3DMark2001SE	Source: FutureMark

By combining DirectX8 support with completely new graphics, it continues to provide good overall system benchmarks. 3DMark2001SE has been created in cooperation with the major 3D accelerator and processor manufacturers to provide a reliable set of diagnostic tools. The suite demonstrates 3D gaming performance by using real-world gaming technology to test a system's true performance abilities. Tests include: DirectX8 Vertex Shaders, Pixel Shaders and Point Sprites, DOT3 and Environment Mapped Bump Mapping, support for Full Scene Anti-aliasing and Texture Compression and two game tests using Ipion real-time physics.

Higher numbers denote better performance.

3DMark2001SE Benchmark Results with AA+AF
	Video Card	FPS	Ranking
1.	Gigabyte GV-NV57U128D 2x AA, 8x AF	10950
2.	Gigabyte GV-NV57U128D 4x AA, 8x AF	8650

The Gigabyte GV-NV57U128D has enough power to break 10k in 3DMark2001 despite having 2x AA and 8x AF enabled! Very nice for a mainstream videocard!

X2 The Threat	Source: Egosoft

A completely rewritten 3D engine based on DirectX8 encompasses many visual effects such as volumetric Nebulae (gas clouds) that have a real impact in the game (you can hide in them), many new engine, shield, weapon and explosion effects. Objects cast real dynamic 3D shadows! Dynamic DP3 bump mapping allows a previously unseen level of detail.

X2 The Threat 1024x768-32bit with AA+AF
	Video Card	FPS	Ranking
1.	Gigabyte GV-NV57U128D 2x AA, 8x AF	75.062
2.	Gigabyte GV-NV57U128D 4x AA, 8x AF	61.9

2x AA and 8x AF gives barely playable framerates. Anything higher though and it really is too much for the videocard.

Unreal Tournament 2003	Source: Epic

Unreal Tournament 2003 is the sequel to 1999's multiple 'Game of the Year' award winner. It uses the very latest Unreal Engine technology - where graphics, sound and game play are taken beyond the bleeding edge. Unreal Tournament 2003 employs the use of Vertex as well as Pixel Shaders and it's recommended that you use a DirectX 8 videocard to get the most out of the game.

UT2003 1024x768 Flyby with AF
	Video Card	FPS	Ranking
1.	Gigabyte GV-NV57U128D 2x AA, 8x AF	109.88
2.	Gigabyte GV-NV57U128D 4x AA, 8x AF	91.96

UT2003 goodness! Decent frame rates and a pretty picture!

Conclusions:

As the dust settles I'd have to say we're really quite pleased with the numbers we have seen from the Gigabyte GV-NV57U128D. While the GeForceFX 5600 Ultra was not really a match for ATi's Radeon 9600 Pro, the GeForceFX 5700 Ultra is easily able to take the 9600XT head on, and produce comparable results. The GV-NV57U128D is a fine example of what you can expect from a GeForceFX 5700 Ultra class videocard.

Considering the Gigabyte GV-NV57U128D is intended for the mainstream market it is really a toss up to which is faster, the Radeon 9600XT or the GeForceFX 5700 Ultra... but one thing is for sure, they're both solutions which would keep you very happy in the game. With its cooling setup, the manufacturer appears to be focusing on low noise primarily, so if you're into overclocking do yourself a favour and opt for a third-party cooling system. I suspect such actions will give you a little more headroom as you try to bump up the core speed.

Ultimately, Gigabyte have done well with the GV-NV57U128D FX5700 Ultra videocard. I'm not certain of the exact retail price at this time, but I'd expect it to be competitive, Gigabyte products always are. If you want a decent gaming card without blowing the budget then check out the Gigabyte GV-NV57U128D!

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