DiRT 3 GPU & CPU Performance Test

Can you please post a CPU benchmark of using a Phenom II x4 @ 3.2ghz, so we can see the difference overclocking made?

Awesome, I can't wait for that. Am busy playing the game atm and it runs very well on Ultra settings (with ubersampling turned off of course) @ 1920x1200. When I used Fraps it ran around 30-50FPS depending on the scene etc.

@Steve: The Witcher 2 definately is very impressive. I think it's the first game that properly uses depth of field in the game, as well as the cut scenes. Even the subtle blurring as you move around quickly is nicely done. Seeing the light filter through the trees in Chapter 1 is simply breathtaking. It's hard to explain just how good this game looks. I also love the way the scene changes as the time passes i.e. the light changes colour as the time of day changes, this is amplified by whatever setting you are currently in, the forest, a tavern etc.

I remember when the only game that looked this good was Crysis, and it needed to use DX10 for the dynamic lighting effects (sun filtering through the trees etc.) although I know that was somewhat disproved by mods that achieved a similar effect using the DX9 codepath.

Our test using the Ultra settings with UberSampling saw the 560 Ti average 40fps exactly so there you go

Say whaaaaat

"Our test using the Ultra settings with UberSampling saw the 560 Ti..." So you got 40FPS with the 560Ti with it ON on Ultra settings?

If so, mmm I haven't tried ubersampling since the patch or since I installed the BETA drivers. I just recall wondering why I was getting 12FPS on the opening cinematics (where Gerald is being interrogated). After a quick Googling I found out that Ubersampling was the culprit.

If I may ask, how are you benchmarking The Witcher 2? I assume you are using FRAPs and running through a specific area multiple times?

Hell that was a typo, what I mean to say we used the same settings as you. So UberSampling disabled, sorry about the typo. Yes UberSampling hammers the card down to about 10fps. Also using Fraps to test 60 seconds of game play. The article is done and should be posted tomorrow I suspect.

I thought as much. Looking forward to it.

It would have been nice to see the performance of the Phenom II X3-720, this would unveil the true nature of how much of an impact an extra core has (and, if Dirt 3 uses the third core appropriately).

I'm not sure what "unveil the true nature of how much of an impact an extra core has (and, if Dirt 3 uses the third core appropriately)." means , but it uses at least six cores, loads them evenly, and will everything your x3 720 has. (I played it on my x3 720 machine as well)

Dirt 3 on Phenom II x6:

Just a note about quality presets - you said the game doesn't have them, but if you select "Choose Preset" a popup menu will appear with various choices.

This game screams along in DX9.3 on default quality settings with just a Pentium Dual Core E5200@3.8Ghz, Nvidia GF250GTS @ 1600x1200 in WinXP. Comfortably above 60 fps all the time, no slow down, no jerkiness, so you really don't need the latest and greatest hardware for Dirt 3. Looks great as well.

Had liked to see a DX10/10.1 card as well...Perhaps one that meets the minimum requirement or is somewhere in-between the minimum and recommended, people with eg a HD3870 has more to worry about than one with a 6770

I've to disagree with the summary, i'm playing the game in Eyefinity with just one 6970 & i5 2500k 3.3 Ghz at 5760x1080 4xAA all settings high to very high with 50fps.
Second Pc with a 5750 & Phenom 2 X3 2.5 Ghz runs the game at 50fps with Full HD 1920x1080 and settings at high. 0.o

i would definitely like to see core i3 performance in multithreaded latest games.
pls include core i3s in ur benchmarks.