Test System Setup

Processor(s): AMD Athlon X2 3800+

Motherboard(s): ASUS A8N SLI Premium (Supplied by ASUS)

Memory: 2 X 512MB Mushkin PC4000 DDR (Supplied by Mushkin)

Hard Disk(s): WD Raptor 74GB 10,000 RPM SATA(Supplied by Western Digital)

Operating System: Windows XP Professional SP1

Drivers: nVidia ForceWare 78.01 (last official) and 81.84 BETA (newest official BETA) and DX9c

We will be following the same testing pattern as we do with our ATI cards in our monthly articles. Throw a few cards through their paces and see what happens when compared to the last official driver release. The cards we will be using today include the GeForce 6800GT for people still utilizing the 6 series line along with the GeForce 7800GTX in single and SLI modes.

* BFG Technologies GeForce 7800GTX *

Keep in mind that nVidia have told us that these new drivers include Dual-Core processor optimizations (hence the reason we're using an Athlon X2) so you might not experience the same results as we have if you're using a regular CPU.

Are these drivers the X1800XT killers that nVidia hope them to be? Unfortunately we can't tell you because our X1800 still hasn't made its way to our door step. So what we'll try and find out is: Will you get more performance for a free 17MB download? Let's find out right now.

3DMark03

Version and / or Patch Used: Build 340

Developer Homepage: http://www.futuremark.com

Product Homepage: http://www.futuremark.com/products/3dmark03/

Buy It Here

By combining full DX8 and partial DX9 support with completely new tests and graphics over the previous version, 3DMark03 continues the legacy of being the industry standard 3D benchmark.

Please Note: Due to recent events with the 3DMark03 series, we are adding results purely for those who are still in favor of 3DMark03. These results should not be taken too seriously and are only added for interest sakes.

At the lower resolution we really see benefits on the new driver release on all cards.