Aquamark 3

This new benchmark is a sophisticated one as far as graphics complexity is concerned. It features scenes with a high overdraw parameter and uses pixel shaders a lot. Overall, this is a next-generation benchmark for graphics cards.

The next-generation nature of the test is evident from the low results we have in the “default” mode. Only the high frequencies of the GeForce FX 5600 Ultra help it here.

When FSSA is on, the gap between the cards is wider, while Gigabyte’s solution retains the leadership. However, it becomes small again in 1600x1200.

The same is true for the modes with enabled anisotropic filtering . Gigabyte GV-R96P128D defeats GeForce FX 5600 Ultra in no time.

Conclusion

What do we learn from our today’s testing? If we were to consider the “default speed” mode only, the GeForce FX 5600 Ultra GPU might have been called the winner. This is quite natural, since this graphics card has memory working at 800MHz (400MHz DDR). Still, modern games like Splinter Cell or Aquamark 3 need a more efficient GPU architecture, namely shaders processing speed. GPU and memory frequencies alone are not very crucial in such applications. Here, the Gigabyte GV-R96P128D is showing simply excellent performance. Engineers from ATI Technologies have accomplished what NVIDIA developers haven’t.

The R350 architecture (as represented by Gigabyte GV-R96P128D) looks even more advantageous when full-screen anti-aliasing or anisotropic filtering are enabled. This card often catches up with the higher-frequency competitor or even outperforms it in these modes. However, the Gigabyte card lacks higher working frequencies really dramatically, especially for the graphics memory. You have seen what makes us think so: overclocking boosts the performance of the card significantly. I guess that the 0.13micron manufacturing technology allows the frequencies above 400MHz, while faster memory would help RADEON 9600 Pro based cards outperform the competitor (GeForce FX 5600 Ultra) in all the tests and resolutions.

As for this particular card, I liked it a little less than the FIC R96P mostly because of the louder cooler. On the other hand, this cooler is more appropriate for overclocking than the one we saw on FIC’s card. Otherwise, Gigabyte GV-R96P128D is an ordinary RADEON 9600 PRO based graphics card with all the bonuses and shortcomings of this VPU. It works well in current applications and is quite ready for the new generation of computer games, which we see approaching. The accessories coming with the product are not bad at all. Gigabyte made sure that the user does not get too bored and included a few games and a software DVD-player. The assembly quality of the card is certainly up to the mark; at least, we didn’t reveal any problems when we were testing it.

This product would be a good buy for those who are looking for an inexpensive graphics card that would provide acceptable performance in modern shader-hungry computer games.

Highs:

• High quality design and manufacture;
• High 2D image quality;
• Good overclockability;
• Higher performance in new-generation games compared to the direct competitor;
• Good accessories bundle.

Lows:

• Relatively noisy cooling solution.