Performance-Mainstream Class

We cannot talk about adequate performance here just because the minimum frame rate of every graphics card is low. Compared to the other products in this class, except for the GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB, the Radeon X1900 XT has more pixel processors, the largest amount of memory, and the highest TMU frequency. It is in the lead in every resolution as the consequence. If you’ve got this graphics card, you can play the game at 1280x1024 even though with occasional slowdowns to 19fps.

The GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB and the Radeon X1950 Pro share second place but neither of them ensures a high minimum of speed. They are both inferior in this respect to the GeForce 7950 GT which has a min speed comparable to that of the Radeon X1900 XT.

As we know, TES IV: Oblivion can run on a weaker graphics subsystem but offers the same or even better-quality visuals (opinions differ on this point) than Gothic 3. So, we still hope next patches will make Gothic 3 playable on more graphics cards and in more resolutions.

It’s simple to choose a Performance-Mainstream graphics card for playing Gothic 3. The 512MB version of the Radeon X1900 XT is the best buy today. Despite its new architecture the GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB cannot yet outperform the competitor in this case, however things may change once Nvidia improves their ForceWare drivers.

Mainstream Class

There’s no talking about comfortable play in the lowest class. You have to think about upgrading, if you’ve got a GeForce 7900 GS, 7600 GT or a Radeon X1650 XT. The AMD Radeon X1650 XT with its 24 pixel processors turns out the best here, yet it cannot deliver a frame rate of even 25fps.

If you don’t replace your graphics card, you have to give up trying to play this game at the maximum level of detail or in a high resolution.