3DMark

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3DMark is a computer benchmark by Futuremark (formerly MadOnion) to determine the DirectX performance of graphics cards.

The measurement unit 3DMark is intended to give a normalized mean for comparing different visual processing units, which proponents assert is indicative of end-user performance capabilities. Critics counter by stating that it is not a reliable measure of real-world performance.

There are seven different versions of 3DMark:

3DMark99
3DMark2000
3dMark2001
3DMark2001 SE
3DMark03
3DMark05
3DMark06

The number in the title corresponds with the year that the features it was designed to benchmark would be available on graphics cards released publicly. Typically each version was made and released some months in advance of the start of its title year. Scores for each subsequent year will be lower, as each new version measures new and innovative developments in the graphics field, such as DirectX enhancements like Pixel Shader 3.0.

[edit] 3DMark06 Features

HDR rendering.
Complex HDR post processing.
Dynamic soft shadows for all objects.
Water shader with HDR refraction, HDR reflection, depth fog and Gerstner wave functions.
Heterogeneous fog.
Atmospheric light scattering.
Realistic sky model with cloud blending.
Strauss lighting model for most materials.
Subsurface scattering shader for some objects (not visible in the shot).
Texture & normal map sizes: 1024 x 1024 to 2048 x 2048.
Approximately 5.4 million triangles and 8.8 million vertices.

[edit] 3DMark and Overclocking

3DMark is one of the programs used by gamers and overclocking enthusiasts worldwide for assessing and comparing their system's prowess. The 3DMark score remains the premier source for assessing the Graphics subsystem's raw performance.

However it must be noted that real performance in games is not determined by this benchmark. The results should not be taken as the final word.