3Dmark best way to test a video card?

[Sniper82]

Just bought a used 9700 pro and am wondering is 3Dmark the best and only way to fully test it for defects? Havent paid for it yet as he was shipping first but would like to fully test it before paying.

Thx

 

[Navid]

The best way to test is to play a 3D-intensive game. Look for artifacts.

Those benchmarks are not adequate for verifying the card since they run only for a short time. So, the card never heats up as much as it would if you played a game, which is what you care about.

 

[Todd33]

I just use HL2 for DX9 and maybe D3 if you care about Opengl, which is a dead API IMO.

 

[Navid]

You can also try ATItool and use it to scan for artrifacts (not to overclock).