Nvidia 3D Vision Vs. AMD HD3D: 18 Games, Evaluated

DiRT 3

Native AMD HD3D Support:

Excellent 3D result, but could not capture stereoscopic image

The 3D option doesn't appear in DirectX 9 mode. That makes sense though, since all Radeon cards that support HD3D are DirectX 11-capable.

This game delivers the best-looking native HD3D support that we’ve seen, with great depth and no visual flaws of which to speak. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take a screen shot to demonstrate the result, though it's very similar to the TriDef image below. While this article doesn’t focus on performance, we noticed that it really suffers when DiRT 3 is operating in native stereoscopic HD3D mode.

AMD HD3D and the TriDef Ignition Driver:

Good 3D result in DirectX 9 with Virtual 3D mode; DirectX 11 does not work

The TriDef driver provides an excellent stereoscopic experience

The TriDef Ignition software won't launch this game in DirectX 11 mode, but it does launch if the DirectX 9 code path is forced by tweaking the hardware_settings.cfg file. Normal 3D mode causes horrible artifacts, but Virtual 3D seems to work beautifully. Curiously, the performance is much better here than the game’s native HD3D option.

Nvidia 3D Vision:

Good 3D result with lowered details, but could not capture stereoscopic image

This title has some anomalies with shadows, ambient occlusion, and post-processing effects. If they're set to the lowest-quality option, what comes out the other end is really quite attractive. Some slight lens flare artifacts remain, but they aren't too distracting. There are also some water reflection artifacts. Bodies of water are rare in this game, though, so we don't consider this much of a problem.

  • renick
    nvidia 3d vision is best in all............
    Reply
  • Kamab
    Except for the ones where it's not recommended. Good thing I have one on this rig! Now I just got to shell out some cash for some 3D Tech.
    Reply
  • the_krasno
    3D is over hyped in my opinion, it will be some more time before games can correctly exploit it.
    Reply
  • falchard
    Everytime nVidia pushes out a proprietary format they shoot themselves in the foot. They just can't make it marketable with such a low market share. You need something like Microsofts 90% market share to think about making a closed standard.
    Anyone notice the bevel on the Samsung model. That beautiful for multi-monitor.
    Reply
  • Scanlia
    Great comprehensive review! Loved it.
    Reply
  • alyoshka
    Nice one, and really long awaited.
    Reply
  • i tried Tridef in EVE online, absolutely stunning. :)
    Reply
  • SteelCity1981
    During preliminary testing, we noticed that a decent Phenom II X4 had some trouble providing smooth frame rates, and mid-level graphics cards were cut down to their knees

    Time for Bulldozer!!!
    Reply
  • assassin123
    i loved it great review keep it up
    Reply
  • RazberyBandit
    Would it kill Tom's to use high-resolution pop-up pics? It's nearly impossible to discern any differences in detail or artifacts when comparing such low-resolution images. C'mon...1024 x 317? Seriously?
    Reply