Testing Methodology

In total we tested 23 different graphics card configurations using both ATI and Nvidia GPUs in all price ranges. We ran all benchmarks using the "high" quality settings, and with anti-aliasing and PhysX enabled only in certain tests as noted on every page.

Where PhysX is labeled as enabled the high setting was used.

The latest official drivers were used for all graphics cards, though we were unable to get SLI working properly at the time of testing (we are told this has now been addressed – Crossfire works fine, too).

For measuring performance we used the built-in benchmark which can be found under the "Extras" menu. We applaud 2K Czech for including such a tool, though this is likely a result of Nvidia's influence on the game's development. We found that the benchmark provides worst case performance, so if you are able to average 30fps in the benchmark you will have no problem obtaining perfectly smooth performance when playing the single-player campaign.

Each test was conducted 3 times with the average frame rate being recorded. Please note the benchmark only provides the average frame rate and not any minimum.

Towards the end of the article you will find our CPU scaling performance tests using a wide range of Intel and AMD processors.

Test System Specs
- Intel Core i7 920 (Overclocked @ 3.70GHz)
- x3 2GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-12800 (CAS 9-9-9-24)
- Asus P6T Deluxe (Intel X58)
- OCZ GameXStream (700 watt)
- Seagate 500GB 7200-RPM (Serial ATA300)
- Radeon HD 5970 (2GB)
- Radeon HD 5870 (1GB)
- Radeon HD 5850 (1GB)
- Radeon HD 5830 (1GB)
- Radeon HD 5770 (1GB)
- Radeon HD 5750 (1GB)
- Radeon HD 5670 (512MB)
- Radeon HD 5500 (512MB)
- Radeon HD 4890 (1GB)
- Radeon HD 4870 (1GB)
- Radeon HD 4850 (1GB)
- Radeon HD 4830 (512MB)
- Radeon HD 4770 (512MB)
- GeForce GTX 480 (1.5GB)
- GeForce GTX 470 (1.3GB)
- GeForce GTX 460 (1GB)
- GeForce GTX 460 (768MB)
- GeForce GTX 285 (1GB)
- GeForce GTX 275 (896MB)
- GeForce GTX 260 (896MB)
- GeForce 9800 GT (512MB)
- GeForce 9600 GT (512MB)
- GeForce GT 240 (512MB)
Software
- Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit
- Nvidia Forceware 258.96 WHQL
- ATI Catalyst 10.8