HIS All-In-Wonder 9600 XT

Doom 3

Doom 3 performance proves to be very linear and is dependant on both core and memory clocks. The image quality is exceptional, considering that these are mid-range performing graphics cards. Even with game detail set to Medium Quality, the Doom 3 experience is more than realistic. In fact, id software have done such a good job of compressing the textures that you actually get the same game experience as you do with an X800 XT Platinum Edition at 1600x1200 with "High Quality" texture detail.

We are most impressed by the performance and feel that you get from this title. With Catalyst 4.9 beta, known as the Doom 3 booster, you can be garaunteed a few more frames per second. This should bring the 9600 PRO up to a very playable level at the detail settings used. There is also no need for Anti-Aliasing or Anisotropic Filtering in order to make this game look good - there's more improvements to be had by selecting a higher resolution.

Counter-Strike: Source Beta

As we've mentioned previously, Counter-Strike: Source has an element of CPU limitation; this is still the case, even with mainstream graphics boards. You can, however, see that there is a reasonably linear performance spectrum. It is not quite as noticeable as the differences in performance that you see above in Doom 3, but it shows that Counter-Strike: Source will work on a wide-range of graphics cards with great image quality across the board. With both Anti-Aliasing and Anisotropic Filtering enabled in conjunction with the maximum quality details, we can see that the game textures are compressed to a respectable size that allows for good-looking performance, even from a mainstream part.

Far Cry v1.2

Performance in Far Cry proves to be interesting - the 9600 XT performs very close to the higher-clocked AIW 9600 XT, while the 9600 PRO is a considerable distance behind the two. For reference purposes, I ran the 9600 PRO at 800x600, and it turned out to be fully playable at a shade under 40 frames per second. Enabling very high game details had a much more satisfying effect on the playability and image quality than running with Anti-Aliasing and Anisotropic Filtering on a lower game detail. The bushes, grass and trees really help to make the Far Cry environment much more realistic than you could expect to get from reducing the quality and increasing the driver details.