With only a couple of months left in 2012, it's time to start talking about the latest version of 3DMark. Today we announced that our next 3DMark will be available on Windows, Windows RT, Android and iOS devices. What's more, you will be able to compare scores from the new 3DMark across platforms. So if you are trying to choose between an iPad, Microsoft Surface and a Google Nexus 10, you can compare 3DMark scores to help you decide.
Introducing the new 3DMark
Let's start with the name. Our new benchmark will be known simply as 3DMark to reflect its all-round versatility. Not only is the new 3DMark the first to offer cross platform comparisons, it is also the first to test different Direct3D feature levels within one application. With three all new tests, 3DMark can be used with the full range of hardware from OpenGL ES 2.0 mobile devices to high-performance, multi-GPU DirectX 11 gaming PCs and everything in between.
Three new tests
Ice Storm is a new test designed specifically for mobile devices and entry-level hardware. It includes two graphics tests focusing on GPU performance and a physics test designed to measure CPU performance. On Windows, Ice Storm uses a DirectX 11 engine limited to Direct3D feature level 9. On Android and iOS, Ice Storm uses OpenGL ES 2.0. The test content, settings and rendering resolution are the same on all platforms and scores can be compared across Windows, Windows RT, Android and iOS.
Cloud Gate is a new test that is designed for Windows notebooks and typical home PCs. Cloud Gate includes two graphics tests and a physics test. Cloud Gate uses a DirectX 11 engine limited to Direct3D feature level 10 making it suitable for testing DirectX 10 compatible hardware. Cloud Gate will initially be available only in the Windows version of 3DMark.
The Fire Strike test is designed for high-performance gaming PCs. Fire Strike includes two graphics tests, a physics test and a combined test that stresses both the CPU and GPU at the same time. Fire Strike uses uses a DirectX 11 engine and is designed for testing DirectX 11 compatible hardware. We showed a work in progress glimpse of Fire Strike back in June and cannot wait to show you how much it has improved. Fire Strike will initially only be available in the Windows version of 3DMark.
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