Upcoming version of 3DMark will include benchmark test for Windows 10 and DirectX 12

Benchmark testing software company Futuremark has revealed it will add a test to its 3DMark product that will demo the graphical improvements in DirectX 12, which will ship as part of Windows 10.

The new API Overhead feature test will be the same demo that Microsoft used to show off the difference between DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 as part of its Windows 10 gaming presentation earlier this week. Futuremark states:

Games make thousands of draw calls per frame, but each one creates performance-limiting overhead for the CPU. APIs with less overhead can handle more draw calls and produce richer visuals. Microsoft's demo shows DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 running side by side on the same hardware. As the number of draw calls increases, DirectX 12 is able to handle greater complexity and detail while achieving higher frame rates than DirectX 11. We're thrilled that Microsoft chose our new API Overhead feature test to show the benefits of DirectX 12. And soon you will be able to test your own PC and see the difference yourself.

There's no word on exactly when the new test will be added to 3DMark. As we have previously reported, DirectX 12 will be an exclusive for Windows 10 and will not be made available for Windows 7 and 8.1 users. More information about DirectX 12 is expected to be revealed in March as part of the annual Game Developers Conference.

Source: Futuremark

John Callaham