Futuremark launches new 3DMark for Windows

The test suite 3DMark is a classic among performance hunters. Many people remember the helicopter scene from version 2000, the fire-caught dragon in 2001 and the sharp-shooting robot soldier in the 2005 and 2006 vintages.

However, the new 3DMark is not only intended for x86-based personal computers and Microsoft Windows, although Futuremark will start with the PC-based version. The goal is that above all the subtest “Ice Storm” can be used to also test the performance of ARM-based Windows RT, Google Android and Apple Ios. It makes it possible to compare a variety of different types of devices – regardless of platform.

Anyone who is curious about the details and how the different scores are calculated can read Futuremark’s technical documentation on the developers’ website. Otherwise, just get started and test performance by downloading 3DMark for Windows. Also, do not forget to compare with SweClocker’s reference results.

Prestandasystem: Fire Strike

First out is the performance-demanding subtest “Fire Strike”, which mainly deals with gaming computers with graphics in the DX11 class. Here, one or more graphics cards are pressed to the extreme in one of two preset modes. The standard level means the resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels while the Extreme mode can suck the must out of any system with the resolution 2560×1440 pixels, and the other controls screwed up another notch.

Technically, “Fire Strike” consists of four subtests, two focused on graphics, one on physics calculations (CPU) and a combination test. The total score is based on all four tests, while the partial results for graphics and physics are based only on the respective subtests.

Laptops and older graphics cards: Cloud Gate

The intermediate test is called “Cloud Gate”, and is aimed at laptops and computers in the budget or lower middle class. The resolution is lowered to 1280×720 pixels, and all effects are distorted a few notches. Here, a Geforce GTX 680 or Radeon HD 7970 is relatively pointless, as the FPS meter quickly runs off to almost ridiculous levels.

Technically, “Cloud Gate” has three subtests, two focused on graphics and one on physics. Just like for “Fire Strike”, a total score is delivered with the results weighed together, as well as two sub-points based on the respective numbers.

Mobile devices: Ice Storm

Last but not least, there is “Ice Storm”, a stripped-down test in 1280×720 pixels aimed at mobile devices. Here the focus is on relatively simple graphics in three different subtests, where again physics and graphics are weighed together to a score.