It's been a little over two years since Futuremark released 3DMark06 (the DirectX 9 benchmark), so naturally we've all been wondering just when the next one is finally going to appear, what it's going to be like and even what the name's going to be. Well, wonder no more, as Futuremark have started the ball rolling - get ready for 3DMark Vantage!

So feast your eyes on this screenshot:

Okay, that's your lot! No, seriously - Futuremark and the 3DMark team are being very quiet about this! However, what we have managed to beat out of them, using blunt butter knives, is that more "stuff" will appearing over the forthcoming weeks; I'm guessing that this includes more screenshots but we've been promised that you'll really like all of it... whatever "it" is!

Just some reminders about 3DMark Vantage in general though:

• It's for Windows Vista PCs only - it won't run on Windows XP machines;
• It's Futuremark's first DirectX 10 only benchmark - use 3DMark06 to check DirectX 9 performance;
• Direct3D 10 includes a new Shader Model (4.0), plus Geometry Shaders, and it also involves a new driver model for graphics cards;
• You can check if your PC will run 3DMark Vantage by using our Game-o-Meter - click here.

In the meantime, keep your eyes on the 3DMark site for more updates and stuff.

Edit: Doh! Nobody told me that there was going to be more than ONE screenshot! :D Enjoy the others!

Comments

	Jarnis 2008-01-31 #1 Update: now with 3 pics!
	Warrior1 2008-01-31 #2 Oh **** Those pics are so beautiful Im ready bring it on
	antonism96 2008-01-31 #3 Wow! Finally 3DMark Vantage is here! If these screenshots are work in progress, then imagine the final result! Have you worked more or these screenshots are the work you've done so far?
	Nick[FM] 2008-01-31 #4 It's highly recommended to bookmark and keep track on http://www.3dmark.com for most recent updates, videos, screen shots etc.. Cheers, Nick
	cortez 2008-01-31 #5 I don't mean to discourage you guys, but somehow I'm not so impressed by those screenshots. Maybe I am when I see some videos of it in motion, but so far the only mildly exciting thing in those shots is the detail of the spaceship in the second shot. Also the fiery balls / fiery clouds are neat, but I cannot know if they are just a texture or something. Maybe I've grown old... EDIT: I guess what I'm trying to say is that those pictures give me the feeling that "I've seen this before". And that feeling is kinda lame... :(
	antonism96 2008-01-31 #6 Quote: Originally Posted by cortez I don't mean to discourage you guys, but somehow I'm not so impressed by those screenshots. Maybe I am when I see some videos of it in motion, but so far the only mildly exciting thing in those shots is the detail of the spaceship in the second shot. Also the fiery balls / fiery clouds are neat, but I cannot know if they are just a texture or something. Maybe I've grown old... EDIT: I guess what I'm trying to say is that those pictures give me the feeling that "I've seen this before". And that feeling is kinda lame... :( That's because they are work in progress. The final thing will be much better. Now the screenshots seem to me a DX9 graphics test with DX10 features...
	Metalex 2008-01-31 #7 Quote: Originally Posted by antonism96 That's because they are work in progress. The final thing will be much better. You know this how? Not that I'm dissing the screenshots, because I think they already look superb.
	IgLoCSka 2008-01-31 #8 Quote: Originally Posted by antonism96 Now the screenshots seem to me a DX9 graphics test with DX10 features... I am sorry but what?
	Astondb5 2008-01-31 #9 It's about time we had an outer space thingy looking nice fellas
	SnW 2008-01-31 #10 Quote: Originally Posted by Metalex You know this how? Not that I'm dissing the screenshots, because I think they already look superb. I am getting sick of this dude he acts like he owns FM and all the benchmarks if you correct him he still blurs out crap advise
	antonism96 2008-01-31 #11 Quote: Originally Posted by IgLoCSka I am sorry but what? What I said. This graphics test taken in the screenshots seem to me DX9 rendered with some DX10 features, but I'm sure the final result will look DX10 rendered with all its features. Also why do I find these screenshots blurred? Are the textures in low quality?
	SnW 2008-01-31 #12 Quote: Originally Posted by antonism96 What I said. This is a joke right ? you must be Kanavit
	Nick[FM] 2008-01-31 #13 Quote: Originally Posted by antonism96 Also why do I find these screenshots blurred? Are the textures in low quality? Think advanced post-processing effects. Cheers, Nick
	NoDKane 2008-01-31 #14 I think we need some 1080p video or something... come on you know you want to. Screenshots are so 1997.
	Drakemoor 2008-01-31 #15 Quote: Originally Posted by antonism96 What I said. This graphics test taken in the screenshots seem to me DX9 rendered with some DX10 features, but I'm sure the final result will look DX10 rendered with all its features. I didn't realise API's are completely visible from screenshots. That could be openGL for all you know....