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Albatron 6600GT
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Min
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Max
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Avg
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No AA/AF, 1280x1024
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25
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62
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46.23
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4xAA/4xAF, 1024x768
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20
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62
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41.13
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Without graphic enhancements, the Albatron PC6600GT handles UT2K4 quite well, even at 1280x1024 (dedicated gamers will probably want to lower some of the settings from high to ensure a consistent 60 and up for online play, something that is certainly achievable). The graph is pretty much consistent in its ups and downs, with the particularly high spikes indicating a smaller area for the card to render. This matches the faster paced nature of the gameplay. Adding some AA and/or AF slows thing down quite a bit, as even with 2xAA and 4xAF, the framerates spike lower more often, and this can often be detrimental to your health. 4xAA and 4xAF at 1024x768 would be considered playable for most, and if its just some offline action I would be happy, but check out the screenshots below.
Image Quality
1024x768, No AA, No AF
6600GT left, X600XT right
There is an obvious difference between the 0xAA/0xAF and 4xAA/4xAF but put the 2xAA/4xAF next to the 4xAA/4xAF and you have to look harder for the differences in image quality. Now add in the fact that you are moving pretty fast in this game and the choice of what level of enhancements to choose becomes easier.
1024x768, 2xAA, 4xAF
6600GT left, X600XT right
The image quality is worth going to 2xAA, but the performance hit, while quite mild, is enough to make me think twice about moving up to 4xAA especially since 2xAA looks almost as good as 4x.
1024x768, 4xAA, 4xAF
6600GT left, X600XT right
Need For Speed: Underground 2
A quick blast around town to view the sites and outrun the other drivers.
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Albatron 6600GT
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Min
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Max
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Avg
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2x AA/2xAF, 1280x1024
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23
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37
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30.63
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8xAA/8xAF, 1024x768
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29
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44
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38.99
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Despite only averaging 39 fps, the nature of the games visuals (the emphasis being on your car and the city skyline) and the fast paced action make this quite playable. You will notice slow downs during the rain and getting off the startline but for a quick blast around the city 8xAA, 8xAF at 1024x768 is fine. This is a game that looks a lot better the higher the resolution, and while the fast pace makes anti-aliasing less of an issue, it is nice to just soften the edges a little regardless. Going for 2xAA and 2xAF, we get borderline playable rates at 1280x1024. For online play you will likely want to run at something like 2xAA, 8xAF at 1024x768 to ensure high frame rates during the rain and at the startline while still preventing the blurring as the road stretches off into the distance.
Image Quality
1024x768, No AA, No AF
6600GT left, X600XT right
Checking out the image quality and keeping in mind the online play statement above, if you compare the NoAA, NoAF screenshot to the 2x/8x screenshot, you'll see a noticeable difference (look carefully at the carbon fibre hood). This difference lessens as we increase the anti-aliasing, enough to make me favour (along with the performance) 2xAA with 8xAF.
1024x768, 6600GT
2xAA/8xAF left, 4xAA/8xAF mid, 8xAA/8xAF right
