New 3DMark to Compare Windows, Windows RT, Android and iOS Devices

One benchmark to test them all

HELSINKI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Futuremark has announced that the next version of 3DMark, its popular benchmarking software, will offer cross platform testing capabilities on Windows, Windows RT, Android and iOS devices. With three all new tests Futuremark says 3DMark can be used with the full range of hardware from smartphones and tablets, to notebooks and home PCs, to the latest high-end, multi-GPU gaming desktops. Futuremark expects to launch the new 3DMark before the end of the year. http://www.futuremark.com/3dmark

3DMark is well known in PC circles as the go-to benchmark for testing the latest Windows gaming PCs and video cards. Today Futuremark announced that the next version of 3DMark will also be available on Android, iOS and Windows RT devices. Futuremark says 3DMark scores will be directly comparable across platforms providing valuable insight into the performance differences between competing devices and operating systems.

A new video for the 3DMark benchmark shows an impressively detailed test running on a range of devices including a Microsoft Surface for Windows RT, Google Nexus 7, ASUS Eee Pad Transformer Prime, Samsung GALAXY S III, Apple iPad 4th gen, iPad mini and an iPhone 5.

With three all new tests, Futuremark says 3DMark can be used to measure the performance of hardware from OpenGL ES 2.0 mobile devices to high-performance DirectX 11 gaming PCs and everything in between.

The Ice Storm test is designed for mobile devices and entry-level hardware. It includes two graphics tests focusing on GPU performance and a physics test designed to measure CPU performance. On Windows, Ice Storm uses a DirectX 11 engine limited to Direct3D feature level 9. On Android and iOS, Ice Storm uses OpenGL ES 2.0. The test content, settings and rendering resolution are the same on all platforms and scores can be compared across Windows, Windows RT, Android and iOS.

Cloud Gate is a new test that is designed for Windows notebooks and typical home PCs. Cloud Gate includes two graphics tests and a physics test. Cloud Gate uses a DirectX 11 engine limited to Direct3D feature level 10_0 making it suitable for testing DirectX 10 compatible hardware. Cloud Gate will initially only be available in the Windows version of 3DMark.

The Fire Strike test is designed for high-performance gaming PCs. Fire Strike includes two graphics tests, a physics test and a combined test that stresses both the CPU and GPU at the same time. Fire Strike uses a DirectX 11 engine and is designed for testing DirectX 11 compatible hardware. Fire Strike will initially only be available in the Windows version of 3DMark.

3DMark is currently in development and is expected to be released before the end of the year. Editors of publications that would like to use 3DMark in reviews of Android, iOS or Windows devices are invited to contact Futuremark at [e-mail]. Business users should contact [e-mail] for further information.

NOTE TO EDITORS

If you cover Android, iOS or Windows mobile devices and would like to include 3DMark scores in your reviews please contact [e-mail] with your details so we can add you to our press list.

ABOUT 3DMARK®

3DMark is the world's most popular benchmark and PC test. 3DMark uses specifically designed tests featuring high-end real-time graphics to accurately and consistently measure PC gaming performance. Futuremark currently offers 3DMark06 for Windows XP, 3DMark Vantage for Windows Vista, and 3DMark 11 for Windows 7. The new 3DMark for Windows, Android and iOS is currently in development and is expected to be released in 2012. Find out more and download 3DMark for free from http://www.3dmark.com

ABOUT FUTUREMARK®

Futuremark® creates the world's most popular benchmarks and PC performance tests. Futuremark's industry standard 3DMark®, PCMark®, Powermark™ and Peacekeeper™ benchmark tests have helped millions of people measure, compare and improve the performance of their hardware and devices. Futuremark has offices in Saratoga, California, Taipei, Taiwan, and Helsinki, Finland. http://www.futuremark.com/

© 2012 Futuremark® Corporation. Futuremark® and 3DMark® trademarks and logos, character names and distinctive likenesses, are the exclusive property of Futuremark Corporation. The names of other companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.