The Future of Stereo 3D Part I: Nvidia Geforce 3D Vision

Performance

In order to test the actual performance loss associated with running Nvidia’s GeForce 3D Vision, we wanted to make sure that we illustrated what a middle of the road setup would accomplish. Nvidia recommends a minimum of an 8800 GT or 9600 GT but we didn’t want the framerates to completely tank either. To accomplish this, a 9800 GTX+ was used along with a more pedestrian system which is listed below.

System Used

Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad Q 9450 @ 2.67Ghz
Memory: G.Skill 2x 2GB DDR2-1000 @ 800Mhz DDR
Motherboard: ASUS P5E Deluxe X48
Disk Drive: Pioneer DVD Writer
Hard Drive: Hitachi Deskstar 320GB SATAII
Fans: 2X Yate Loon 120mm @ 1200RPM
Power Supply: Corsair HX1000W
Monitor: Samsung 305T 30” widescreen LCD
OS: Windows Vista Ultimate x64 SP1


In addition, V-Sync was enabled for both the runs for the simple reason that it must be enabled when for 3D Vision to function properly. The following was used for each game:

Left 4 Dead: 15 minutes on Roodtop Finale
Far Cry 2: 20 minute action sequence
Fallout 3: 15 minute walkthrough on the way to Megaton
COD World at War: 15 minute gameplay sequence during Allied campaign


Ouch. Even with a 9800 GTX+ 512MB card, not one of the games was playable at settings which were more than acceptable without 3D Vision enabled. What we are looking at here is an approximate 50% reduction in average framerates across the board which will definitely have a negative impact on your gameplay experience. The minimum framerates are particularly brutal.

What this shows us is that when you buy a 3D Vision kit you will be forced to make some serious concessions to image quality to achieve performance you will be happy with. You may be used to using higher instances of AA and detail settings in newer games with your high-end cards but that will definitely have to be cut back. Basically, if your current settings cause performance to hover around the 60FPS mark in games you normally play; expect a borderline unplayable experience once stereo 3D is enabled. However, remember that all you will have to do to rectify this is to decrease the IQ settings a bit.