3DMark06 is a fundamental tool for every PC user interested in 3D graphics and performance. 3DMark06 will measure your PC`s 3D performance in next generation games, reliably compare the latest high end gaming hardware, and show you amazing real-time 3D graphics. By using 3DMark06 and the Online ResultBrowser web service, you will get:
- The 3DMark score - a globally recognized and comparable measurement of the 3D performance of your PC.
- SM2.0 Score - a new comparable measurement of the 3D ShaderModel 2.0 performance of your PC.
- HDR/SM3.0 Score - a new comparable measurement of the 3D ShaderModel 3.0 & HDR performance of your PC.
- CPU Score - a comparable measurement of the CPU performance of your PC.
- A comparison of your machine and the fastest PCs on the planet.
- An educated estimate as to how much better your system will perform with certain upgrades.
- A view into the next generation of real-time 3D graphics.

3DMark06 is concentrated on measuring the performance of the latest DirectX 9 generation of 3D hardware using the technology of next generation games. Earlier 3DMark versions have usually been launched with the introduction of a new Microsoft DirectX version and with the introduction of a new generation of hardware. This has somewhat limited how much 3DMark has utilized the new hardware features. At the time of this writing, DirectX 9 was introduced nearly three years ago, and there is now DX9 generation hardware available from the very high end to value and mobile parts. 3DMark06 can fully utilize 100% of the features of DirectX 9. In fact, DirectX 9 hardware with support for ShaderModel 3.0 is required to run all the tests of 3DMark06, resulting in the ultimate tool for DirectX 9 hardware performance comparison. DirextX 9 graphics cards limited to ShaderModel 2.X are still capable of running most of the tests, and getting a perfectly valid and comparable 3DMark result.

3DMark06 highlights:
- Two HDR/SM3.0 graphics tests, requiring DirectX 9 hardw