Gaming Benchmarks - Doom 3
As with BF2, we chose to test in two different settings. We selected the low-quality mode and high-quality modes and benchmarked them at varying resolutions. You can see the settings used in the following images.
Without disabling some of the advanced options, Doom 3 is still very taxing on low end graphics cards. For the discrete graphics cards where we tested both modes, the difference between the low and high settings is at most 10% - at least until we enable antialiasing. Antialiasing puts a larger strain on the GPU memory subsystem, allowing the high-end cards to flex their muscle. Here are the results:
Shifting to the high-quality mode, scores are mostly within 5% of each other. The custom system once again leads by about 6% - at best - but at reasonable resolutions with anything other than the 7800 GTX, it's close enough that we wouldn't worry too much about the loss of performance.
While we didn't include scores here, Quake 4 is pretty much the same story as Doom 3. You really need at least some form of discrete graphics before you can play either game. This appears to be due to the Doom 3 engine's desire for lots of bandwidth. Since both of these platforms share system memory bandwidth between the graphics and the processor, the net result of around 3.2 GB per second is insufficient.
As with BF2, we chose to test in two different settings. We selected the low-quality mode and high-quality modes and benchmarked them at varying resolutions. You can see the settings used in the following images.
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| Click on images to enlarge. | ||
Without disabling some of the advanced options, Doom 3 is still very taxing on low end graphics cards. For the discrete graphics cards where we tested both modes, the difference between the low and high settings is at most 10% - at least until we enable antialiasing. Antialiasing puts a larger strain on the GPU memory subsystem, allowing the high-end cards to flex their muscle. Here are the results:
Shifting to the high-quality mode, scores are mostly within 5% of each other. The custom system once again leads by about 6% - at best - but at reasonable resolutions with anything other than the 7800 GTX, it's close enough that we wouldn't worry too much about the loss of performance.
While we didn't include scores here, Quake 4 is pretty much the same story as Doom 3. You really need at least some form of discrete graphics before you can play either game. This appears to be due to the Doom 3 engine's desire for lots of bandwidth. Since both of these platforms share system memory bandwidth between the graphics and the processor, the net result of around 3.2 GB per second is insufficient.
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ozgure - Thursday, February 2, 2006 - link
You have said "Full 5.1 audio is supported with speakers". I couldn't manage to get a sound from line-in port. Are you really sure?? Can you share me howto?bzsetshot - Thursday, December 22, 2005 - link
I standarized my company to this machine almost as soon as it came out and I have not regreted this decision for one second. Ultra stable, ultra flexible and perfect size. It even has integrated RAID!! I highly recommend this machine.trexpesto - Thursday, December 15, 2005 - link
That is so wrong. Or very funny. Can't tell if you are serious == great writing.
:D
JarredWalton - Friday, December 16, 2005 - link
Oh, I'm serious about that. Vista will have a bunch of graphical effects that will actually leverage the power of the GPU. You should be able to drop back to a Windows XP style interface, and technically the DX9 integrated graphics should be able to handle the new UI effects... but then, technically the DX9 IGPs can run all the latest games at reasonable rates. :)mino - Saturday, December 17, 2005 - link
Have you tested it or is it just a guess? Actually many would like to know how high performance is necessary to achieve acceptable performance of aero-glass. Nice theme for a short folow-up article IMHO.JarredWalton - Monday, December 19, 2005 - link
Just a guess, hence the "may" part. What I'm basically saying is worry about Vista when Vista is actually available. If it turns out that the graphical effects don't work well with an IGP, then you can upgrade.Ditiris - Friday, December 16, 2005 - link
I believe the integrated GPU, the X200, supports the 3d Aero Glass theme in Avalon/WPF. So, there shouldn't be any need to upgrade.I don't think this is much of an issue for business users, but home users considering the model might want the eye candy.
Foxbat121 - Thursday, December 15, 2005 - link
I bought a HP a1250n from CC recently. It comes with x2 3800+, 1GB memory, 250GB HDD, 1 16x LightScribe DL DVD Burner and 1 DVD-ROM Drive, meida card reader, 300W PSU, MCE 2005 OS. All for just $799 AR. Upgraded to a 6600GT and plays BF2 and HL2 just fine. I configured a DIY system on NewEgg, and it is around $1,000. When compare OEM system to DIY, please also take into account of OS cost (for your DIY). I know it's not much for OEM, but it will cost you $100+ for MCE or XP Pro legally.Lifted - Thursday, December 15, 2005 - link
Bought one of these a while back to have a user test out and it's working out great. I am ordering another 10 next week, from CDW since they have them in stock, for $850 or so in a bundle with an HP 19" monitor. $599 for the system and $250 for monitor is a great deal, especially considering they both have standard 3 year next day on site support. 4 and 5 year warranties are also available for not too much more.Lifted - Thursday, December 15, 2005 - link
Oh, one odd thing though. I comes with two video ports but the DVI is digital only, meaning no DVI - VGA adapter. So if you want to use two montiors, which IS supported by the on board ATI chip, you have to use one analog monitor and one digital monitor, or buy two analog/digital monitors which cost more. I think they did this to sell the optional PCIe cards. The system is cheap enough though so I'm happy with it.