UL Solutions offers a sneak peek at the forthcoming 3DMark Steel Nomad Benchmark.

As we reflect on the incredible journey of the past 25 years, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the vibrant and dedicated 3DMark community. Gamers, overclockers, hardware reviewers, tech enthusiasts, and industry professionals alike have accompanied us on this thrilling exploration of the limits of PC hardware. The evolution of graphics has been nothing short of astonishing, and we eagerly anticipate the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

Now, it’s time to offer you a tantalizing glimpse into the future. Brace yourselves for the unveiling of 3DMark Steel Nomad, the illustrious successor to the renowned 3DMark Time Spy. With Time Spy’s launch occurring over seven years ago and an impressive 42 million results submitted since then, we believe it’s high time for a fresh, weighty non-Ray Tracing benchmark to grace our screens.

Prepare for an unparalleled test of your hardware’s mettle, as Steel Nomad will push your system to its limits like never before. This benchmark will not only cater to Windows users harnessing the power of DirectX 12 but also extend its reach to macOS and iOS through Metal, Android via Vulkan, and Linux with Vulkan for Enterprise and reviewers. Embracing inclusivity, we aim to cater to a wide range of platforms and ensure that no one is left behind in this thrilling pursuit of graphical excellence.

In celebration of 3DMark’s momentous 25th anniversary, Steel Nomad will pay homage to its predecessors by featuring subtle nods to our iconic benchmarks from the past. A delightful Easter egg hunt awaits, as you embark on a quest to uncover these hidden treasures scattered throughout the benchmark scene. Prepare to be transported down memory lane while reveling in the cutting-edge technology that lies before you.

So buckle up, dear community, as we embark on this exhilarating new chapter together. The future beckons, and we invite you to join us in shaping the next era of PC gaming and hardware innovation. Let the adventure begin!

Technology Explained

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DirectX 12: DirectX 12 is a set of advanced graphics and multimedia technologies developed by Microsoft for use in the computer industry. It is the latest version of the DirectX API, which is used to create and run applications that use 3D graphics, audio, and video. DirectX 12 is designed to improve the performance of games and other applications that use 3D graphics, audio, and video. It also provides support for new features such as tessellation, multi-threading, and asynchronous compute. DirectX 12 is used in a variety of applications, including gaming, video editing, and virtual reality. It is also used in the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications. DirectX 12 is an important technology for the computer industry, as it allows developers to create more immersive and realistic experiences for their users.

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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.

Ray Tracing Website: https://www.nvidia.com/en-gb/geforce/technologies/ray-tracing/