Hi all, I'm an amateur system builder and new to the forums. After reading the new sub-$2000 article on THG, I noticed the last system got a 3dMark06 score of 10854 with the q6700 and 8800gtx. My current $500 build sports a phenom 8450 and 9600gt. Overclocked, it gets a score of 10577. I realize I'm comparing my overclocked system to a system at stock speeds but that system is worth $1500. Also, its not just the 3dmark score that's comparable, I play UT3 at 1650x1050 with highest details, AA at 16x and Filtering at level 16 (using rivatuner) and I average around 55fps. I don't know if UT applies AA and Filtering in game, but the 8800gtx was getting 58fps at the same resolution.

So here's my question: Are my results expected, or did I just get lucky with good hardware?

System Specs:
Phenom 8450 @2.36Ghz
ECS GeForce7050M-M (V 2.0)
Chaintech 9600gt overclocking version (762/1932/1101)
4gb Corsair XMS2 PC6400
WD 80 GB
Maxtor 300 GB
Thermaltake TR2-R1 cpu cooler

My mobo has no overclocking options in BIOS so I overclock the cpu with nTune (is this recommended?) and runs 22C idle and 29C load. VGA runs 48C idle and 62C load. note: I used fraps to get fps, ATI tool for card temps and CoreTemp for cpu temp.

If your running the default resolution in 3dmark06 the GTX doesn't do as well put your machine in 1920x1200 and see what happens.

baddad: I just ran 3dmark06 at 1650x1050 and received an unbelievable result. My system got a score of 10019 and at the same resolution the 8800gtx system got a 9397. I took a screenshot including cpuz/gpuz and the 3dmark result for those who may not believe me. I just don't know how to post it. Can someone tell me how?

host it at www.imageshack.us or www.photobucket.com and post the img tag.

Its a good score but its really all relative. With one GTX I get over 15,000 with two well over 17,500 and my personal best has been over 18,000. I would be curious to see your screenshot, like this.

16,089 w/ Q6600 @4.0 and 9800GTX @ 800/1100.

I get 12100 with a core 2 duo e6420 and a 8800 gts 640

Alright, I know this score isn't close to what some of you guys are getting. I was just curious about my result because I was getting a higher score than a system whose specs seem like they would provide a better score.

rubix: I'm glad your score own's mine, but I'd expect that it would because of your hardware.

I tried to publish my result on ORB but it says there's a newer version of 3dmark06. Do I need a patch or something?

I think your score is pretty good, considering your runnin at 2.3G. I know guys that would be very happy to break 10,000 on 3dmark06.

I get 16,800, but my system is ATI crossfired, X38 mobo with OC'd C2D at 3.8G. I have crossed 18,000 at 4.0G OC. With one 3870 I only get 11,700+3.8G.

for a $500 system, your doing pretty good. I spent about $1000.

I wasn't trying to make it seem that way; I just wanted to provide numbers for comparison. To be honest, I am kind of disappointed with the 9800gtx vs. what some are seeing with the 8800gtx line. It appears that the 512mb vRAM and 256bit bus don't keep up with the 768mb vRAM and 384 bit bus of the 8800gtx.

One card hittin 16000 sounds goot to me.

I was hitting 13,400 with Q6600 @3.425 and 8800GTS 640 @ 715/900.

I think warezme is showing a quad @3.5 with a 8800gtx at about 15,000-17,000, but maybe the 8800gtx and 9800gtx really aren't that far apart. Makes me think my OC processor is making up for my 9800gtx not pulling it's weight against his 8800gtx.

I've got twin 8800GTX's and an Intel quad core X3360 in an EVGA 790i Ulta MB. With some mild overclocing on air cooling, I'm getting 20,539 on 3DMark06.

I originally bought a 9800GX2, but after doing some reading and thinking, I took it back and bought the twin BFG 8800GTX OC's.

I've not regretted it!. I hear the new GTX280's are supposed to be faster, but at this point, I'm going to wait and see how the Nehalem processors do when they come out and then think about a new build.

The X3360 is really just a Q9550 under a different name and about $20 more. It easily overclocks to 3.8 ghz with just air cooling. I've got an ASUS Silent Knight II cooler and six case fans. Three pulling air in and three pullling it out and it all stays cool and stable.

Pssh you guys have nothing on me...

Athlon 64 3000+ @ 2.25 GHz, eVGA 6600GT 128MB

...1596 3DMarks

ordering an upgrade soon...