Crysis:

Finally, we have Crysis.  What high end GPU review would this be without a few Crysis runs?  Wait....a few?  Try 42.  That's right, we have created an entire shmoo plot for you, our precious readers, to enjoy.  So here is how the testing went down:

• Each card was run to three different resolutions; 1280x1024, 1680x1050, and 1900x1200. 

• For each resolution, seven different AA settings were run: 0x, 2x, 4x, 8x, 8xQ, 16x, and 16xQ. 

• For each above step, the tests were run at all "High" and "Very High". 

• All tests were run in DX10 and 64-bit mode.

• Minimum, Maximum, and Average framerates are charted. 

• All steps were repeated three times; the median results for each are what is reported in the graphs. 

The testing is charted on two different graphs; one for "High", and one for "Very High".  In order to read the graphs, use the following key:

The first graph we are going to examine is the "High" settings.  The red lines represent the Minimum, Maximum, and Average frame rate values for the 4870X2, and the green lines represent the same for the GTX-280.  Click each graph for a larger version.

This graph tells a very interesting story.  The GTX-280 runs reasonably well when no AA is applied, as seen in tests 1, 8, and 15.  1900x1200 is still fairly playable on the 280.  What hurts the most is when the Quality AA is applied, as the frame rate really takes a dive here.  The 4870X2, however, remains solid as a rock throughout the entire suite.  It is unknown how the QxAA settings were run under the 4870X2, I am guessing that it runs under the standard AA mode when using the Crysis Benchmark Tool.  It is amazing that the Min FPS is steady between 25 and 30 FPS, and the Avg FPS stays between 42 and 50FPS. 

Now, lets take a look at the Very High:

At Very High, the story is mostly the same.  The GTX-280 performs reasonably well with no AA, but once AA is applied, frame rates suffer.  After test 15, Crysis is unplayable.  The 4870X2 on the other hand, is still solid as a rock.  Once again, Avg and Min FPS values are eerily consistent.  It is the Max FPS value, however, that really shows the power of the antialiasing capabilities of the 4870X2.  From 0x to 2x, and 2x to 4x shows the largest performance drops, but after that, there is no performance loss whatsoever.  At first, I was concerned that antialiasing was not working properly in this test; however, after a weekend of playing Crysis at 16xAA and 30FPS, I am thoroughly convinced.  See for yourself:

Crysis, Very High, 0xAA

Crysis, Very High, 8xAA

Crysis, Very High, 16xAA

Page 1: Intro Page 2: Bundle and Layout Page 3: Features and Specs Page 4: 3DMark Page 5: Call of Duty 4 Page 6: Devil May Cry 4 and UT3 Page 7: Crysis Page 8: Overclocking Page 8: Misc and Conclusion