of information from Russian-language sites does not work out, but we will fully devote the article to practice, focusing on the main parameters and settings of test packages.
So, the main measure of performance in synthetic applications today is a series of 3DMark test packages from Futuremark Corporation, namely:
The first of them is quite old, but has not lost its relevance yet, 3DMark2005 is used in almost all tests, and the last one is 3DMark2006, this is an updated and supplemented 3DMark2005. But unlike the 2005 version, 3DMark2006 brings the graphics quality to a more perfect level, showing the possibilities of games of the near future and, perhaps, in a year or two it will become the de facto standard in the field of testing the graphics subsystem, especially given the full support for dual-core processors. We will not consider 3Dmark2001SE in this article, since it is highly processor-dependent and it no longer gives an accurate assessment of the video subsystem.
Now let's look at how to download the program data and how much it costs (meaning the cost of test packages). All 3DMark "and are free to download (Free version), but have limited functionality. So, they can not change the settings, select each test separately, view the full Demo. But you have the opportunity to conduct all the basic tests. If you need more extensive the possibilities of these packages, namely to change the test settings (resolution, anti-aliasing, etc.), select each of the tests, then in this case you will have to pay from 14.95 to 19.95 dollars (depending on the program - the latest version, as a rule, more expensive than its predecessors). And all this is only for individual use for non-commercial purposes, i.e. at home. And in order to be able to use 3DMark "and as a test tool in your laboratory or in production (for example, when testing computers) , you will have to fork out and buy 3DMark 2005 Business for $240 or 3DMark 2006 Professional for $490! 3DMark2003 is available for just $14.95.
Naturally, we would not be able to describe this software without having a license for it, so Futuremark Corporation kindly provided full versions 3DMark packages for our tests.
Let's start with 3DMark03 or 3DMark2003, whichever suits you. By downloading this application (about 178 MB), or by installing it from the installation disk (sometimes supplied with video cards from some manufacturers), you can start testing. But remember that the 3DMark2003 program must be version 3.6.0 (if you have old version package, then the update can be downloaded otherwise your result will not be counted. :)
So, everything is downloaded, installed, which means you can proceed to launch the program. If you are using the Free version, then the program window will look like this:
The "Details…" button is responsible for information about your system: what processor, video card, operating system etc. To run the test, just click "Run 3DMark". The only drawback is that all tests are used, even those that have absolutely no effect on the final result (parrots :)). Also, in this version it is impossible to change the default settings, namely: resolution 1024x768, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing disabled.
After passing all the tests, you will see the following window with the result:
"Online ResultBrowser" allows you to put your result in the ORB online database, which contains the achievements of overclockers from all over the world. How to put your result in the ORB, we will consider in the second part of this article, and now let's move on to "Details ...". By clicking this button, you can view the result of each test separately.
The main tests are Game Tests with a 3DMark Score obtained after passing them. It is this result that we indicate in our articles about video cards. For processor tests, CPU Test is used with a CPU Score result, but it is not objective enough. When testing platforms, still use Game Tests in conjunction with CPU Test. The rest of the tests have no practical significance for us yet. Perhaps we will talk about them in more detail, expanding the theoretical part, but that will be another story. In the meantime, let's return to the main points of testing with the 3DMark2003 package. V demon paid version in the window with the result there is an inactive button "To Excel" - it becomes active if you use Pro version 3DMark2003 and allows you to transfer the results to Excel program, provided it is present in the system. If you are not satisfied with the basic features, then you will have to pay the required amount to receive a code that allows you to upgrade Free version up to the Pro version. After receiving the code, press the "Register ..." button in the main window, enter the password, and you are the happy owner of 3DMark2003 Pro.
After registration, you can choose any test you need, you can change the settings so that the test is repeated several times, you can even loop it if you want to test your hardware for "strength". To select tests, press "Select ..." and choose what you need. Selecting all tests - the "Select All" button, reset - the "Clear" button.
By clicking "Change…", you can select the resolution that your monitor supports (modern video cards support 2048x1536 and even more, so everything will depend on your monitor), anti-aliasing, filtering mode. When choosing anisotropic filtering, do not forget to specify the maximum value - from 1 to 16. In Lately, in our articles we increasingly use resolutions of 1024x768 and 1280x1024 (this resolution will be very interesting for users of LCD monitors with a diagonal size of 17" and above), and for the load on the video subsystem - anti-aliasing (AA) 4x and anisotropic filtering (AF) 16x.
It also selects how many times you can repeat the test (Repeat each test) or its endless repetition (Loop all selected tests). After changing the settings, you can always restore them to the original ones using the "Defaults" button (default settings).
We have told the main points on this program, now you can move on to the next package - 3DMark2005.
Download the 3DMark05 application version 1.2.0 (about 283 MB), if you have an older version, then you need to update it to the same version 1.2.0. After installation and subsequent launch of the program, a registration window will appear - if you paid for the Pro version ($ 14.95), you can enter the code, if not, click "Continue".
The long-awaited 3DMark2005 window appears, but only the annoying prompt will interfere with each launch of the package, so you will have to close it every time (in the registered version, the prompt can be disabled).
The structure of the main window has practically not changed compared to 3DMark2003 - the "Graphs…" button has been added, which is intended for plotting graphs. As in the previous version - a free program, does not allow you to change any settings, all tests are run with the default settings (the same as in 3DMark2003). Let's start the test.
The result window is almost identical to the previous version. See Details:
In 3DMark2005, everything superfluous has already been disabled (only CPU Tests remained from the additional ones) - the time for passing the tests has now become shorter. As before, the main test for video cards is Game Tests, for the processor - a less objective CPU Test.
Now consider the registered version.
Choice of tests:
Test settings:
Change resolution, texture filtering, anti-aliasing - it's all here. You can leave additional settings as default. In 3DMark2005 we test in the same way as in 3DMark2003. And, given the similarity in the settings of these test packages, we think that it is not worth describing them in detail.
With each version of 3DMark, the size of the installation file is getting bigger and bigger, and now it is 580 MB. Install, run and, if there is an activation code (Advanced version - $ 19.95), then enter it in the appropriate window.
If you do not have a code, then click "Continue". Next, a hint that you need to close every time you load the application, and if you register 3DMark2006, then the hint can be turned off. The main window of this test package has undergone some changes compared to 3DMark2003 and 3DMark2005.
"Results" already has a separate column listing the results of the test subgroups. And also added a game ("Game…" button) based on CPU test, but only for the Advanced version. As in previous free versions of 3DMark - no change in settings, only what is set by default: the resolution is now 1280x1024, trilinear filtering, anti-aliasing is disabled.
Now, after passing the main tests, in addition to the final result, you will be provided with additional information for each test subgroup.
The "Submit Your Results…" button is equivalent to "Online ResultBrowser" in 3DMark2003 and 3DMark2005 packages. The inactive "To Excel" button becomes active after registering 3DMark2006, and, as in previous versions, allows you to transfer the results to Excel.
By clicking "Details…" you can view the result for each test.
If you register 3DMark2006, you will be able to select each test separately, but unlike 3DMark2003 and 3DMark2005, this application counts the final result together with the processor test. You should not disable tests before Feature Tests, otherwise you will not get the final result.
The test settings will appear if you click the "Change…" button in the main window.
Here, as in the previous packages, the main settings are collected, such as: resolution, anti-aliasing, texture filtering. You can also choose how many times to repeat the test (Repeat each test) or its endless repetition - looping (Loop all selected tests). When testing in this package, we leave all the settings by default, and only to increase the load on the video card, anti-aliasing (AA) 4x and anisotropic filtering (AF) 16x are used.
So, we have considered the main testing methodology with 3DMark programs, it remains to say a few words about setting up video card drivers. When testing all video cards based on chips, both nVidia and ATI (or other manufacturers), we set the "performance" in the driver to "high quality".
We hope that the above steps will help you in testing the 3DMark2003, 3DMark2005 and 3DMark2006 synthetic packages. In the next part of this article, we will look at how to put your result (and maybe even a record) into an online database.
3DMark is a program that allows you to monitor the performance of video adapters and a processor. The utility allows you to own detailed data about the PC, change test settings and play a mini-game.
The application is perfect for those who monitor the work of their operating system. This program is able to diagnose 3D graphics on a PC and check the performance of the graphics adapter.
The utility has several tests for checking video adapters and processor. The data obtained can be used for comparison graphic capabilities OSes, which will allow you to find suitable games or think about replacing the video adapter.
How does the program work?
Application tools allow you to test the video card and processor. It is worth noting that any user will be able to find out the compatibility of a video card with ShaderModel and High Dynamic Range technologies.
Most of the tests are designed to measure graphics and allow you to set the level of performance of the video adapter, which affects the launch of games. In addition, the creators took into account the need for a processor. There are several tests for it in the application.
It is important to note that the program consumes a significant amount system resources, therefore, before installing this software, you need to study the requirements. For normal operation The application requires a 2.5 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM and DirectX support.
In addition, each edition of the utility requires a specific version of DirectX. 3DMark2001 only supports DirectX 8. Versions 2003, 2005, and 2006 require DirectX 9. 3DMark Vantage requires DirectX 10. The 2011 program only works with DirectX 11. Finally, 3DMark13 can only run on Windows 8.
Peculiarities
The utility is designed to test video adapters and processor. In addition, it is possible to change the screen resolution. The utility provides full information about the operating system. In addition, this software is capable of conducting graphing studies. The application also has an integrated game.
Pros and cons
This software allows you to set the performance level of video cards. In addition, the utility has several tests to evaluate CPU performance. It is also worth noting a simple interface that allows you to quickly understand the application. In addition, the software is completely free to download.
Of the negative points, it is worth highlighting the inability to choose the parameters of the free version. In addition, there is no Russian language in the application menu.
In general, 3DMark - great app, which is great for setting the performance level of the video adapter and processor. This utility is perfect for gamers who need to know the compatibility of their video card with the games they need.
The utility is capable of working on all Windows operating systems, however, each has its own version. It is worth noting that the free version has an English menu. In addition, the program does not allow you to configure test settings.
You need to download the application from the official website of the developer or a trusted resource, which will allow you to have a high-quality utility for controlling the processor and video card. At the same time, it is recommended to run PC protection tools in order to exclude the possibility of viruses and malware getting into the operating system. This will help keep the system running.
3DMark is a brand of a series of popular tests that measure the performance of a computer as a whole and the capabilities of computer graphics cards separately. The performance of the graphics card has a significant impact on the quality of the gaming process and the satisfaction of the gamer with the process of a computer game. To really evaluate the performance of a video card and not doubt the test results, we recommend a video card test and overall performance 3DMark computer download 32-bit and 64-bit Russian version without leaving the site https: // site without registration and SMS. The results of graphical performance tests of 3D accelerators of computers, laptops, tablets and phones will allow you to objectively understand why the picture quality and realism in games are subjectively dissatisfied.
Description of Russian 3DMark tests
A series of tests allows you to find out the real performance of the hardware and software component of the computer (video accelerator, central processor, RAM, operating system, drivers, DetectX, overclocking methods, etc.), which significantly affects the speed and quality of graphics in computer games. V latest version 3D Mark paid more attention to the study of video card performance: the operation of individual GPU units, shader units, texturing, rasterization, Direct3D support and other aspects of the computer's video subsystem hardware and software.
Overclockers and gamers using 3DMark, which better than analogues emulates gameplay, evaluates and compares the performance results of different gaming systems. Extreme rich overclockers who overclock the latest powerful video cards just need to download the latest version of 3DMark in Russian for Windows 10, 8.1, 7 for an adequate analysis of overclocking results. For example, after all, no one will be hurt by information on how to properly overclock a video card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 or GeForce GTX Titan video cards, while not burning it when overloaded at extreme frequencies of the core and HBM2 or GDDR5X memory. As a result of testing, the program gives the user all the data on frequencies and temperatures, as well as other useful information. In the future, all indicators can be presented in the form of a nice-looking diagram.
When choosing the best graphics card or need an objective estimate game system among other actions, you also need to download the latest version of 3DMark 2016 for free without registration and SMS via direct links from the site https: // site to download from the official site of the program. With a fast Internet connection and free hard drive space, the process does not take long. Next, you need to install the program, proceed to the launch of testing and test the applicants. The video adapter is tested by emulating the game process, and the performance of the graphics card is evaluated in conditional points. In fact, the program is a non-interactive PC game, during this exciting game the user is not able to influence the gameplay, but is an outside observer.
3DMark Russian version allows you to check if a brand new computer will freeze or reboot during prolonged heavy loads. In the case of purchasing a new powerful computer or laptop, be sure to download the free 3DMark program for Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 in Russian, install and run testing. Many consider this option to be an adequate test of a computer for stability, since not only the graphics system is seriously loaded, but also the central processor, RAM and other important components.
3DMark with limited functionality - a full-fledged benchmark
All 3DMark releases have ShareWare editions where features and settings are limited and not all benchmarks are available. ShareWare benchmarks are released from 3D Mark 99 through 3DMark06 and 3DMark 11, including 3DMarkMobile, excluding 3DMark Vantage. In addition to the free Basic Edition, there are Advanced Edition and Professional Edition, the transition to which is carried out by introducing the purchased from Futuremark license key after registering on the official website. According to the reviews and comments of overclockers and gamers, the new 3DMark is worth downloading, since the latest free 3D Mark with limited functionality is an adequate benchmark and allows you to qualitatively produce an objective independent test of computer power and detailed test video cards.
Advantages of the 3D Mark program
The advantage is a reliable assessment of the capabilities of the video card and verification in the process of testing the stability of the computer. Among the important features of 3D Mark, the following should be noted:
- use of innovative graphic technologies,
- support for all generations of video cards,
- support for all, including the latest Microsoft DirectX,
- an exhaustive set of gaming and synthetic specific tests,
- accurate measurement of the number of frames and the average frame rate per second,
- checking video accelerator compatibility with Shader Model and HDR (High Dynamic Range),
- the ability to see the results of work in the form of temperature fluctuations,
- the presence on the developer's website of information about the results of benchmarks of millions of users,
- convenient beautiful intuitive interface.
Compatibility of 3D Mark versions with Microsoft Windows and other operating systems
Developments of this software conducted by the Finnish company Futuremark (from 1999 to 2002 MadOnion). The latest version of this rather big utility is compatible with the operating system Microsoft system Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 with latest packages service pack. For computers with operating system Microsoft Windows XP SP 2 or 3 with DirectX 9 should free download 3DMark06 for Windows XP with the latest Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Win Vista. The official website recommends using the 3DM06-YKL9-C7R6-73WW-AAPA-VHKW key to upgrade to full 3DMark06. As for 3DMark cross-platform, there are also 3DMarkMobile benchmarks for performance testing mobile phones 3DMarkMobile ES and 3DMarkMobile JSR. For the full operation of the latest version of the test, you may need to install
Free software download for free
Now you are on the page "3DMark - testing a video card and general computer performance" of the site, where everyone has the opportunity to legally download free programs for a computer with Microsoft Windows for free without captcha, without viruses and without SMS. Having started your acquaintance with legally free programs from this page, also check out other materials on the site https: // site at home or at work.
There are many various programs for testing processor performance and stability, but one of the most popular ones is 3DMark. The main advantage of this program is the ability to check not only the processor, but the system as a whole, including the graphics card, RAM and other options. The test is performed under conditions close to games, so the program allows you to most accurately assess how well the system will behave in games.
The 3DMark program is paid, but the developer provides several free tests as a demo version. They will be quite enough to test the processor and video card. This article will explain how to use 3DMark. And we will focus on the free version.
Unlike other programs, you will not be able to install 3Dmark from the official website because there is no download link there. There is only an opportunity to buy the program. However, you can download a demo version of the program from Steam. To do this, of course, you need to have Steam installed on your computer.
Select the first found version and scroll down a little on the page that opens. There will be a button on the right Download demo, you need it:
The program is quite large, so it may take a long time to download, depending on your internet speed. When the download is complete, the program will appear in your Steam library:
From here you can launch it.
How to use 3DMark
1. Russification of the interface
By default, the program is delivered to English language. However, in the settings you can also enable the Russian language. To do this, open the menu Options and in paragraph language select Russian:
Now the program will be in Russian.
2. Run the first test
Immediately in the main window of the program, you are prompted to run the Time Spy test suite. This is a small scene in which a person walks around the museum with a special magnifying glass that allows you to look into the past and look for weapons. You can watch the full scene here:
To run the test just go to home page and select Run or Run:
First you will see the demo scene itself:
Then two graphics tests and a processor test will run, during which the current FPS and frame number will be displayed at the bottom of the screen:
After testing is completed, the utility will give you an overall score for your computer for all tests:
It can be compared with the ratings of other users on the Internet:
3. Run other tests
In addition to the Time Spy test, there are several more scenes available to you in the free version. This:
- Time Spy- DirectX 12 performance testing;
- firestrike- DirectX 11 performance testing;
- Night Raid- DirectX 12 test for computers with integrated graphics;
- skydriver- DirectX 11 test for computers that cannot achieve high scores in the FireStrike test;
- Cloud Gate- DirectX 11 and DirectX 10 test for laptops and regular home PCs;
- Ice Storm Extreme- for mobile devices and tablets;
- ice storm- for budget smartphones.
You can run any of these tests in the tab Tests:
Just open the desired test and click the button Run:
In the paid version, settings are also available that allow you to turn off the demo video, as well as select the tests that you want from the set. Basically, with the help of these tests, a 3dmark video card is checked, but the processor is also quite loaded.
4. Stability tests
You can use stability tests to test the stability of your computer after building a new computer or after overclocking. But they are only available in the paid version on the tab Stability tests:
You don't have to use 3DMark for this purpose, you can use the same AIDA64, which has a free trial period, or Prime95, which is completely free.
5. View results
Also in the free version, you can see the results of the 3dmark test at the last check. To do this, open the tab results:
conclusions
In this article, we have discussed how to use 3DMark to test the performance of the processor and video card. As you can see, the free version of the program is enough to understand what your computer is capable of. And if you need more, then you can use other free
As owners of the extended version of 3DMark 11, we decided to get acquainted with the new test package for graphics cards.
3DMark 11 is designed to evaluate computer performance, tests make extensive use of DirectX 11 features, including tessellation, shader calculations, and multithreading.
The program greets the user with a window for selecting a group of tests and a mode:
The Entry (E) group settings were created for testing laptops and netbooks, the resolution of 1024x600 was chosen in accordance with the purpose of the group.
The Performance (P) group is designed to evaluate the performance of most desktop computers, standard definition for this group 1280×720 (720p).
The third group, Extreme (X), sets the resolution to 1920x1080 (1080p). This is the heaviest standard test suite designed for high-performance computers.
In the lower half of the window, you must select the testing mode, and then run the package.
In the second tab “Advanced”, you can select the necessary tests from the package, as well as customize to your own requirements:
At the heart of the first graphic test lies the Deep Sea scene, you can see it in the video below. This test does not use tessellation, but the test is made heavier by lighting from multiple sources and rendering complex shadows:
In the second test, the same scene is used, but the average tessellation level has already been added, the lighting level has been slightly reduced:
The third test with medium tessellation and single source lighting is based on the High Temple episode:
The same scene is used in the fourth test of the video card, but this time the tessellation level is already complex, and the calculation of shadows from several sources has also become heavier:
The physics test simulates the physics of bodies with a large number of objects:
The combined test simulates the physics of bodies with a moderate number of objects; the DirectCompute API and the Bullet Physics libraries are used to calculate the physics. Together with the modeling of the physics of objects, the average level of tessellation is used:
We decided to test the available system. Test system configuration:
The EVGA GeForce GTX 470 SuperClocked video card acted as the first tester:
The operating system was installed on the system Windows system 7 64-bit, the latest version was used for the video card NVIDIA drivers GeForce/ION 260.99.
To begin with, the Performance test group was selected with default settings. Frankly, we were somewhat surprised by the "brakes" when passing the tests, as conceived by the developers intended for the bulk of the PC. What can I say, everything can be seen in the results:
The video card scored 4406 points, the average FPS did not rise above 26, and in the bulk it could not even reach 20 frames / s.
The result of passing tests with Extreme settings was already predictable:
The result is 1370 points, the number of frames per second in the tests resembled a turn-based strategy.
So the first acquaintance with 3DMark 11 took place. The complexity of the tests is quite understandable - the performance evaluation indicators are aimed far ahead, and the current generation of "average" video cards are not able to cope with the complexity inherent in the tests. We can only guess what we can expect in future games that use the full capabilities of DirectX.
