Crysis 3 Performance Test: Graphics & CPU

Built with CryEngine2, the original Crysis raised the bar for PC gaming graphics in 2007 with stunningly detailed visuals that bedridden even the fastest of rigs. Looking dorsum at our first Crysis performance article, which was based on the game's demo, the fastest GPU available at the time (the GeForce 8800 GTX 768MB) struggled to average 30fps when running at 1920x1200 with high quality settings on DirectX 10.

Given how punishing the first game was, we were excited to explore 2022's CryEngine three-based Crysis two, simply it was quickly apparent that the second installment wouldn't be a repeat operation. Not to say information technology didn't expect ameliorate, but relative to Crytek's commencement title, the sequel didn't really ready any new benchmarks. It was just another calculator game that made great employ of DX9, though DX11 was eventually patched in.

Fast-forward ii years and Crytek has given us another opportunity to hammer some hardware with the arrival of Crysis 3 this month. Like the second title, the tertiary installment has been built with CryEngine 3, though that doesn't mean you lot should expect lousy PC features, every bit the engine has been updated with improved dynamic cloth and vegetation, amend lighting and shadows, and plenty more.

Plus, PC gamers won't have to wait for graphical extras. Crysis three launched with loftier-resolution textures, DX11 support and enough of customization options that ready it autonomously from the diluted consoles builds. The result looks incredible and we get the feeling this will evidence to exist the game that folks who are heavily invested in multi-GPU setups have been waiting for. Hither'south hoping nosotros aren't woefully disappointed.

Testing Methodology

We'll exist testing 18 DirectX 11 graphics menu configurations from AMD and Nvidia, which is considerably less than the 29 we tested for Far Cry 3 considering fifty-fifty with the medium quality preset activated, there are almost no depression-end graphics cards that can play Crysis iii, fifty-fifty at 1680x1050.

The latest drivers volition be used, and every card will exist paired with an Intel Core i7-3960X to remove CPU bottlenecks that could influence high-end GPU scores.

Nosotros're using Fraps to measure frame rates during 90 seconds of gameplay footage from Crysis 3's beginning level, "Post Homo." The exam starts equally soon every bit Michael "Psycho" Sykes hands yous his backup weapon, we then simply follow the party leader until the time runs out.

We'll test Crysis three at three mutual desktop brandish resolutions: 1680x1050, 1920x1200 and 2560x1600, using the DX11 style. For the very high-quality test, we'll set the "overall quality" in the video quality bill of fare to very loftier while also setting the SMAA level to 1 (depression). The high and medium-quality tests volition also be conducted with SMAAx1 enabled.