Test Specs

In rating graphics cards, we put strong emphasis on performance. In this roundup, that emphasis is on the kind of 2-D graphics performance that matters with Windows business and professional applications. Because hardware acceleration of 3-D operations is fast becoming a standard feature on 2-D graphics cards, we also tested 3-D performance. We don't yet factor that performance into our ratings process because of Direct3D's debatable worth for business applications and because OpenGL applications are typically high-end. However, you may want a good 2-D card that also works with a program that uses the Direct3D or OpenGL APIs, so we provide the results from our 3-D testing.

We ran the NSTL InterMark test suite to measure the mainstream 2-D performance of the cards. The InterMark tests use images from applications like Corel Draw, Exce l, PowerPoint, and Word for Windows, displaying a variety of Windows-based images ranging from straight text to 2-D a nd 3-D bar charts to complex full-color drawings. We used the InterMark results as the weighted performance portion of our Overall Rating.

We used the OpenGL Performance Characterization committee's Viewperf to test OpenGL performance, which is important for visualization systems, CAD, and advanced image generation. Viewperf is a freely distributed benchmark with a growing set of application-derived viewing scripts. Viewperf runs the scripts in each data set, or viewset, and measures output in frames per second. Each viewset is rendered in several modes: wireframe, flat surface, smooth surface, and texture mapped. A weighted geometric mean represents how fast the card can render the variety of scenes.

Microsoft's Direct3D Tunnel tests how well a card with Direct3D drivers performs in a game-like environment. We ran it at four different resolutions common for Direct3D systems: 640 by 480 pixels with 256 colors, 640 by 480 with 65,000 colors, 1024 by 768 with 256 colors, and 1024 by 768 in full color. Not all the boards could run all the tests.

Features and Usability

Our ratings include scores for features and usability. Features we value include high resolution and color depth, high vertical refresh rates, and utility software. We gave high usability scores for exceptionally clear and complete documentation and easy-to-use installation software. A card received a good rating if we deemed the average person could install it without referring to the manual.

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Evaluations in this report represent the judgment of BYTE editors, based on tests conducted by NSTL, Inc., as documented in a recent issue of their monthly PC Digest. To purchase a copy of the full report, contact NSTL at 625 Ridge Pike, Conshohocken, PA 19428; (610) 941-9600; ed

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Test Results

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