NVIDIA Single Card, Multi-GPU: GeForce 7950 GX2
by Derek Wilson on June 5, 2006 12:00 PM EST- Posted in
- GPUs
Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Performance
For this test, we once again used the built in lighthouse benchmark and scripts originally created at Beyond3d. For this benchmark, it is important to note that the non-AA numbers enable PS3.0 features, while the benchmarks with AA do not (as these two options are not supported simultaneously in-game). At low resolutions, SC3 absolutely benefits from multi-GPU solutions, and so shows a nice performance advantage for 7950 GX2. With either the HDR features available under PS3.0 rendering or 4xAA for smoothing the jaggies, the new NVIDIA card is the king of the hill. Like Half-Life 2, though, we would suggest that the performance increase at low resolutions isn't yet enough to warrant a $600 graphics solution if you are monitor limited to 1280x1024.
Increasing resolution shows us no change in the performance characteristics between the 7950 GX2 and the rest of the pack.
At the highest resolution we tested today, it's clear that 7950 GX2 is the way to go in order to get the best SM3.0 and HDR experience. Interestingly, the Radeon X1900 XT closes the gap a little bit under 4xAA settings as resolution increases. The 7950 GX2 still comes out on top, but SC3 is a game that really shines on ATI hardware as well.
For this test, we once again used the built in lighthouse benchmark and scripts originally created at Beyond3d. For this benchmark, it is important to note that the non-AA numbers enable PS3.0 features, while the benchmarks with AA do not (as these two options are not supported simultaneously in-game). At low resolutions, SC3 absolutely benefits from multi-GPU solutions, and so shows a nice performance advantage for 7950 GX2. With either the HDR features available under PS3.0 rendering or 4xAA for smoothing the jaggies, the new NVIDIA card is the king of the hill. Like Half-Life 2, though, we would suggest that the performance increase at low resolutions isn't yet enough to warrant a $600 graphics solution if you are monitor limited to 1280x1024.
Increasing resolution shows us no change in the performance characteristics between the 7950 GX2 and the rest of the pack.
At the highest resolution we tested today, it's clear that 7950 GX2 is the way to go in order to get the best SM3.0 and HDR experience. Interestingly, the Radeon X1900 XT closes the gap a little bit under 4xAA settings as resolution increases. The 7950 GX2 still comes out on top, but SC3 is a game that really shines on ATI hardware as well.
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dug777 - Monday, June 5, 2006 - link
? Seems daft not to include CF in that kinda comparison...Mclendo06 - Monday, June 5, 2006 - link
One of the concens I have had regarding this card is the noise level relative to nVidia's other top offering, the 7900GTX. I have seen all over the net that nVidia's large 2-slot heatsink is extremely quiet compared to most others. As the 7950 GX2 has 2 single slot type coolers, I am assuming that the noise is going to be considerably higher, but I haven't seen anything regarding noise levels on any of the reviews I've read so far. Could you weigh in on this (objective info on noise, I'm not looking for dBA measurements or anything).Mclendo06 - Monday, June 5, 2006 - link
Great minds think alike. If you answer VooDooAddict's post, feel free to ignore mine.VooDooAddict - Monday, June 5, 2006 - link
:)DerekWilson - Monday, June 5, 2006 - link
as for noise, from a subjective perspective, the 7950 GX2 is on a similar level to the 7900 GTX. Both are much much much quieter than an ATI X1900 XT spinning up to full speed.VooDooAddict - Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - link
Thanks for the updateVooDooAddict - Monday, June 5, 2006 - link
I see that it's mentioned in the article that the 7950GX2 draws less power then the 7900GTX:"For those who live on the bleeding edge, this lower power alternative to the 7900 GTX is a solid way to go."
Do you have any numbers to support this? Is that only in comparison to 7900GTX SLI or does is it truely consume less power then a single 7900GTX?
Another thing not mentioned was the noise level or the heat produced. I understand that you can't get numbers for everything ... but things like noise level and heat could be commented on subjectivly.
If looking at "high end perforamnce parts," but primarily concerned with power consumption, heat produced, and noise levels ... It's my understanding that the 7900GT and 7900GTX are prefered over the ATI solutions.
DerekWilson - Monday, June 5, 2006 - link
sorry -- there was a two fold problem herewith the server issues this morning, the power section was accidentally left out at publication.
unfortuantely, i also mentioned the wrong card in the conclusion -- my original references to the 7900 GTX should have been to the X1900 XT. This has been corrected. Sorry for the confusion.
VooDooAddict - Tuesday, June 6, 2006 - link
Thanks for the clarification.Jojo7 - Monday, June 5, 2006 - link
Derek, tell us how you really feel about content protection. Hah.Good article. I wasn't aware how elegant this solution was until now. It works regardless of the chipset. Impressive.