Crysis 2 Performance Previewed And Analyzed

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Benchmark Results: Hardcore Details

With Hardcore details enabled, the game looks subtly better than it does with the Advanced setting. As we mentioned previously, the demo had been disabled before we could take comparative screenshots, so it’s difficult to be more precise than that. We’ll have another look at the difference when we have our hands on the full release version. But for now, you can see what kind of hardware is necessary to run Crysis 2 at maximum visual fidelity:

At this setting, the GeForce GTX 460 and Radeon HD 6850 are able to muster a minimum frame rate over 30 FPS, although the Radeon HD 5750, 5770, GeForce 550 Ti, and GT 450 come close, achieving more than 25 FPS minimums. The lesser cards can’t even reach 20 FPS when the going gets tough.

As the resolution is raised, only the GeForce GTX 460, Radeon HD 6850, and higher-priced options remain viable. Lesser models get eliminated, but we’re still seeing sub-$200 graphics cards able to deal with the highest level of detail at this respectable resolution. Certainly, this was not the case with the original Crysis.

Here we see the highest settings and resolution tested, and the GeForce GTX 460 and Radeons 6850 and 6870 are left out with minimum frame rates below 30 FPS (although the Radeon HD 6870 almost makes the cut with 27 FPS). If smooth performance is what you’re looking for at 1080p with maximum detail, you’re going to need a GeForce GTX 560 Ti or Radeon HD 6950, at least.

Don Woligroski
125 Comments Comment from the forums
  • kcorp2003
    I still have to download their demo....but so far, everyone is saying its a let down. (perhaps copying CoD?)But its nice to see hardware performance. however its Dx9.
    Reply
  • reasonablevoice
    So its another crappy console port? Oh I'm shocked. No wait, what is the opposite of surprised? I'm that.
    Reply
  • rohitbaran
    Well, so the 1 million grant from nVidia to Crytek was indeed to make the game run faster on Geforce cards.
    Reply
  • rohitbaran
    As for the game to be run on mainstream cards, I have to say that the graphics in Crysis 2 aren't much better than the first one. The major thing about Cryengine 3 is that it is multi-platform, but visually, the two games are not too far apart. Current mainstream cards are at least 2-3 times faster than 8800 Ultra, so that answers question of the game running so well.
    Reply
  • mantis2001
    As I saw lots of Benchmarks dx11/dx10/dx9, I sill believe that GTX 460 is the best card $150
    Reply
  • Saljen
    That last pic looks like a freakin' photograph. I can't wait for this to be released.
    Reply
  • stiehl
    Crysis 2 is already the most disappointing game of 2011. Subpar graphics, console port and that the multiplayer is a dumbed down copy of COD multiplayer all make this game something to scoff at. The fact crytek has the audacity to release a dx9 game instead of dx11 baffles me. I don't understand how PC enthusiasts such as toms can enjoy this game!
    Reply
  • sabot00
    rohitbaranAs for the game to be run on mainstream cards, I have to say that the graphics in Crysis 2 aren't much better than the first one. The major thing about Cryengine 3 is that it is multi-platform, but visually, the two games are not too far apart. Current mainstream cards are at least 2-3 times faster than 8800 Ultra, so that answers question of the game running so well.Actually, a 8800GTX is more or less equal to a 9800GTX, and the 5770 = 9800GTX+/GTS250, so the slight improvements means a 5770 (mainstream today) is only say 10-20% better instead of 2-3 times.
    Reply
  • jlefebre6001
    the multi-player is so much like CoD its ridiculous.
    Reply
  • Rizlla
    I'll be waiting to hear some feedback from others about the games before buying it, but first I must get Dragon Age 2. :D
    Reply