3DMark™ Basic concepts

What is a 3D accelerator?

A 3D accelerator is a special graphics chip that makes 3D applications more realistic and look better. Most display adapters boards nowadays include 3D accelerator functionality on a single chip.

What is DirectX 7?

DirectX 7 is the latest (30 Nov 99) version of DirectX from Microsoft. It improves performance over previous versions of DirectX and allows you to access the latest features such as hardware transform and lighting that manufacturers and developers use to make 3D scenes more realistic.

Online ResultBrowser

Online ResultBrowser is MadOnion.com's special benchmark result comparison tool that allows users not only to view their own benchmark data, but allows for comparisons with a massive database of computers around the world. Online ResultBrowser can also give you recommendations on new drivers & hardware.

ResultBrowser2000

ResultBrowser meant for the benchmarking professional. It is a separate program that allows you to analyse and compare all your results in one place. You cannot view your results directly with 3DMark, rather the ResultBrowser gives more detailed information, graphs and in the near future you can view test results from other MadOnion.com benchmarks. ResultBrowser2000 is a part of the MadOnion.com professional benchmarks, and is not included in the free version.

More Resources Online

We have collected 3D and other resources for your use at www.madonion.com such as 3D vocabulary, links to 3D hardware sites and more. Please check them out!

Overall Results

3DMark Score

The 3DMark Score is the most important score given by 3DMark. It is an index number indicating your total system performance in games. The larger the number, the better your system is for playing 3D games.

The result is measured from two game scenes only (using all of the three detail levels). The result unit is 3D marks. The 3DMark score measures total system performance, which means your 3D accelerator and CPU both affect the results.

File Types

3DMark uses three different types of files in order to help you work better.

Projects, .3dp, 3DMark Project file

A project file is an "active document" and is the file that records all the results and settings used when running a benchmark.

Databases, .3db, 3DMark Database file

A database file is created by the ResultBrowser. It is a collection of projects that have been grouped together. A database file is useful for comparing more than one run of a benchmark and for storing lots of different benchmark runs together.

Batch Run Settings, .brs

Batch Run Settings files are used when batch run is started from the command line. It stores all information on what display settings & resolutions should be run. Batch Run is only available in 3DMark2000 Pro.