Iconic 3DMark benchmark celebrates 25 years, revolutionizing gaming performance

3DMark, a popular GPU testing software, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with discounted editions on Steam and free access to older versions, providing a reliable tool for GPU enthusiasts and gamers to compare performance.

3DMark has been updated to keep up with advancements in DirectX and graphics cards
The latest update, Speed Way, utilizes DirectX12 Ultimate API with ray tracing support
Older versions of 3DMark are available for free

3DMark, the popular software for GPU enthusiasts, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The first version, 3DMark99, was released in October 1999 and supported Windows 95/98 systems with Direct 6.0. Over the years, 3DMark has undergone updates to keep up with the advancements in DirectX and Graphics Cards.

While older versions like 2006 and 2011 are still used as benchmarks by graphics card manufacturers, gamers are more interested in the latest updates to the 3DMark suite. Instead of separate releases, the company now releases feature tests as DLCs. The most recent update, called Speed Way, is an advanced benchmark that utilizes DirectX12 Ultimate API with Ray Tracing support. Even the latest graphics cards can struggle with this benchmark at higher resolutions.

For those interested in the older 3DMark tests, the company has made them available for free. However, it’s important to note that these older benchmarks may require patching or compatibility settings to work on newer systems.

Currently, the latest 3DMark software is discounted by 75% on Steam, with the Advanced Edition priced at $8.74. This edition includes all popular and feature tests. Gamers can also opt for the free edition, which includes TimeSpy and FireStrike benchmarks.

Overall, 3DMark has come a long way in its 25-year history, providing a reliable tool for testing graphics card performance and comparing it with others. It remains a valuable resource for GPU enthusiasts and gamers alike.

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Technology Explained

GPU: GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit and is a specialized type of processor designed to handle graphics-intensive tasks. It is used in the computer industry to render images, videos, and 3D graphics. GPUs are used in gaming consoles, PCs, and mobile devices to provide a smooth and immersive gaming experience. They are also used in the medical field to create 3D models of organs and tissues, and in the automotive industry to create virtual prototypes of cars. GPUs are also used in the field of artificial intelligence to process large amounts of data and create complex models. GPUs are becoming increasingly important in the computer industry as they are able to process large amounts of data quickly and efficiently.

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Ray Tracing: Ray tracing is an advanced rendering technique used in computer graphics to simulate the way light interacts with objects in a virtual environment. It traces the path of light rays as they travel through a scene, calculating how they interact with surfaces, materials, and lighting sources. By simulating the complex behaviors of light, ray tracing produces highly realistic and accurate visual effects, including lifelike reflections, shadows, and refractions. This technology enhances the overall visual quality of images and animations by accurately replicating how light behaves in the real world, resulting in a more immersive and visually stunning digital experience.