Review bottleneck testing.

[b1lk1]

You have to remember that bottlenecks are usually at lower resolutions. There is no way to measure this without having to use a crazy amount of hardware. Plus, you'd need multiple monitors as well. It sounds like a good idea, but I would say that it is next to impossible to just add a few tests. My advice is that if your graphics card is bottlenecked then you have the perfect excuse to buy that 24" monitor to make better use of it. Look at my system. There is no doubt that my weak X2 would bottleneck my card, but since I am running 1680X1050 resolution, I get the best use out of my graphics card.

[CMetaphor]

I think we're getting our definitions of "bottleneck" a little confused here b1lk1.
I'm speaking of a bottleneck in terms of "what is the slowest part of machine that limits its performance in games."
Whereas by your post, I believe you're thinking more along the lines of "what can do to unleash the pull potential of my best components." While I think that's also an important issue, its not the most relevant to the consumers who want the best "bang for your buck" upgrade.

[Mars]

You might find the reviews at firingsquad.com interesting, they usually have a pretty good selection of resolutions and graphics settings in their reviews.

[sswilson]

Originally Posted by CMetaphor

I think we're getting our definitions of "bottleneck" a little confused here b1lk1.
I'm speaking of a bottleneck in terms of "what is the slowest part of machine that limits its performance in games."
Whereas by your post, I believe you're thinking more along the lines of "what can do to unleash the pull potential of my best components." While I think that's also an important issue, its not the most relevant to the consumers who want the best "bang for your buck" upgrade.

Maybe once the dust settles in the current GFX card climate there might be a chance for somebody to try to throw something like that together. (No I"m not suggesting more work for SKYMTL... he's too damn busy already... :) )

I know exactly what you're talking about and it would be great to at least see some quick down & dirty testing between different configs.

At one time, Aquamark was a pretty good indication of the general balance of a system, but unfortunately it's not quite that simple these days. :)