With Extreme Hardware out of the game and Next Hardware still recovering from the shock of frying a graphics card (and concentrating on the 2D tests), the war of the titans begins.

GiorgioPrimo and Leghorn make a quick start and begin to mark one score after another. Unfortunately, it is not possible to push the system to the max, and Saturday’s results cannot be replicated. However with a clear strategy in mind, the two teams churn out one test after another, improving minute by minute.

Team Hiwa-Qballe-Zilla, who have already scored and improved on four out of five 2D tests—with good times and no need to change motherboards—have more time to administer additional tests. With the video card modded and installed on their system, it is time for 3D.

GiorgioPrimo and Leghorn are going like bats out of hell. GiorgioPrimo, not wanting to be disturbed, constantly follows the results display and plans strategy. Hiwa, Zilla and Qballe refill the system pots with liquid nitrogen and start on the 3D tests.

Meanwhile, Next Hardware busies themselves with 2D, marking excellent results and improving even further upon repetition.

Two hours from race finish, the tension rises, liquid nitrogen flows freely, and benchmarks pour from the monitor. The tension can be felt in the air—it’s only an hour until we know who will grab the tickets for Paris.