Windows 98 VGA Charts
3DMark99 MAX
3DMark99 MAX is a DirectX 6.1 demo developed by Futuremark and released in 1999. The software's "batch run" feature was used, with all options set to defaults.
At 640x480x16, the main limiting factors are CPU speed and driver optimization. Most cards yield similar scores, with only the Radeon 7500 falling significantly behind. The top performers, all Direct3D 6 cards, are likely being boosted by drivers specifically optimized for 3DMark99.
Results are little changed at 800x600x16, though the Voodoo3 is beginning to struggle. The Radeon 7500 is still dead last, while the Rage Fury MAXX takes a narrow lead.
Here the Voodoo3 3000 falls into last place, while the Kyro II rises to a respectable fourth. The Rage Fury MAXX remains at the top of the chart.
Results at 640x480x32 are similar to those at 640x480x16. The Radeon 7500's performance is equally poor in 32-bit color, while the Rage Fury MAXX remains among the top performers.
The Rage Fury MAXX widens its lead at 800x600x32, while the G400 MAX falls to a still respectable fourth. The TNT2 Ultra is hit hard in this resolution, falling into last place.
At 1024x768x32, the Kyro II scores a surprise win, narrowly beating the GeForce3. The Rage Fury MAXX falls slightly behind, but still scores a very competitive third. The TNT2 Ultra and G400 MAX lack the fill rate to compete at this resolution, turning in the lowest marks.
Analysis
Overall, the 3DMark99 MAX results present a mixed picture. At lower resolutions, scores seem to be determined more by driver optimization than anything else, while higher resolutions produce more predictable distributions based on fill rate.
Surprise Winner: Rage Fury MAXX
Surprise Loser: Radeon 7500
Surprise Winner: Rage Fury MAXX
Surprise Loser: Radeon 7500