Benchmarks: System Specs & 3Dmark

Test System Specs: Hardware
- Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 @ 3.00GHz (LGA775)
- x2 Kingston HyperX 2GB PC2-8500 Module(s)
- ASUS P5Q Deluxe (Intel P45)
- OCZ GameXStream (700 watt)
- Seagate 500GB 7200-RPM (Serial ATA300)
- ASUS GeForce GTX 280 (1GB) - 177.41
- Gigabyte GeForce GTX 260 (896MB) - 177.41
- ASUS GeForce 9800 GX2 (1GB) - 174.74
- ASUS GeForce 9800 GTX+ (512MB) - 174.74
- ASUS GeForce 9800 GTX (512MB) - 174.74
- Visiontek Radeon HD 4870 (512MB) - 8.7
- ASUS Radeon HD 4850 (512MB) - 8.7
- VisionTek Radeon HD 3870 X2 (1GB) - 8.7
Software
- Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
- Intel System Driver 8.4.0.1016
- Nvidia Forceware 177.34
- Nvidia Forceware 174.74
- Nvidia Forceware 169.44
- ATI Catalyst 8.7

Based on the 3Dmark Vantage results we can expect the Visiontek Radeon HD 4870 to slightly outperform the GeForce GTX 260, while the GTX 280 will be significantly faster.

Then again we don't expect this to go as black and white as this, so let's move on with some real-world benchmarks...