SPEC seeks applications, algorithms & workloads for new Workstation Performance Benchmark

The Standard Performance Evaluation Corp (SPEC) is seeking help to develop a new workstation performance benchmark.

The Graphics and Workstation Performance Group (SPEC/GWPG) is seeking applications, algorithms and workloads that measures the performance of workstations running CAE (Computer Aided Engineering),  digital media and entertainment, finance, health sciences and energy. The tests should be scalable (i.e. support multi-core processors), preferably solve large problems, support multiple architectures and be freely available to the public.

For more information, see the workstation benchmark overview on the SPEC website.

Benchmarking the FirePro V7900, V5900 and V4900 - V4900 shined on SPECapc Lightwave

Jon Peddie Research benchmarked the new AMD FirePro V7900, V5900 and V4900 using SPEC’s Viewperf 11 to isolate the stress on the graphics boards, and SPECapc (Lightwave and 3ds Max), Cadalyst and Cinebench to get a handle on how well the boards support whole-system performance. Interestingly the inexpensive ($189) V4900 shines in many of the tests. 

“In the FirePro V7900 and V5900 boards, we see the first workstation-caliber usage for Cayman, and the results are what we expected. Both offer compelling price/performance, and the V7900 manages a reasonable-but-not-overwhelming advantage over the V5900”

“As the first and only FirePro board to tap the Turks GPU, the V4900 demonstrated some very compelling price performance.”

Performance Comparison in AutoCAD between NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800 and AMD FirePro V5800

This article was contributed by: Antonio Fontenele - http://www.antoniofontenele.arq.br

This article is also available as a downloadable pdf.

The main objective of this article is to compare the performance of two graphics adapters which are certified by Autodesk to use with AutoCAD. The test methodology started with the installation of Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit in a formatted hard disk, and then all fixes of Windows Update were applied. Further, AutoCAD 2011 Trial was installed, as well, all graphic benchmarking software were installed too. Then, we installed NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800 in a PCI Express 2.0 slot, and we installed the latest graphics driver certified by Autodesk (based on its Graphic Hardware List). So, we started the first performance tests, and we captured all the possible screen images of them. Finally, we installed AMD FirePro V5800 also with the latest graphics driver certified by Autodesk, and we started again the same performance tests, and we captured all the screen images of them.

With GPU-Z 0.5.1 software from TechPowerUp, we identified the technical specifications of boths graphics cards:

In the first sight, we can verify that FirePro has more memory than Quadro, and it also has a fastest GPU. There is some differences in the adopted memory technologies: GDDR3 memories works with 2 data per clock pulse while GDDR5 works with 4 data per clock pulse. In Amazan.com web site, Quadro is more expensive than FirePro.

However, the question is: Will FirePro has more performance than Quadro due its technical specifications?

Windows 7 Experience Index:

First, we started with the simplest test by using the Windows 7 Experience Index. This index rates the performance of key hardware components such as the CPU, disk drive, and graphics card. The PC is then given a score between 1.0 and 7.9.

Through Windows 7 Experience Index, Quadro earned 6.7 points while FirePro earned a higher score equal to 7.3. This is means about 108.95% performance gain.

FurMark v1.8.2:

FurMark is a very intensive OpenGL benchmark that uses fur rendering algorithms to measure the performance of the graphics card. Fur rendering is especially adapted to overheat the GPU and that's why FurMark is also a perfect stability and stress test tool (also called GPU burner) for the graphics card. After all tests, it gives a score to the graphics card:

In FurMark v1.8.2 test, Quadro earned 1399 points while FirePro earned a higher score equal to 2408 points. This is means about 172.12% performance gain for algorhythms that simulates animal's fur, grass and vegetation.

Passmark Performance Test 7.0:

Passmark company developed a software called Performance Test which also evaluates DirectX 3D graphics system performance. After all tests, it gives a score to the graphics card:

Performance Test 7.0 test, Quadro earned 770.1 points while FirePro earned a higher score equal to 1702.9 points. This is means about 221.12% performance gain for DirectX 3D graphics, therefore, the double.

3DMark06:

The famous 3DMark06 was created by FutureMark company and it was developed the test DirectX9 graphics performance. It tested more than 8.5 million of systems around the world, and it was chosen by graphics companies as of the best benchmark software for graphics cards. After all tests, it gives a score to the graphics card:

 NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800 Score

 AMD FirePro V5800 Score

In 3DMark06 test, Quadro earned 9689 3DMarks while FirePro earned a higher score equal to 15295 3DMarks. This is means about 157.86% performance gain for DirectX9 graphics.

Cadalyst Systems Benchmark c2011:

The famous CAD magazine Cadalyst created the Cadalyst Systems Benchmark to test and compare systems running AutoCAD. We installed Cadalyst Systems Benchmark 2011 release. As NVIDIA and AMD offer optimized drivers for AutoCAD, we downloaded the latest release of theses drivers, and we tested AutoCAD using it, and using the Autodesk default driver.

In Cadalyst Systems Benchmark 2011 test, Quadro a little faster than FirePro while using AutoCAD default drivers due c2011_8.dwg file score, but it was slower than FirePro in the other files (where FirePro was 102.32% faster). However, using AutoCAD optimized drivers, Quadro earned 613 points while FirePro earned a higher score equal to 2060 points. This is means about 336.05% faster in AutoCAD 2011.

Summing Up

After all tests, we verified that AMD FirePro V5800 is faster than NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800, and both has similar price, while in AutoCAD FirePro with its optimized drivers was 3.4 times faster than Quadro.

Performance Measurement Information:

• Processor: Intel Core i7 2600 K 3.40 GHz
• Motherboard: Asus P8 H67-M EVO
• Memory: 16 GB RAM DDR3
• Hard Disk: Samsung 80 GB 5.400 RPM

Test Date:

• September 24th, 2011.

Dados do Autor do Teste:

Antonio "Toni" Fontenele is a 40 year-old Brazilian architect that lives in Brazil's southeast region in the city of Itajai, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. He started to work with computers when he was just 12 years old. He began to use Autodesk software in 1992 starting with AutoCAD R10 and 3D Studio R1. Since then, he's taught many building design professionals. He also writes articles for the most popular Brazilian CAD magazine, CADesign, where he talks about CAD management, AutoCAD and Autodesk Architectural Desktop. Since 2000, He and his design team developed more than 360 residential architectural designs using ADT and more than 6,000 presentation renderings using 3D Studio Viz R3. He was also invited to join Autodesk's Beta Program helping test their software in real-environment tasks. AutoCAD 2012 has a feature suggested by him: A blip to mark the first point of a polyline, while the user is drafting one. At the end of 2000, Autodesk's Usability Team brought him to the attention of AUGI and he was invited to join a team that translated the old AUGI website from English to Portuguese. Since then, he has been involved with the AUGI Training Program faculty for many semesters. He still occasionally helps AUGI members with translating Portuguese messages to and from other AUGI members. He is an ATC Instructor and he was certified by Autodesk as AutoCAD 2009/2010/2011 Certified Professional, AutoCAD 2009/2010/2011 Certified Associate, AutoCAD Architecture 2009 Certified Professional and AutoCAD Architecture 2009 Certified Associate at Autodesk University 2008/2009/2010.

Supermicro X9SCA Sandybridge Workstation/Server Mainboard + FirePro V7900 review

3DProfessor has just published a series of benchmarks and review on the Supermicro X9SCA Workstation/Server Mainboard (Intel C204 PCH Chipset with the new Xeon E3-1200 family). The new system is focused on higher performance-per-watt and performance-per-dollar.  The graphics performance using the AMD FirePro V7900 was of course again worth pointing out.

SPECapc for 3ds Max 2011 explained and tested on FirePro and Quadro cards

Although SPECapc for 3ds Max may just seem like another benchmark, it is worth noting that millions of buyers head straight for the SPEC website as their point of choice in the decision making for purchase.  So it is useful to better understand what this benchmarks tests.  3DProfessor does just this in his new SPECapc for 3ds Max 2011 article.

Here’s the gist: “SPECapc for 3ds Max 2011 is a comprehensive test suite that exercises diverse aspects of 3ds Max 2011 performance, including modelling, interactive graphics, CPU and GPU (including use of the Autodesk Quicksilver engine). It includes 58 separate tests - including tests that build and render a city scene containing nearly 32-million polygons (faces) in real time - providing a complete performance picture for systems running 3ds Max 2011.” A complete run of the tests can take up to 3 - 4 hours.

The professor runs tests on the new FirePro V7900 ($746 on Amazon), as well as the FirePro V8800 ($1160 on Amazon) and 4 GB FirePro V9800 ($3120 on Amazon).  He also runs tests on the Quadro 4000 ($729 on Amazon), 5000 ($1781 on Amazon), and 6000 ($3950 on Amazon). 

The notables are:  the FirePro V7900 has some amazing performance levels (even still with early drivers!), that I am attributing to GeometryBoost, beating out the price-comparable Quadro 4000 but also the FirePro V8800 and V9800 for large model composite score and not far behind the Quadro 5000.  If price and power consumption are no object, then the Quadro 6000 is also a notable powerhouse for large models.

Side-by-side video comparison of AMD FirePro V7900 vs Nvidia Quadro 4000 in CATIA

Side-by-side video comparison of the AMD FirePro V7900 (with GeometryBoost) vs the Nvidia Quadro 4000 running the CATIA CATBench benchmark on identical HP Z600 workstations. Both cards have 2 GB GDDR5 frame buffers and are similarly priced.

The CATbench benchmark uses a number of different models ranging in size from an engine block to an entire nuclear submarine assembly. It performs a set number of pans, zooms and rotations in shaded plus edges graphics mode.

The video speaks for itself - basically a 2:1 performance advantage for the V7900 overall.  Where the difference is really apparent is with the complex large models.  That is in part GeometryBoost in action.

3D Professor reviews the FirePro V7900 “The Red Devil”

If you haven’t already had enough of the great reviews over the FirePro V7900 3D Professor adds another to the fold, but in his own unique way.  One point he makes pretty clearly is what a significant upgrade this is from past generations, specifically the V7800 (e.g. FirePro V7900 Cayman Pro GL graphics processor can process over 1450 million triangles per second whereas the V7800 a meagre 700 million) as well as emphasizing price/performance.

Quick Takeaway:
After many years of paying premiums for entry level high-end workstations we have solutions (in the FirePro V7900) that are affordable and have the power within to provide the end-users a substantial stable workstation that will last for some time to come.  We have over the last few weeks completely stressed this card to its fullest without any complications.  This professional graphics card has to offer plenty of room for expansion in whichever way it is utilized; as a home gamer, SoHo Workstation.  Or, and more appropriate within the corporate market place as an upgrade to the standalone desktop unit as there is so much power within.  The studios, CAD/CAM and DCC market has obtained an important injection of technology which will further advance their current systems and once more reiterating, a sound solid fast system for productivity output. Consequently and once more we have to reiterate the objectivity of price performance.

Dell T1500 desktop PC with ATI FirePro v4800 is a powerhouse -  Computer Reseller News

The CRN Test Center recently reviewed the Dell T1500 Precison desktop PC with ATI FirePro v4800 graphics card.

From the review:
“The machine was impressive even before performance tests were run. Just 35 seconds from power-on, the unit was ready to accept keyboard and mouse input. Geekbench performance was outstanding.” ... “We ran the 64-bit version of Geekbench 2.1.11, under which the Precision delivered a top score of 9,286, faster than any other production desktop PC we’ve tested.

Helping propel this performance was the ATI FirePro, which also earns it AutoCAD certification. With 400 streaming cores, this card has enough processors to run a small city.”

CG Channel reviews the current FirePro line top to bottom for DCC work

While there have been many reviews about the newest line of FirePro cards, this one on CG Channel is focused on the DCC market and looks at a wide range of benchmarks as well as real world and practical use scenarios. 

It falls into that rare camp of reviews that are actually an interesting read, and not just robotic readout of benchmarks.

What are some of the take aways:

• You will get addicted to having 3 or more displays that work together “you’ve got Max or Maya open one of the 30-inchers, Photoshop on the other, ZBrush or Mudbox running on the Cintiq, and your reference art or a web browser open on the 22-inch display!”
• The V8800 and V7800 are awesome for DCC performance (and even good for gaming!)
• The v5800 best balances performance, features and price. Great choice unless you have really huge models or superdense meshes.
• The V3800 would be a good entry-level AutoCAD or SolidWorks card as CAD projects tend to not use the high-resolution textures and complex pixel shaders that DCC app do.
• OpenCL apps are not really here, but when they come, these cards will suddenly take on additional new life.

Eyefinty technology will make your eyes boggle - TechEye tests 6 X 24” displays using FirePro V9800

TechEye reviewed the Eyefinity technology using the FirePro V9800 and 6 X 24” monitors. They wanted to see what the maximum performance hit was from the ATI FirePro V9800, at peak resolution, while under load using SolidWorks and Bentley MicroStation.

Results summary from SolidWorks and Bentley MicroStation Benchmark test quoted below:

“Starting out using Solidworks and using one monitor with the ATI FirePro V9800 brought in a graphical score of 3.81. The next sequence was four monitors running the application and two showing just the windows desktop. To our surprise the actual graphical score of 3.67 had dropped only by 0.14. Finally we pushed the whole six displays into one 5760 x 2400 unit and the final run took us by surprise again, showing a fine drop of only 0.13 with a graphical result of 3.54. The overall monitor increase only saw a very minor decrease in the final graphical output, an exceptionally good result.”

“We ran the Bentley MicroStation Benchmark to double check. These backed up our initial findings - it has to be reiterated, watching professional tests which absolutely stretch the V9800 chip to the limits, we wondered if it would be too much. But the V9800 didn’t falter once.”

See full review.