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Futuremark introduces 3DMark API Overhead feature test

by Mark Tyson on 26 March 2015, 14:35

Tags: Futuremark, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), AMD (NYSE:AMD), NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA), Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), Windows 10

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qacqce

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Futuremark has written to HEXUS to inform us that it has introduced the 3DMark API Overhead feature test. Designed to measure the difference in DirectX 12, DirectX 11 and Mantle API performance, this is the first such tool available. Indeed, as Futuremark points out, the test makes 3DMark the first public application available to use DirectX 12.

The test was developed with input from AMD, Intel, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and the other members of Futuremark's Benchmark Development Program. Futuremark details the scope of the test as follows; "The purpose of the test is to compare the relative performance of different APIs on a single system, rather than the absolute performance of different systems." So it isn't supposed to be a general purpose benchmark, and Futuremark says it shouldn't be used for comparing graphics cards, for example. For benchmark comparisons of game-like applications across different hardware a new DirectX 12 benchmark is being worked on to coincide with the launch of Windows 10.

Newer 'close to the metal' APIs allow much better use of multi-core CPUs which will help graphics engines cope with many more draw calls than were previously possible. Each draw call to the GPU creates a burden on the CPU so proper multi-threaded communication is important for efficiency. Comparing the API Overhead lets interested parties see the limits of the draw calls various APIs can cope with on their hardware before performance drops below the 30fps limit. If you are interested, the test is described in more detail in the 3DMark Technical Guide (PDF).

The 3DMark API Overhead feature test, is as mentioned in the intro, available to download now as part of the 3DMark Advanced Edition ($24.95) and 3DMark Professional Edition ($995). If you bought a version of 3DMark on Steam it will automatically be updated to include this new test. It requires a system with the following specifications:

  • The DirectX 12 test requires a PC running an up-to-date version of Windows 10 Technical Preview (Build 10041 or later), 4GB of system memory, and DirectX feature level 11_0 compatible hardware with at least at least 1GB of graphics memory.
  • The Mantle test requires 4GB of system memory and AMD hardware that supports the Mantle API.
  • The DirectX 11 test requires DirectX feature level 11_0 compatible hardware with at least 1GB of graphics memory and 4GB of system memory.


HEXUS Forums :: 7 Comments

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AMD enables incredible DirectX® 12 performance in new 3DMark® API Overhead Feature Test
mtyson
AMD enables incredible DirectX® 12 performance in new 3DMark® API Overhead Feature Test

Oh dear AMD. The PCPer article they link to states expressly

PCPer
What it does prove is that the API Overhead Feature Test should not be used to compare the performance of a GeForce and Radeon GPUs to any degree

So what do AMD do? The following:

AMD
The AMD Radeon™ R9 290X graphics card delivers up to 33% higher performance than the GeForce GTX 980 in independent testing from PC Perspective!

*shakes head*

It makes AMD look really stupid when they do that.
My opinion is that AMD should still be able to enjoy certain benefits now though as they already have Mantle available, unless these gains will only be realised with Mantle running alongside a DX12 platform, I'd like to see a comparison that shows how Mantle under Win 8.1/DX11 stacks up against Mantle under Win 10/DX12. If I have missed that please point it out to me, or explain why that has not been addressed if it hasn't as I didn't have time to read the full PC Per article.
KeyboardDemon
I'd like to see a comparison that shows how Mantle under Win 8.1/DX11 stacks up against Mantle under Win 10/DX12. If I have missed that please point it out to me, or explain why that has not been addressed if it hasn't as I didn't have time to read the full PC Per article.
Shouldn't be any difference at all - Mantle is an alternative to the win/DX stack so it bypasses it.
Yup Mantle doesn't run under DirectX and the reason we need Windows 10 is because we need DirectX12 and that's going to be the first OS to get it.

As to that AMD page……I know companies like to pimp themselves but some of the BS they have written on that page is infuriating. Implying devs will have an easier time getting DX12 working on AMD cards because they have worked with Mantle?

Then “finally allows a multi-core communication lane between your AMD FX processor and AMD Radeon™ GPU”…..making it sound like DX12 won't work with Intel CPUs or nVidia GPUs….

iven that DirectX® 12 will be a transformative experience for millions of gamers, it’s important that hardware vendors like AMD have a 360-degree view of the issue. Thankfully, the pervasive nature of the GCN Architecture in the games industry highlights that AMD stands alone with that perspective. - See more at: http://community.amd.com/community/amd-blogs/amd-gaming/blog/2015/03/26/amd-enables-incredible-directx-12-performance-in-new-3dmark-api-overhead-feature-test#sthash.QrClm36I.dpuf

Seriously?

It's the worst bunch of BS on a single page I think I've ever read from a tech company.