The gap between the two CrossFire configurations doesn’t grow up that rapidly in the second SM2.0 graphics test, but the newer config is obviously better here, too. The Fetch4 feature helps it cope well with the complex shadows the test scene abounds in.

GeForce 7800 series cards don’t allow using FSAA and HDR simultaneously, so they are expelled from the SM3.0/HDR tests. We use 4x FSAA even in the easiest test mode during this test session.

The first SM3.0/HDR test features very complex pixel shaders and dynamic shadows, so it is not a wonder the new CrossFire solution enjoys the biggest advantage over the older one here – up to 50%.

Take note that the two CrossFire systems don’t differ much in 1024x768 resolution. The frame rate of 36fps seems to be the ceiling for the platform with an AMD Athlon 64 4000+ processor. In higher resolutions and with enabled 8x Super AA the Radeon X1800 XT CrossFire loses its ground quickly as it can’t compete with its 32 pixel processors against the 96 pixel processors of the Radeon X1900 XT CrossFire.

So, the overall superiority of the Radeon X1900 XT CrossFire in 3DMark06 is well grounded. This graphics subsystem is the best in all the four graphics tests in the default 1280x1024 resolution.