Cadalyst - March 2008 - (Page 27)

cadlabsreview I was, however, able to complete all other benchmark tests. With AutoCAD 2008, I ran the Cadalyst C2008 benchmark using the native AutoCAD Direct3D drivers and generated a C2008 total index score of 324. Next, I performed dual concurrent sessions side-by-side, each running The AMD ATI FireGL V5600 is a mid-range graphics card that delivers industry-leading features and perforAutoCAD C2008 but runmance at a very affordable price. ning a different set of the C2008 benchmark. The combined total index score for these concurrent tests was 544, and the tests were completed in 80 minutes as compared with the single standalone test, which required 77 minutes. Next I fired up Autodesk 3ds Max 2008 and ran the MAXBench4 benchmark The AMD ATI FireGL V7600 workstation graphics accelerwith the ATI FireGL V7600, ator with Unified Shader architecture is ideal for maximizfirst using the native 3ds ing productivity when working with complex 3D models Max OpenGL drivers and and intense textures for CAD, DCC, and simulation. then the native Direct3D In addition to the two DVI-I dualdrivers. With the OpenGL drivers set, I link output connectors on the card, generated an averaged high/low score the V7600 also includes a stereo 3D of 106.73, and this result jumped to output connector and HD component an averaged high/low score of 228.54 video output. The ATI FireGL V7600 is with the native Direct3D drivers. thoroughly tested and certified with The last benchmark I performed major CAD and DCC applications. on the FireGL V7600 was the full I tested AMD’s ATI FireGL V7600 SPECviewperf 10 benchmark, which with the current suite of Cadalyst produced the following scores: 40.36 benchmark tests and gave it a thorfor 3dsmax-04, 38.80 for catia-02, ough workout. Although I was able to 46.32 for ensight-03, 219.50 for use the Windows XP drivers currently maya-02, 37.19 for proe-04, 89.87 for available on the company’s Web site for sw-01, 30.14 for tcvis-01, and 43.89 both the V3600 and V5600, those drivfor ugnx-01. ers did not support the FireGL V7600 at With a broad set of features and the time of testing. As a result, I used excellent performance numbers, this prerelease drivers that were provided by FireGL card will be at home in many AMD for Cadalyst’s testing. As is often demanding environments. Highly the case with prerelease drivers, I expeRecommended. c rienced some difficulties — ultimately being unable to run the OpenGL comRon LaFon, a contributing editor for ponent of the AutoCAD 2008/CadaCadalyst, is a writer, editor, and a computer lyst C2008 benchmark combination. graphics and electronic publishing specialist The optimizations for AutoCAD 2008 from Atlanta, Georgia. He is a principal at weren’t yet part of the provided driver. 3Bear Productions in Atlanta. Online specification and design tools at the click of a mouse. Spec the possibilities. SM USG Design Studio. A powerful new online resource to help you quickly, easily and accurately design, specify and find just the right products and systems for your interiors. Spec the possibilities at www.usgdesignstudio.com, or contact your USG representative for a guided tour. Design Studio an Architectural Solutions Center www.cadalyst.com | cadalyst | March 2008 27 http://www.usgdesignstudio.com http://www.usgdesignstudio.com http://www.cadalyst.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cadalyst - March 2008

Cadalyst - March 2008 Contents Editor's Window CAD Central Thicker than Water Safe Keeping — Backup Software Secures Your Designs AMD’s ATI FireGL Graphics Cards AutoCAD Civil 3D 2008 — Surveying, Civil Engineering, and Land Development Software Cool Software Utilities for Your Job History, Nonhistory, or Both? In the Eye of the Storm Builders’ Information Modeling CAD Cartoon Issue Indexes CAD from the Streets

Cadalyst - March 2008

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