3DMark™2000 v1.1 Read Me

CONGRATULATIONS!

You have successfully installed MadOnion.com's 3DMark2000 v1.1. We hope that 3DMark™2000 will help you in testing your cutting edge PC hardware.

This document contains important information about using 3DMark2000 v1.1. Please read it through carefully before running 3DMark2000 v1.1.

INTRODUCTION

3DMark2000 is a benchmark that focuses on testing 3D performance of modern 3D accelerators in a "real world" environment. As most users will use their 3D accelerator for playing games, 3DMark focuses on these types of applications in most of its results.

The 3DMark product line is the most comprehensive benchmark platform available for testing future game performance. The input from our BETA program, game developers and users allows us to predict what is going to be important for future game playing. We are delighted to introduce 3DMark2000 as the next stage of benchmarking. 3DMark2000 pushes the performance barrier yet again and moves benchmarks into the next Millennium.

3DMark2000 is also a powerful tool for improving your 3D performance and it helps you make informed decisions when choosing new hardware.

3DMARK2000 v1.1 IMPROVEMENTS

Major Improvements:

Minor Corrections:

GENERAL INFORMATION

IMPORTANT NOTES:
3DMark2000 Benchmark Results are incompatible with results from the previous versions of 3DMark 99 and 3DMark 99 MAX. You should not compare the results obtained from different versions.

However, results from the original release of 3DMark2000 and v1.1 of 3DMark2000 ARE COMPARABLE. When comparing results, please note that every performance testing tool has a small error margin. If testing conditions do not vary, 3DMark2000 is accurate within a 3% error margin.

DirectX 7
3DMark2000 v1.1 requires DirectX 7. You can download it from http://www.microsoft.com/directx/download.asp or through the "Windows Update" function in Windows 98. DirectX 7 is included in Windows 2000.

Minimum Requirements to use 3DMark2000:

  • IntelŪ PentiumŪ processor with MMX Technology or compatible. Minimum 166 MHz
  • 64 MB of memory
  • Microsoft Windows 95, 98 or Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft DirectX 7
  • A DirectX 7 compatible 3D accelerator & drivers
Additional Recommendations for Testing:
  • 128 MB of system memory
  • Free hard disk space for Image Quality pictures
  • Windows 98 or newer

TROUBLESHOOTING Q&A

Please visit http://www.madonion.com/support for up-to-date support and FAQ information, as well as a current list of problems or compatibility issues with the program.

3DMark2000 v1.1 Support

If you have problems running 3DMark2000 v1.1, or have any related questions, please take the following steps:

1. Read the 3DMark2000 v1.1 Frequently Asked Questions at MadOnion.com/support. We have answered the most common questions and it is likely you will find an answer from there.

2. Make sure you have Microsoft DirectX 7 installed and working. If you don't have it yet, download it from Microsoft.

3. If 3DMark2000 v1.1 doesn't run correctly with your 3D accelerator card, install the most recent display drivers. 3DMark2000 v1.1 requires DirectX 7 compatible display drivers. At 3DMark2000 v1.1 release time, not all manufacturers have public, stable DirectX 7 drivers for Windows 2000.

4. If you have still problems with the display drivers, please contact your 3D accelerator card manufacturer's support department.

5. If the problem persists, feel free to contact us at support@MadOnion.com. Please include at least the following information to the problem description if possible:

  • 3DMark2000 project file (.3dp) as a file attachment. Create a project file doing the following: 1. Start 3DMark2000 2. Choose New Custom Benchmark 3. Save a text format project file (Save As in the File menu).
  • Where in 3DMark2000 the problem occurs
  • Detailed description of how the problem or bug can be reproduced

OFFICIAL TESTING GUIDELINES

All benchmark tests run with VSync disabled to eliminate the refresh rate dependencies along different test environments. However, older display card drivers might not support this feature. Take care that you observe whether VSync is disabled or not.

In order to get accurate and repeatable results please adhere to the following:

The Official Testing Requirements are:

  • Compare 3D accelerators using the same CPU and CPU Optimization setting on all accelerators (unless you are also comparing a Hardware T&L accelerator).
  • Compare 3D accelerators using the the same resolution, color depth, texture resolution, z-buffer format, buffering mode and refresh rate settings.
  • Compare CPUs using the same system configuration (where possible). If you would like to obtain a CPU score please make sure you select the CPU software DLL from display settings.
  • Stop all other programs. Under the 32-bit Windows operating systems, other tasks can preemptively run during the tests, thus affecting the results. You will want to eliminate as many of these types of tasks as possible, such as PerfMon or System Agent or other tasks from your StartUp folder. This action also maximizes your available memory.
  • Disable any network connections and file sharing. Background network activity may affect results.
  • Restart the computer before running the benchmark.
  • Run the tests at least three times to verify that the results are reproducible. Follow a standard testing procedure each time you run the tests.

Additional Recommendations for Testing:

  • We recommend using Triple Buffering even when VSync is turned off.
  • We recommend that you use the same monitor and monitor settings for all tested 3D accelerators.
  • We recommend that you test 3D accelerators on a "clean" system only. You should use a program like "Norton Ghost" (http://www.ghost.com/) to restore a clean system for every 3D accelerator.
  • We recommend testing CPUs with the fastest available 3D accelerator, in the lowest possible resolution.

These measures will help to ensure that your results are consistent.

3DMark2000 V1.1 BENCHMARK RESULTS ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH 3DMark 99 AND 3DMark 99 MAX. YOU SHOULD NOT COMPARE THE RESULTS OF THESE DIFFERENT VERSIONS AGAINST EACH OTHER.

However, results from the original release of 3DMark2000 and v1.1 of 3DMark2000 ARE COMPARABLE.

3DMark2000 FEATURES

3DMark2000 features:

  • One Click Benchmarking - Get a single 3DMark score in less than 5 minutes.
  • Intuitive User Interface - 3DMark2000 is fully tailored for the end users, and is easy and fast to use.
  • All Possible Optimizations - Support for Hardware Transform & Lighting, Intel Pentium III, AMD Athlon, Generic AMD 3DNow! and Direct3D Software pipelines.
  • Advanced Game Tests with Detail Levels - Two game tests, with three detail levels for increased accuracy and reliability in testing.
  • Useful Theoretical Tests - High Polygon Count, Fill Rate, Environment Bump Mapping, Texture Rendering Speed. You name it, 3DMark2000 has it!
  • Awesome Demo - A stunning Demo that is guaranteed to push your system to its ultimate limits. Featuring an original sound track.
  • System Diagnostics and Information - System Info analyzes and displays everything in your system from the driver installation dates to hardware components.
  • Command Line Automation - Makes using 3DMark2000 as a showcase application a snap.

3DMark2000 Pro features:

  • All the basic functionality of 3DMark2000.
  • Powerful ResultBrowser - Slice, dice and compare with clinically accurate ResultBrowser that will make statistics easier than ever.
  • Batch Run with Command Line Automation - Run all resolutions and color depths with a few clicks and go grab a coffee. When 3DMark2000 finishes, change the display adapter and just let the program work for you again.
  • Image Quality Testing with Reference Pictures - Use the comprehensive Quality Tests to unveil the true capacities of the card. Never before has comparing image quality been this easy.
3DMark2000 Pro can be purchased on-line from www.MadOnion.com/purchase.

PUBLISHING YOUR BENCHMARK RESULTS

When publishing results make sure that you do the following:

  • identify the configuration of the system that was being used for benchmarking.
  • include the official MadOnion.com/3DMark2000 v1.1 logo with the results. The logo can be found in the Press Room at MadOnion.com.
  • include the URL or a link to MadOnion.com.

Please refer to the license agreement and Press Room at MadOnion.com for more details on publishing results. The default setting should be used for generic references (i.e. 2000 3D marks running on 1024x768 resolution, 16 bit color, 16 bit z-buffer and triple buffering).

IHVs and ISVs may also report the 3DMark score of their hardware or the 3DMark score required to run their software, if these guidelines are followed. Please contact info@MadOnion.com for more information.

TAKING SCREEN SHOTS

You can easily take screen shots for publishing or comparison by pressing F12 at any time while the program is running. All of these screenshots will be automatically captured and stored in your installation directory as successively numbered .bmp files.

For example:
C:\Program Files\MadOnion\3DMark2000\shot0001.bmp

DISTRIBUTION GUIDELINES

You are allowed to distribute the unregistered copy of 3DMark2000 v1.1 under the following conditions:

  • If you notify MadOnion.com that you are distributing the unregistered copies of 3DMark2000 (distribution@MadOnion.com) prior to the start of distribution.
  • If you keep a count of the number of distributed copies and inform MadOnion.com about the number of distributed copies upon request.
  • If you include the official MadOnion.com/3DMark2000 v1.1 logo and web site (www.MadOnion.com) in the media used for distribution.
  • If you make a reasonable effort to verify that you are distributing the latest version of the software.

The software may not be distributed with commercial products without permission from MadOnion.com, the only exception being distribution on magazine cover-CD. You may not charge for distributing the program, without permission from MadOnion.com

You may distribute the unregistered version of 3DMark2000 v1.1 on a magazine cover CD under the following conditions:

  • If you inform MadOnion.com how many copies you want to distribute prior to distribution (distribution@MadOnion.com).
  • If you include the official MadOnion.com/3DMark2000 v1.1 logo and web site (www.MadOnion.com) in the media used for distribution.
  • If you make reasonable effort to verify that you are distributing the latest version of the software.

Please make sure that you have carefully read and agreed with the license agreement contained in the 3DMark2000 v1.1 software package, and understood the detailed information regarding distributing the software, before distribution has begun.

USING THE ONLINE RESULTBROWSER AND SERVICES

3DMark2000 is a global testing environment. You can use our online services to compare your system configuration with systems around the World and to choose the best hardware for your system. More information on these issues can be found at www.MadOnion.com.

Use our Online ResultBrowser and other MadOnion.com Services to:

  • find out which 3D accelerator would be most beneficial to your system.
  • see the real time situation of fastest 3D accelerators around the globe.
  • see who is the leading 3D accelerator manufacturer and who has the fastest hardware.
  • find out who has the fastest processors.

UPDATES VIA INTERNET

If your machine is set up for Internet access, you can download updates to 3DMark series, when they become available, from www.MadOnion.com .

LEGAL

Intel, Pentium, Pentium II, Pentium III and Celeron are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. AMD, K6, K6-2, K6-III, Athlon, Duron and 3DNow! are registered trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. DirectX, Windows 95/98 and Windows NT and Windows 2000 are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

3DMark™ is a registered trademark of MadOnion.com. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.