Rumor: MSI paid $50000 to get logo in 3DMark 11 ?

No matter what anyone says about its pros and cons, 3DMark is still the most widely considered benchmark among the world’s top system builders. The launch of 3DMark 2011 in September will cause a massive data jam in server centres across the globe as hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts battle to get a copy of the program that will let them know if their new machine is as cool and powerful as the owner wishes. If Futuremark uses its normal marketing tactics, then some form of this download will be free. Other versions will cost between tens and hundreds of dollars – according to how you want to use them.

That leaves one question. What was the cheque our spy satellite photographed on a table in the Espoo Curry Palace? Right now, it would appear to be a cheque for at least $50,000 from MSI to Futuremark, in order to brand a hot air balloon with the Taiwanese manufacturer’s logo. Interesting.