3DMark03

Name: 3DMark03
Availability: Discontinued
Author: UL

3DMark03 was a GPU benchmark from Futuremark (now UL Solutions) released in February 2003. It tested graphics card performance using DirectX 9.0 rendering tests with game-like 3D scenes, producing a score for comparing hardware across different systems.

What it did

The benchmark ran a series of 3D rendering tests including game scenes (Wings of Fury, Battle of Proxycon), fill rate tests, vertex and pixel shader tests, and a CPU-bound test. Each test stressed different aspects of the GPU and produced a combined 3DMark score. Higher scores meant better gaming performance.

Results could be uploaded to Futuremark's database for comparison with other users' hardware. The benchmark was used by reviewers, hardware enthusiasts, and overclockers to evaluate and compare graphics cards.

Advantages

Standard benchmark for its DirectX 9 era
Visually impressive test scenes for 2003
Comparative database for hardware ranking
Now available free as legacy benchmark

Drawbacks

DirectX 9.0 tests are irrelevant for modern GPUs
Cannot measure current GPU capabilities
Modern GPUs max it out instantly
3DMark Time Spy or Steel Nomad are current GPU benchmarks

Who it was for

3DMark03 was for hardware enthusiasts and reviewers benchmarking DirectX 9 graphics cards in 2003-2006. Modern GPUs render its tests without breaking a sweat. For current GPU benchmarking, 3DMark Time Spy (DirectX 12) and Steel Nomad test modern hardware properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was 3DMark03?

A GPU benchmark from Futuremark that tested DirectX 9.0 graphics performance with 3D game scenes, producing a comparative score for hardware ranking.

Can 3DMark03 test modern GPUs?

No meaningfully. Modern GPUs max out its DirectX 9 tests instantly. Use 3DMark Time Spy (DirectX 12) or Steel Nomad for current hardware.

What GPU benchmarks should I use today?

3DMark Time Spy for DirectX 12, 3DMark Steel Nomad for latest GPUs, or UNIGINE Superposition for stress testing. All have free versions.

Features & How-To Guide

#	Feature	How to use
1	GPU performance testing	Click Run 3DMark › Benchmark renders 4 graphics tests and returns point score (3DMarks).
2	DirectX 9 GPU tests	Runs 4 GPU tests: Wings of Fury/Battle of Proxycon/Trolls' Lair/Mother Nature. Tests shader model 1.1-2.0.
3	CPU performance tests	Two CPU tests measure processor performance in physics calculations and artificial intelligence in 3D scene.
4	Display detailed results	After test click Details › Displays FPS for each test separately plus total score.
5	Test resolution change	Settings › Resolution › Choose resolution (640x480 to 2048x1536). Higher resolution = harder test.
6	Program type filtering	Settings › Texture Filtering › Choose mode (Bilinear/Trilinear/Anisotropic). Tests different filtering methods.
7	Software and license information	System Info › Displays details of CPU/GPU/RAM/DirectX/drivers used during test.
8	Online result comparison 2	After test click Compare Online › Results sent to Futuremark database › Comparison with other computers.
9	Single test execution	Settings › Uncheck tests you want to skip. Allows running only selected tests instead of full benchmark.
10	Enable and disable antialiasing	Settings › Anti-Aliasing › Choose level (None/2x/4x/6x). Tests effect of edge smoothing on performance.
11	Loop mode	Settings › Looping › Check Loop Tests › Set number of repetitions. For stability and temperature tests.
12	Test result saving	File › Save Results › Saves benchmark result to .3dr file for later comparison.