questions about running 3dmark01

[joshc]

So I did search the forums and found threads where people listed their benchmark scores for 3dmark01. I noticed people don't ever list what settings they used when running the benchmarks. I built my 1st PC and just want to make sure everything is good so I am testing the video card using 3dmark01.

What settings should I use and should I loop the tests? Also, would you recommend I use the 03 or 05 versions of the benchmark? I just wanna make sure my video card is good so I can return it if not.

Finally, I ran 3dmark01 this morning but when I came back it had stopped cause it said the window had lost focus. So I ran it again a while ago but as soon as the first test started WinXP rebooted and started again and said there was a "serious error." This concerns me. I just tried to run the benchmarks again and they are running so not sure if I should be concerned about this "one time" error.

thx

 

[Gamingphreek]

1st how about a link to your systems specs.

2nd i would recommend just running some of your games instead of 3dMark.

-Kevin

 

[joshc]

Is the link in my signature? I just set it up so not sure if it works for everyone else.

http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.aspx?id=30069

I don't really play too many games, mostly do software development, etc. so I just wanna do some basic benchmark tests.

Thanks.

 

[joshc]

bump

 

[fstime]

Use 3dmark 03 ( or 05 ) if you want to test the video card, 3dmark01 is mostly about cpu power, with a 6600GT in 03 I would assume you wont get 5-8K, somewhere around there, I wouldn't be concerned about an error if it only happened once, if it does it frequently then i'd be concerned.

Cheers.

 

[joshc]

Alright so I got 3dmark05 now and in the free version you can't change any settings. Is that how eveyrone else runs it then, w/ defaults?

Also, any other recommendations on testing my video card hardware for any problems? I want to detect problems so I can RMA it if needed since this is a new build(1st time!!). I got ATITool and will run that soon for checking artifacts.

thx.