A special thanks to Ilkka Koho, Senior Manager of PC Products for Futuremark for joining our community and thanks of course to our community for coming out and asking some great questions.
| Timestamp |
Nick |
|
Message |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:00:04 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
A quick intro at this point is perhaps in order, I'm Ilkka Koho and I work as a Product Manager for Futuremark and thus look after all of the PC benchmark prdoducst we have |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:00:29 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
It's great to be here today and I'll do my best to help you out with any of the questions you might have! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:01:24 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Will there be a 3d mark that takes more advantage of memory rather than the cpu or graphics, seeing that more people are over clocking their ram?
A : As in games, memory performance already has a slight impact on 3DMark results, so I think we're already quite close to reality with the current benchmarks |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:02:32 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Blazen22: Will 3d mark partner with any game developers?
A : When developing new benchmarks, we are actually already in contact with many game developers and discuss their visions on PC gaming and graphcis for the future |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:02:58 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
Remember all questions will appear to be rejected, but that's just the way the chat works so don't feel bad ;) |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:03:16 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Do you offer discounts to existing owners? My primary reason for not buying the full version of your software is that I'm always afraid a new version will come out in a few months, partly because you make the year a part of the product name.
A : We do, you can purchase a discounted upgrade to the latest bechmark version if you have a license for an older version |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:03:45 PM |
waltlove_99 |
|
Does 3dmark Vantage actually take advantage of all 8 threads of the new Intel Core i7 CPU's? |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:04:46 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : What kind of improvements do you usually see with SLI/Crossfire?
A : Adding a 2nd graphics adapter to the system typically brings in perhaps 70-80% performance increase if the CPU does not bottleneck the system. Adding a 2nd GPU is a great way to enchance graphics perf in both games and in benchmarks! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:08:19 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : moose517: on vantage with the jane nash level, what is so graphic intensive of that test that the frame rate isn't higher? Games such as crysis have better looking graphics and i can get a higher frame rate on it than on the jane nash test
A : Jane nash contains many quite advanced technologies which may not be fully represented on the visuals but acutally are very tough loads for the GPU. For example the water, cloth and particle simulation physics are being fully run the GPU. This causes the framerate to drop but makes the test actually technically better. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:09:17 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Blazen22: Where does Futuremark get the ideas of their visual tests such as 3d Mark 06's Canyon Flight with the Pirate ship and the big dragon?
A : We have fantasticly creative people working on the projcets and our team of artists are behind of most of the ideas |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:09:55 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : waltlove_99: Does 3dmark Vantage actually take advantage of all 8 threads of the new Intel Core i7 CPU's?
A : Yes, the CPU test does easily scale to 8 threads and beyond. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:10:32 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : ablatman: Does adding a 3rd or 4th graphics card boost performance in the benchmark as much as the 2nd does?
A : Not as much, but adding more GPU power still brings in some performance boost |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:12:07 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Firerx: Is their something a low res person can turn on to get a general score. I made the mistake of getting a Fix res LCD screen at 1360 X 768
A : As the benchmark workload (including the res.) need to be same for every user using the same preset, there are unfortunately no workarounds for this requirement. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:14:20 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : micah_675: Vantage already supports Physx, are there any plans to add havok to the benchmark or future benchmark so that a valid comparison of GPU accelerated physics calculations can be looked at for both sides? If so then would you then allow PPU to be enabled for a valid run since gpu physics calcutations are being implimented in more and more games?
A : DirectX-based GPU-accelerated physics is already present in the tests in 3DMark Vantage in the form of fluids, particles and cloth. While running PhysX on the GPU is possible, due to the design of the bencmark, only results run using CPU-PhysX are considered valid and comparable with others. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:15:37 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Pistolkilla What exactly are the scores based on. I have seen theoretically fast machines get bad scores.
A : The scores are calculated based on the measured frame rates durign the tests, so a low score indicates a low framerate. There may be some configuration or other system-level problems behind lower-than-expected performance. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:16:38 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : waltlove_99 During the CPU stress test was it your goal to push the CPU to 100% to test stability, I've found that vantage will crash my CPU OC when most games are still playable.
A : Yes, all of the tests in 3DMark are designed to push the hardware to the limit so it is not uncommon for system problems to pop up when running the benchmark |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:17:45 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Pistolkilla: Is Futuremark compatible with any of the Win7 releases yet?
A : You should be able to run the current range of benchmarks on Win7 without any surprises. We'll verify final compatibility after the OS is released. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:18:53 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Blazen22 The scores are calculated based on the measured frame rates during the tests, So is the gpu more necessary than the cpu itself?
A : The 3DMark-score is the result of both the GPU and CPU tests, so both of these (and all of their subsystems) are being counted in. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:20:06 PM |
EVGATech_JacobF |
|
Blazen22
Is kIngpIn still #1 with the highest score? |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:20:12 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : ablatman: What is your normal development cycle?
A : The development cycle is triggered by for example an upcoming version of DirectX and then countinues from there. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:20:21 PM |
EVGATech_JacobF |
|
Yes, him and Shamino have the record, but stay tuned... |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:21:17 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : riceADDICT Are there any plans for a dx11 compatible benchmark?
A : Well, 3DMark06 was a DX9 benchmark, 3DMark Vantage a DX10 benchmark, so I think if you make a guess you'll be close to the truth :) |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:22:21 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Pistolkilla Does TURBO memory have any effect on ones score? I have found Win 7 to utilize TURBO memory better BTW.
A : memory performance in general does have a slight effect on 3DMark scores (just like it does for gaming perf) |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:23:32 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Blazen22 How did Futuremark celebrate 3d marks recent 10 year anniversary?
A : We had a special anniversary competition and released some video material from the benchmarks throughout the years, check this page out: |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:23:36 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
http://www.futuremark.com/community/3dmark10years/ |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:25:09 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : waltlove_99 How is the 3dmark06 competition going? And are there plans on a Vantage version of the competition planned?
A : I don't have the latest numbers with me right now, but from what I've heard the competition is going good. We're looking into using 3DMark Vantage for the compos as well, so stay tuned! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:26:29 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : ablatman What significant differences are you seeing between DX10 and DX11 in terms of performance?
A : It's too early to say, but generally the new API is again cleaner and smarter in many ways. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:28:33 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : moose517 are there plans in the works for the next 3d mark and if so what kind of new technologies are you implementing? dx11 is probably a give i imagine
A : DX11 does provide very interesting opportunities to implement technologies not possible with older generations. The work is still ongoing, so I can't reveal too much at this stage, unfortuantely |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:30:19 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Pistolkilla: Does Futuremark work with Nvidia/ATI in order to optimize drivers and technology that those companies release?
A : We do report all kinds of driver issues on a regular basis, including unexpected performance problems. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:32:29 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : babyballa how does virtual mark test your pc?
A : Virtual Mark checks your system configuration and uses our performance estimation database to estimate the level of performance provided by a typical system with your configuration. As the name states, it's a virtual benchmark and does not actually run any workloads on your system. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:33:58 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : ablatman What component-wise is in the systems you use for internal testing?
A : We have a very wide range of systems set up, the basic testing setup consists of hardware from all vendors and performance levels. We can set up pretty close to any currently shipping computer system in our labs. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:35:08 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Pistolkilla How does Peacekeeper benchmark a Browser
A : Check out this FAQ, the Peacekeeper guys have put together a pretty solid FAQ: http://service.futuremark.com/peacekeeper/faq.action |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:36:07 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
If you don't have a Vantage key say: pick me! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:36:25 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : waltlove_99 With all the great bench test and game themes in 3dmark apps has Futuremark ever been approached by game makers to use your ideas for an actual game?
A : Many of our customers have asked when do these games come out, but I think real game developers have plenty of ideas of their own so to my knowledge we have not received such requests. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:36:30 PM |
Blazen22 |
|
pick me! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:36:38 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
Email jacobf@evga.com for a code |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:37:22 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
I'll give out some more in a bit ;) |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:38:10 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : micah_675 Judging from what you have seen in progress for graphics over the years, what kind of expectation do you have for the next generation of GPU's from both ATI and Nvidia?
A : It's going to be interesting to see what the final product lineup is going to be from each manufacturer, but in general I do expect there to be some kick-ass HW hitting the market in the future |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:39:35 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : moose517 have you tried running one of the tests on netbooks?
A : We have, but as netbooks are not primarily intended for gaming or other intensive tasks, the results are generally not that hot on these systems :) |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:41:21 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : ablatman About how many developers are working on Vantage at any given time?
A : The number of people working on the project varies over time, pre-production is being done by a small core team of a few people and in when in full production there can be close to 20 people contributing |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:41:29 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
If you want a Vantage key say: Joe did it! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:41:37 PM |
zerran2001 |
|
joe did it! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:41:45 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
Email jacobf@evga.com to collect |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:42:18 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Blazen22 Has anyone that you know of used Liquid Helium for 06 or Vantage?
A : Hmm...I can't say that I do. Helium is so much more expensive than LN2, so I'd say it's the ultimate high-end for cooling anyway :) |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:43:33 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : babyballa Do you think that nvidia and ati next gen card be too powerful for your next 3dmark product?
A : We work closely with our development partners to make sure any future benchmarks are demanding enough even for the top-end multi-GPU confiurations |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:44:03 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
If you want a Vantage key say: HEY! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:44:12 PM |
babyballa |
|
HEY! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:44:23 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
email jacobf@evga.com for a code |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:44:40 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Pistolkilla How often do you work with gaming PC manufactures like HP Voodoo, to help them create stable configurations?
A : We do have several gaming PC manufacturers as our partners and they use our tools for exactly the reason you mentioned. We work together with them to iron out any problems they might encounter, too. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:45:44 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Blazen22 How long does it normally take to wrap up a project, beginning to end?
A : From the very beginning to the release of the benchmark the development cycle can be surprisingly long, up to 24-36 months. This includes research and preproduction phases in addition to theactual development work. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:47:12 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : micah_675: Are there any plans to release a benchmark that takes into account CPU, HDD speed, RAM, and GPU, kind of like a whole computer concept in benchmarking?
A : Our PCMark products actually do just that - they measure the overall computer performance in typical home and home office use. 3DMark is the gamers' benchmark, so it focuses on bechmarking game-like workloads |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:48:29 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : babyballa will there be a lightweight one for the netbooks
A : Some of recent PC form factors such as the netbooks are really cool, so we're looking into what we can do to take those better in to account in future products. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:49:46 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : ablatman How large of a staff to you have doing your in-house testing?
A : The amount of testers varies throughout the project and can range from just one lab manager looking after the automated testing solutions to up to about 5 people running some of manual testing work. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:51:27 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Blazen22 Any plans of a bench that run networking tests? Killer Nic will own;]
A : We are keeping a close eye on all new technologies which affect gaming performance and experience, but do not have active plans for a NIC/network benchmark. If such a benchmark would be created, I'm sure the Killer would be a top candidate for some very good scores :) |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:52:07 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
I've got three more codes to give out, closest three to the number I am thinking of between 1-50 will get 'em |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:53:01 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
Blazen is disqualified |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:53:21 PM |
Pistolkilla |
|
39 |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:53:24 PM |
ablatman |
|
42 |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:53:31 PM |
mack4033 |
|
47 |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:53:55 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
And ablatman |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:54:00 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
for some reason his didn't go through |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:54:14 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
the three of you email jacobf@evga.com to collect |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:54:25 PM |
EVGATech_JakeC |
|
21 |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:54:38 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
We got our last few questions coming up |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:54:51 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Pistolkilla What Future plans do you have?
A : Our future plans are to make all current and upcoming gaming GPUs and CPUs suffer with our benchmarks - and naturally help all gamers to buy the right HW for their rigs :) |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:55:57 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : ablatman How are the Core i7 CPU's stacking up against their current rivals from AMD in your test systems?
A : The Core i7 is a good chip and it does stack up quite well with the competition. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:56:15 PM |
mack4033 |
|
did i win one of the codes |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:56:18 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
Yup |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:57:16 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Q : Pistolkilla Does Futuremark offer any sponsorships for high profile gamers?
A : At the moment we don't have active sponsorship programs for gamers, but if you have a tangible proposal in mind I'm sure we could take a look at it. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:57:30 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
All right |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:57:42 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
Everyone thank Ilkka for coming out! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:57:47 PM |
Blazen22 |
|
THANK YOU FOR COMING |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:57:50 PM |
babyballa |
|
thank you sir. |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:57:52 PM |
ablatman |
|
Thanks man! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:57:52 PM |
mack4033 |
|
thank you so much |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:57:54 PM |
zerran2001 |
|
thanks alot! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:57:55 PM |
moose517 |
|
thank you much sir!!! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:12 PM |
mack4033 |
|
i love you |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:12 PM |
moose517 |
|
WTF, LOL that was to ilkka |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:16 PM |
Pistolkilla |
|
Thanks a bunch! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:19 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Thanks guys, I think it was a very good chat and it's been a pleasure joining in today! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:23 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
I'm sure Ilkka will be back someday soon :) |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:35 PM |
Blazen22 |
|
;] |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:39 PM |
Blazen22 |
|
TIGHT |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:42 PM |
Pistolkilla |
|
Yes do come back soon |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:43 PM |
ablatman |
|
For anyone curious about LHE and 3dMark: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wB0JodKgZ0A |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:53 PM |
BioHazardSperm |
|
does he like fishsticks ? |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:57 PM |
EVGAWeb_ShaneD |
|
Everyone have a good night! |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:58:58 PM |
Pistolkilla |
|
lol |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:59:02 PM |
Pistolkilla |
|
night |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:59:04 PM |
moose517 |
|
lol |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:59:06 PM |
BioHazardSperm |
|
couldnt help myself |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:59:09 PM |
babyballa |
|
later shane |
| |
| 05/20/2009 6:59:22 PM |
Futuremark_Ilkka |
|
Allright guys, time to check the morning paper now - it's 5AM here in Finland ATM :) |
| |
Products
