AMD: 2D Performance Progress in Windows 7 With Catalyst 10.4?

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Not long ago, the 2D performance of newer ATI graphics cards left much to be desired in Windows 7. AMD acknowledged the problem and released new driver versions. We took a closer look at Catalyst 10.4 in order to let you know what has changed.

The Test System

The test system is similar to the ones used in previous articles:

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Test System
CPU:Core 2 Quad Q6600, G0-Stepping
Clock Frequency:3.0 GHz
RAM:8 GB DDR2-1066 CL5
Motherboard:DFI LANparty DK X48 T2RS
OS:Windows 7 Ultimate x64
Graphics Card:ATI Radeon HD 5870, (5750)Nvidia Geforce GTX 480, GTX 285, GT 240
Graphics Driver:Catalyst 9.10, 9.12, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4Geforce 197.41, 197.45

Power consumption was measured with a Zalman device, and the 2D benchmark used was the same version as in our previous articles. While the final results were rather unsurprising, we did record some very interesting results in some of the tests. Check these out on the next page.

54 Comments Comment from the forums
  • ta152h
    Well, Microsoft creating an even slower operating system than their previous one is a company tradition. Bloated, slow, buggy software is something they take seriously, and it's not up to companies like AMD or Nvidia to take this privilege from Microsoft. People like it - they keep buying it.

    It's a pity OS/2 never made it. Windows needs real competition. Look what the K8 did to Intel.
    Reply
  • The Greater Good
    TA152H, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
    Reply
  • Lines, ellipses, and polygons are rarely, if ever, used in window system toolkits from the last 5-7 years. You will likely never see them used other than in specialized benchmarks. They are an API vestige of days long past.
    Reply
  • Am I missing something? 10.5 is the most recent
    Reply
  • Poisoner
    the greater goodTA152H, what you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on your soul.
    What was insane about his post?
    Reply
  • Does Catalyst 10.5 bring anything new to the table?
    Reply
  • spidey180
    Keep up the good work ATI.
    Reply
  • FUtomNOreg
    Now where did I put that PCMag Winbench CD?????
    Reply
  • outlw6669
    Does Catalyst 10.5 bring anything new to the table?
    You can now over/underclock while running multiple displays without tearing on the second monitor....
    Other than that, looks to be just a few minor bug fixes.
    Reply
  • neiroatopelcc
    PoisonerWhat was insane about his post?just everything


    @ toms - nice article as usual.
    Reply