We used an Athlon 64 3000+ CPU for our video card testing, because the processor is fast enough to show us the performance differences between all of our graphics cards, yet it's affordable enough to be a realistic upgrade option for readers on a budget.

We benchmarked our graphics cards at several different resolutions and quality settings.

Doom 3 Video Card Tests

(Frames Per Second - Higher Is Better)

GeForce 6800
ATI 9800 Pro
ATI 9600 XT
GeForce Ti4600

640x480, Low Quality

75.8
71.8
58.1
45.9

In most games, the 640x480 resolution is highly CPU-dependent, but Doom 3's 640x480 setting is graphically demanding enough to tax our older cards. The GeForce Ti4600 and Radeon 9600 XT hit the wall at 45.9 and 58.1 fps respectively.

Doom 3 Video Card Tests

(Frames Per Second - Higher Is Better)

GeForce 6800 Ultra
GeForce 6800 GT
ATI X800 XT PE
ATi X800 Pro

640x480, Low Quality

75.6
75.4
73.5
73.5

We see that the frame rate should top out at 70 to 75 frames per second if the graphics cards aren't being challenged. For these cards, the 640x480 test is still more of a CPU benchmark, since we're seeing roughly the same frame rate across a wide range of cards.

Doom 3 Video Card Tests

(Frames Per Second - Higher Is Better)

GeForce 6800
ATI 9800 Pro
ATI 9600 XT
GeForce Ti4600

800x600, Medium Quality

75.2
63.2
42.9
32.5

When we bump both the resolution and image quality up one notch to 800x600, Medium Quality we see the GeForce Ti4600 and Radeon 9600 XT scores dropping even further. However, frame rates are still playable at 32.5 and 42.9 fps respectively. The Radeon 9800 Pro 128MB also begins to show its limits by running slightly behind the newer cards.

Doom 3 Video Card Tests

(Frames Per Second - Higher Is Better)

GeForce 6800 Ultra
GeForce 6800 GT
ATI X800 XT PE
ATi X800 Pro

800x600, Medium Quality

75
74.9
72.5
72.2

The more powerful GeForce 6800 and Radeon X800 cards continue to cruise along at 70 to 75 fps.

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