In order to categorize the 3D performance of the GMA 900, we pitted Intel's new integrated graphics solution against its predecessor i865G, as well as a series of inexpensive entry-level graphics cards: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 64 MB (64 bit), GeForce FX 5200 128 MB (128 bit) and ATI Radeon 9200 64 MB (128 bit).

Here, our choice of benchmarks proved to be problematic, since the i865 is a completely outdated DirectX 7 chip, and even ATI's Radeon 9200 only supports DirectX 8.1. Therefore, the image quality in some cases is in considerably different! For example, even though the i865 delivers decent frame rates in Halo, the image quality is practically non-existent or cannot be evaluated. Far Cry, on the other hand, is unable to start up, or it crashes immediately. More about the specific quality settings for the tested games in the individual benchmark sections.

Synthetic Benchmarks

3D Mark 2001 SE

The i865G is a DX7 card and cannot run all tests of 3DMark 2001. This automatically results in a lower score.

Intel is ahead of the 64 bit FX 5200 but has no chance against the 128 bit cards.

3D Mark 2003

The i865G and R9200 do not support DX9 and cannot run all tests of 3DMark 2003. This automatically results in a lower score.

A good score for the 915G compared to the FX 5200.

AquaMark 3

Aquamark 3 does not allow us to set the DirectX version. So this is not an apples-to-apples comparison!

The i915G manages to beat the NVIDIA FX 5200 add-on cards in AquaMark 3.