3DMark03, Call of Duty
3DMark03
Vendor: Futuremark - (Website)API: DirectX 9.0
Pixel Shader Version Supported: Mix PS1.1, PS1.4, PS2.0
The Excalibur's performance, evaluated with 3DMark03, initially seems uninspiring, especially compared to the Gainward which also sports two DVI ports. Whether that trend will continue in the rest of the tests will be interesting to see.
Call of Duty
Vendor: Activision - (Website)API: OpenGL
Pixel Shader Version Supported: PS1.1 class
Being an OpenGL test, the Radeon 9600 isn't in the best of shape compared to the higher clocked FX 5700 boards. ATI has renewed focus on its OpenGL driver, as witnessed by Driver Heaven's interview with David Orton, ATI's CEO, here. "We are confident we will do whatever is necessary to make our OGL driver the new industry standard for stability and performance."
Until then, a 325MHz Radeon 9600 isn't best equipped to tackle the challenge from a GeForce FX 5700 at 425MHz. That's not to say Call of Duty is unplayable, it's just not brilliant.
