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Intel graphics drivers employ questionable 3DMark Vantage optimizations

@ 2009/10/12

Intel may not be playing fair, though. We recently learned AMD has notified Futuremark that Intel's 15.15.4.1872 Graphics Media Accelerator drivers for Windows 7 incorporate performance optimizations that specifically target the benchmark, so we decided to investigate.

We first ran the benchmark normally. Then, we renamed the 3DMark executable from "3DMarkVantage.exe" to "3DMarkVintage.exe". And—wouldn't you know it?—there was a substantial performance difference between the two.

Comment from Kougar @ 2009/10/12

This is supposed to be a surprise?? Why else would they want to move the GPU into the CPU, unless the CPU was helping offload tasks.

Basic GPU overhead doesn't warrant it by itself.

Comment from jmke @ 2009/10/12

Quote:

We have engineered intelligence into our 4 series graphics driver such that when a workload saturates graphics engine with pixel and vertex processing, the CPU can assist with DX10 geometry processing to enhance overall performance. 3DMarkVantage is one of those workloads, as are Call of Juarez, Crysis, Lost Planet: Extreme Conditions, and Company of Heroes. We have used similar techniques with DX9 in previous products and drivers. The benefit to users is optimized performance based on best use of the hardware available in the system. Our driver is currently in the certification process with Futuremark and we fully expect it will pass their certification as did our previous DX9 drivers.

If they want to increase FPS in games by shifting workload to CPU, fine! But don't inflate 3D benchmarks.

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