ASUS Crosshair III Formula AM3 Motherboard Review

Game Benchmarks

3DMark06

The Futuremark 3dMark series has been a part of the backbone in computer and hardware reviews since its conception. The trend continues today as 3dMark06 provides consumers with a solid synthetic benchmark geared for performance and comparison in the 3D gaming realm. As it is, for the most part, one of the most sought after statistics, as well as an excellent tool for accurate CPU comparison, we have elected to include the full 3DMarks, however ranking will be based solely on the CPU score.


3DMark06 testing shows just how much of a boost can be had by one quick BIOS change. Despite that, the improved scores weren't quite as impressive as we would have liked - likely due to GPU limitations. Motherboards have no effect on FPS, just on how well they help the other hardware improve it.


3DMark Vantage

The latest installment of the Futuremark 3D synthetic benchmarking suite, 3DMark Vantage is geared to take advantage of the latest technologies found in today's system. It provides an accurate stress test and performance scale for the whole system.


3DMark Vantage showcases much of the same, impressive and relatively linear improvements with an over clock that holds steady throughout the entire process. Provided a user has the appropriate cooling and is willing to void their warranty, with this board, y such gains are not out of reach for the masses.


Crysis

Arguably the most hardware intensive game on the market today, Crysis has been chosen for its obvious ability to be able to showcase the differences between processors and to showcase just how far one will need to go in the quest for "Ultra High" settings. The game also features the renowned CryEngine, the power behind the incredible graphics, which is expected to be foundation of future titles. That, and its just plain fun to play.


Crysis is the fun one, it is always an adventure when running this benchmark, waiting for the numbers at the end to tell a story that can rarely be predicted. Here we see meager improvements as the game is not geared to take full advantage of the CPU; struggling to overcome the GPU limitations imposed by our lowly HD 4870.