Time to separate the pretenders from the contenders. High resolution includes performance results at 1024x768, 1280x1024, and 1600x1200.

Quake 3 High Quality - 1024x768 - Demo001

Similar to the results of the GeForce2 MX at a resolution of 800x600, you begin to see the GTS losing a bit of ground at 1024x768 in 32-bit color with texture compression disabled. With a 9% loss in frames per second compared to when texture compression is enabled, 92.1 fps is more than acceptable. At this point, the GeForce2 MX offers adequate performance in 16-bit color while the Ultra is still chugging along with no worries.

Quake 3 Max Quality - 1024x768 - Demo001

Moving to maximum quality settings we see the GeForce2 Ultra beginning to pull away from the GTS. The Ultra only loses 6% in 32-bit color and 2% in 16-bit color performance when disabling texture compression.

Unless you begin to turning off graphics options in Quake 3, the GeForce2 MX won't cut it at a resolution of 1024x768. The GeForce2 GTS becomes the choice of card at 1024x768 but begins to falter in 32-bit color with texture compression disabled under maximum quality settings. The Ultra finally receives consideration as it begins to pull away from the GTS using maximum quality settings.

Quake 3 High Quality - 1280x1024 - Demo001

We finally hit the domain of the GeForce2 Ultra at a resolution of 1280x1024. While the GTS performs well in 16-bit color, the Ultra has enough horsepower to offer a solid 78 fps using high quality settings with texture compression disabled. In 16-bit color the Ultra gets over 100 fps and the GTS isn't that far behind. However, at these settings under 32-bit color, the memory bandwidth ceiling of the Ultra begins to come into play.

Quake 3 Max Quality - 1280x1024 - Demo001

Under maximum quality settings, the GeForce2 GTS hits the wall under 32-bit color. Performance in 16-bit color is good at 84.9 fps with texture compression enabled, but disabling texture compression results in a 20% loss in performance. Even the mighty Ultra begins to shows signs of reaching its limit in 32-bit color, but 16-bit color performance remains in the 90-100 fps range.

Quake 3 High Quality - 1600x1200 - Demo001

You'll definitely need a GeForce Ultra to achieve acceptable performance at a resolution of 1600x1200. However, it's doubtful that you'll be able to maintain the high frame rate needed for competetive online play unless 16-bit color is used.

Quake 3 Max Quality - 1600x1200 - Demo001

Ditto using maximum quality settings as the GeForce2 Ultra exceeds 60 fps in 16-bit color with texture compression enabled or disabled.

Next Page: Better Performance By Tweaking