3DMark 11 Finally Launched in 3 Versions

By Kevin Parrish
published

Futuremark has released all three versions of 3DMark 11.

After a slight delay, Futuremark has finally released all three versions of 3DMark 11. The latest version of the popular benchmarking software is optimized for video hardware that supports DirectX 11 (DX11), measuring DirectCompute, tessellation, multithreading and depth of field.

The application consists of six tests-- four focused on graphics, one one physics and one combining CPU and GPU workloads--and a 720p audio visual demo. The free, Basic Version includes a performance PC benchmark preset, the ability to store one result online and the means to browser, search and compare results online.

For those willing to spend $19.95, the Advanced Edition includes an entry-level PC benchmark preset, a performance PC benchmark preset, an extreme PC benchmark preset, custom benchmark settings and more. There's also a $995 Professional Edition, providing a license for commercial use, demo looping, an image quality tool, command line automation, priority support, and everything else that's available in the Advanced Edition.

Naturally 3DMark 11 requires DirectX 11, a DirectX 11 compatible video card, and Windows 7 or Vista. Other minimum requirements include a 1.8 GHz dual-core Intel or AMD CPU, 1 GB of system memory, 1.5 GB of HDD storage, and a Windows Vista / Windows 7 compatible sound card.

To download the free Basic Edition of 3DMark 11, head here for a full list of mirrors. Users can always upgrade to the Advanced or Professional editions later by purchasing a code to enter into the software, unlocking additional features.

Kevin Parrish
28 Comments Comment from the forums
  • darkchazz
    Too bad I don't have a DX11 card :(
    Reply
  • dreamer77dd
    will Toms hardware get the professional?
    Reply
  • doyletdude
    How is it possible for this program to requires DirectX 11 but is usable on Vista? I thought Vista capped out on 10.1.
    Reply
  • ahnilated
    Don't bother with it, after the Physics test on my i7 920 with a GTX480 it goes to a black screen and doesn't come back until you kill it in task manager.
    Reply
  • JDFan
    @ahnilated -- Same here on my system with an PPII x3 720 and 5770 GPU - I was thinking it was due to the test being the physics test that it had something to do with my card being ATI and 3dmark still running the physics test with the GPU help on Nvidia cards - good to see that it is a problem on the nvidia cards also !
    Reply
  • Bolbi
    doyletdudeHow is it possible for this program to requires DirectX 11 but is usable on Vista? I thought Vista capped out on 10.1.With the platform update, Vista supports DX11.
    Reply
  • neilnh
    Thank goodness they dropped the one-use limitation present in the free version of Vantage.
    Reply
  • scrumworks
    At least its PhysX free. Step up from Vantage, prettier than "Heaven".
    Reply
  • danwat1234
    doyletdudeHow is it possible for this program to requires DirectX 11 but is usable on Vista? I thought Vista capped out on 10.1.
    Vista can have dx 11 (according to the dx 11 wiki article anyway)
    Reply
  • Dirtman73
    Alright! Maybe this time around it will actually work for me, unlike all its past iterations. More bloatware than anything else, IMO.
    Reply