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Nvidia stumbles while AMD soars on first DirectX 12 test

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Nvidia stumbles while AMD soars on DirectX 12

With Windows 10 now officially out we all finally have access to DirectX 12 – a brand new low-level API that will allow game developers to reach into our hardware and suck out more performance than we ever imagined possible. There are, however, no actual games that utilise it just yet, but a few tests are beginning to show just how important the API is to the future of gaming. And it’s not Nvidia who are leaving the gates flawlessly.

It is, in fact, AMD how are stealing the show with their performance. Using Oxide’s forthcoming Ashes of the Singularity (one of the only games with an available DX 12 benchmark), Digital Foundry tested both an Intel Core i7 4790K and Core i3 4130 with a GTX 970 and AMD R9 390. DirectX 12 is going to show most of its early gains in the CPU department, making this particularly CPU-heavy test a perfect proving ground for some early analysis.

Running on DX11, the AMD card coupled with the i3 and i7 managed average frames per second scores of just 24.1 and 28.4 respectively. Switch over to DX12 (again, on the exact same hardware), and the averages nearly double. The same hardware configuration now posts an average FPS of 39.9 with the Core i3, and 48.8 with the Core i7 – over 20FPS more thanks solely to DX 12 and AMD drivers.

The drivers, it seems, are a particular sticking point though. Running the exact same tests on Nvidia hardware produced very different results, with DX 12 performance on the Core i7 in particular actually being worse than on DX 11 (around 14% slower in fact). AMDs soaring success can be attributed to their horrible driver support for DX 11, but it is unequivocally clear that they’re leading the race in terms of this early test in the first DX 12 proving ground.

Nvidia, of course, didn’t take this lightly. Senior PR Manager Brian Burke was quick to dismiss the test results, stating that the pre-alpha nature of the game meant that optimisation wasn’t at a point where viable results could be produced.

We think the game looks intriguing, but an alpha benchmark has limited usefulness.  It will tell you how your system runs a series of preselected scenes from the alpha version of Ashes of Singularity. We do not believe it is a good indicator of overall DirectX 12 gaming performance.

We’ve worked closely with Microsoft for years on DirectX 12 and have powered every major DirectX 12 public demo they have shown.  We have the upmost confidence in DX12,  our DX12 drivers and our architecture’s ability to perform in DX12.

When accurate DX12 metrics arrive, the story will be the same as it was for DX11.

A bold statement of intent, but one that didn’t sit well with either Oxide or their publisher, Stardock. In response, Oxide refuted the claim that the test wasn’t optimised enough to deliver accurate results – pinning the blame squarely on Nvidia.

It should not be considered that because the game is not yet publically out, it’s not a legitimate test. While there are still optimizations to be had, Ashes of the Singularity in its pre-beta stage is as – or more – optimized as most released games. What’s the point of optimizing code 6 months after a title is released, after all? Certainly, things will change a bit until release. But PC games with digital updates are always changing, we certainly won’t hold back from making big changes post launch if we feel it makes the game better!

Stardock didn’t mince their words though, instead sending a clear message to those on the Green Team.

It seems that Nvidia now find themselves in a little bit of hot water over situation that could have simply been avoid with “our drivers aren’t yet ready”. It is, however, very good to see AMD jumping right back into the thick of it in terms of contention. DX 11 might have been a disaster for them, but good DX 12 drivers could see them neck and neck with the market holders once again.

Last Updated: August 18, 2015

47 Comments

  1. Brady miaau

    August 18, 2015 at 14:39

    I like Brad Wardell. I used to read his blogs a few years back.

    Interesting viewpoints. And I would not, on a technical level, take him on. Stardock, from outside views, look like they really, really understand technology and how to use it. I attribute that a lot to him, as in his blogs he used to describe his hands on nature. I like and admire that too.

    Reply

  2. RinceThis

    August 18, 2015 at 14:41

    Let’s see how the PC master race are unified now… http://i.imgur.com/DKJhx9l.gif

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      August 18, 2015 at 14:43

      *Throws a console peasant in the ring

      Reply

      • RinceThis

        August 18, 2015 at 14:44

        PC Masterbaters ignore peasant and circle each other for the, kill… AMDriight? tehehe

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          August 18, 2015 at 14:45

          hahahah

          Reply

      • Captain JJ Fantasticus

        August 18, 2015 at 15:37

        PC gamers unite!

        Reply

        • Deceased

          August 19, 2015 at 10:50

          I say good sir @johnambitious:disqus, you’re looking awfully clean this fine day… unlike this beastly, filthy peasant that have been shoved into this glamorous hoop we’re finding ourselves in…

          Reply

        • Deceased

          August 19, 2015 at 10:50

          I say good sir @johnambitious:disqus, you’re looking awfully clean this fine day… unlike this beastly, filthy peasant that have been shoved into this glamorous hoop we’re finding ourselves in…

          Reply

    • Ranting Raptor

      August 18, 2015 at 15:11

      We are all of one mind. Windows 10 isn’t worth it for DX12. We stand united

      Reply

      • Captain JJ Fantasticus

        August 18, 2015 at 15:38

        I agree. Though I’ve only been on 8.1 for a week now, but yes.

        Reply

        • Ranting Raptor

          August 18, 2015 at 15:43

          been for months. It’s really great for gaming

          Reply

          • Captain JJ Fantasticus

            August 18, 2015 at 15:49

            So far I’m really liking it. Besides the interface that looks like a toy phone interface, but luckily you don’t have to use it and you can change it. But I’m pleasantly surprised. Feels very fast and so far no issues with any games.

  3. Johann

    August 18, 2015 at 14:48

    Almost double the framerates just with software? I’m quite impressed, hopefully this will help boost performance for next year’s titles on the Xbox.

    Reply

    • Hammersteyn

      August 18, 2015 at 14:51

      Indeed, Sony might need to sit up and take notice. If PC and XBOX make the PS4 look like the WIIU they will be in trouble.

      Reply

      • Ir0nseraph

        August 18, 2015 at 14:55

        XD

        Reply

      • Johann

        August 18, 2015 at 15:03

        In the end we’ll have to wait and see. I do not know of any one upcoming Xbox One game that is going to have DX12 and even Phil Spencer says that it won’t have a major impact on games. The most that we can hope for is maybe native 1080p at 30fps for most major titles and constant 1080p 60fps for exclusives.

        Reply

        • Viking Of Science

          August 18, 2015 at 15:04

          pffft. Have Any of the Xbox Exclusives run at 60FPS? (remasters don’t count)

          Reply

          • Johann

            August 18, 2015 at 15:08

            Forza 5 and Killer instinct are the only ones that I’m aware of. That’s why I’m saying hopefully with DX12 they’ll be able to increase it for the exclusives

          • Viking Of Science

            August 18, 2015 at 16:43

            That would help the platform, yes…. but geez, only 2 exclusives at 60fps? that’s harsh…

          • Fleetwood

            August 19, 2015 at 01:14

            Fighting/Racing games have always been easier to “optimize”(lowering distant objects, lower resolution of pedestrians, less weather effects, painted backgrounds). Where as open-world games, FPS genres and such are more demanding of the hardware.

            As games become larger and the visual standards rise, I’m afraid to inform you that consoles will never match that visual target. Currently its 1080p/60fps, by 2018 it will be 4k/60fps. VR already demands a good $800 PC build, whereas consoles cannot deliver.

            The problem is consoles are targeted for the mainstream audience, and the “sweet” price of that is $300-450. Also that hardware is fixed for the next 5-6 years.

      • AS118

        August 18, 2015 at 15:59

        Well, there are rumors that the technology for graphics rendering for the PS4 is actually AMD’s Mantle, which is rumored to be the foundation for DX12. If DX12 makes the Xbox One’s future games look and perform that much better, we can expect Sony to probably do something similar for the PS4, probably with AMD’s help.

        There’s always Vulkan too.

        Reply

        • Hammersteyn

          August 18, 2015 at 16:35

          Here’s hoping. I mean the graphics are nice and all, but I can’t help wondering if this is truly the best they could do?

          Reply

      • 200380051

        August 18, 2015 at 17:13

        It seems to me that the consoles are using their own API, which i remember AMD saying that those ressembled Mantle in form and paradigm. There is no legacy-hindered DirectX11 crap running in there. Most likely DX12 will have little to no impact on consoles, because they already leverage the tech that’s been dormant in PCs using DX11 for years.

        Reply

    • Fleetwood

      August 19, 2015 at 00:57

      Actually no…It’s already been stated that both the consoles for years already have a low-level API. Whereas no such api exists on PC, until now. Both Vulkan/DX12 will being this low-level access to the PC. The XBox will benefit “little to no” performance improvements.

      The main benefit of DX12 will bring to the Xbox will be easier porting of apps/games from Windows to Xbox and vice-versa.

      Reply

  4. Alien Emperor Trevor

    August 18, 2015 at 14:52

    huehuehue

    Reply

    • RinceThis

      August 18, 2015 at 15:15

      Pushups again? Thought your manager said you’re not allowed to do that at your desk any more!?

      Reply

      • Alien Emperor Trevor

        August 18, 2015 at 15:17

        Meh. He backed down when I threatened to complain to HR about his sexism. My cleavage is my business.

        Reply

    • Matthew Holliday

      August 20, 2015 at 09:37

      galavant was way too ridiculous

      Reply

  5. Viking Of Science

    August 18, 2015 at 15:02

    Good, The market needs the competition again…

    Reply

  6. Ranting Raptor

    August 18, 2015 at 15:11

    uh huh. Don’t care. Won’t support W10 while it’s got its draconian DRM built in nonsense.

    Reply

    • Murshid Raven

      August 19, 2015 at 07:55

      Or how about you actually buy a game?

      Reply

      • Ranting Raptor

        August 19, 2015 at 13:50

        I do. My issue is I have games that I still enjoy playing that I bought that use Securom and the DRM methods that stop them from working.

        So no. I won’t support W10 until they stop this crap of blocking access to legitimate games. But you know. Keep trolling by pretending everyone who is upset is a pirate.

        Reply

      • Matthew Holliday

        August 20, 2015 at 09:36

        you can still buy games and not like the fact that big brother is always watching you.

        Reply

  7. Captain JJ Fantasticus

    August 18, 2015 at 15:39

    We need more good RTS games

    Reply

    • Kromas,powered by windows 10.

      August 19, 2015 at 12:08

      Starcraft Legacy of the Void inc!

      Reply

      • Captain JJ Fantasticus

        August 19, 2015 at 12:14

        I still need to get Heart of the Swarm. But I’m also looking for something a bit centered around base building, other than the rush tactics most have with Starcraft (I know not all). Planetary Annihilation was a huge disappointment and there’s no word of a new Age of Empires (I don’t think there ever will be one). Grey Goo seems to be one of the best options out there at the moment.

        Reply

  8. Joe Joejoe

    August 18, 2015 at 18:00

    clearly AMD is stacking the deck. I mean look, they even have to use Intel CPU’s, because they know that even the single core performance of i3’s outdo their FX chips in games that need only 2-4 threads.

    Fact is, Nvidia is over 3 times as fast at tessellation with its 900 series cards. Then there’s MFAA which is basically 2xAA for zero performance cost. So here we have two features alone that could literally give you back a huge chunk of your GPU power.

    Nvidia is also the only ones to fully support DX12. Turns out, anything below the R9 Fury doesn’t actually support the full DX12 feature set, and never will.

    This test is most certainly biased toward AMD cards. But looking at the graphics alone, I can tell that even in DX11 the game, if optimized, would run at least 60fps on a GTX 970….most likely even more than 60fps.

    In fact, I bet the FPS isn’t even limited in this demo from the CPU end.

    Reply

    • RustedFaith

      August 18, 2015 at 22:31

      Only the 980ti and the Fury X supports directx 12 fully … the rest will be running on directx 11.3 which includes the same optimizations. Directx 11.3 is directx 12 and its what you are referring to, in fact the 980ti and FuryX is Directx 12.1 cards.

      Reply

      • Joe Joejoe

        August 19, 2015 at 01:49

        No, there are for example, features supported on the GTX 970 card, that aren’t supported on the R9 290’s. The whole 900 series has full DX12 compatibility. Anything below a Fury has less. They all should be able to take advantage of the CPU saving features though, but there are some other important ones that older AMD cards won’t be able to take advantage of.

        Reply

    • Fleetwood

      August 19, 2015 at 01:23

      DX11 isn’t all that great, tessellation was always somewhat bad in some games and the API wasn’t very efficient at all. DX12 is much of an improvement for performance and efficiency. If I could find it, AMD themselves back in 2011 were they are quoted stating that their hardware isn’t for single process applications. An API that could more efficiently use the cores will demonstrate the real performance of their hardware. None existed back then, guess that’s when they started planning and developing Mantle later. Thus leading to open-sourcing Mantle to the Khronos group, and setting the basis for DX12.

      Reply

      • Joe Joejoe

        August 19, 2015 at 02:20

        No, It’s not soo much that DX11 wasn’t efficient, it’s that the efficiency left room for increased graphics quality and effects, which resulted in the same performance curve or even higher performance demands. The same is going to apply for DX12. All of those savings that increase performance in DX12, are going to be taken up by increased graphics and such, which is going to mean that tomorrows video games aren’t going to run any better, they’re just going to look better and still need more horsepower to deliver playable frame rates.

        DX12 was in the works long before Mantle. Mantle was AMD’s try at a proprietary tech to battle against Nvidia. They knew there wouldn’t be room for both Mantle (aka Vulcan) and DX12, and they also knew DX12 would take precedence since it would be a standard that would come with both windows and consoles. Mantle was only ever meant to be a marketing gimmick to sell AMD more weak CPU’s, APU’s, and GPU’s….without ever actually really delivering Mantle. They promised big things, never really delivered, and Mantle is in soo few games that it might as well be considered non existent. It was AMD’s answer to its weak CPU’s, they were basically saying, “Sure even an i3 beats our FX 8350 in gaming performance, but that won’t matter with Mantle”.

        This isn’t the first time AMD has touted features to ramp up sales, then pull those features entirely, leaving the customers who bought their hardware high and dry. ATI stream (not to be confused with OpenCL) was supposed to be AMD’s answer to Nvidia’s CUDA and PhysX. Sold them a buttload of GPU’s in 2009, then they pulled the feature altogether without even one single game or program ever supporting it except their built-in video transcoder.

        Reply

  9. Timmy_The_Good_Troll

    August 19, 2015 at 10:33

    Why does this article not mention how many FPS the Nvidia got!

    Reply

    • Matthew Holliday

      August 20, 2015 at 09:34

      the video mentions that nvidia got something like 20-45% more than AMD with the 970.
      wasnt paying too much attention to the nvidia talk though. stats without context are often misleading.

      Reply

  10. Timmy_The_Good_Troll

    August 19, 2015 at 10:33

    Why does this article not mention how many FPS the Nvidia got!

    Reply

  11. Josh Morland

    August 19, 2015 at 13:14

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