Codename: Sandy Bridge

[Pasi_FM]

We have another contest lined up for you with our partners Foxconn, Intel, Kingmax, Inwin, GlacialTech and FSP.

This contest is based on Intel's Sandy Bridge platform which has quickly risen to be very popular with 3DMark users. Our Hardware Center shows that currently Intel Core i7-2600K and Intel Core i5-2500K are the two most popular CPU's, so enthusiasts and overclockers have clearly embraced Sandy Bridge.

Contest runs from April 15th to May 15th and has two different categories:

1) Integrated

This segment is run with 3DMark Vantage using the Performance preset.

Contestants must use only Sandy Bridge integrated graphics for this segment, highest score wins.

2) Discrete

This segment is run with 3DMark 11 using the Performance preset.

Contestants must use a Sandy Bridge based CPU for this segment with any discrete graphics cards, highest score wins.

Usual disclaimers on result validity apply. Commercially available hardware only with Futuremark approved drivers.

See contest page for details: http://www.3dmark.com/competitions/sandybridge/


Note on approved drivers:
Catalyst 11.2 and 11.3 drivers are currently _not approved_ for official 3DMark 11 use or the Hall of Fame and may not be allowed for this contest. The approval process is ongoing and any changes to this will be posted in this thread.

[Pasi_FM]

A clarification to the rules, for the discrete contest contestants can only use a single discrete graphics card.

[Pasi_FM]

Due to the server problems with our Amazon Cloud hosting, the automatically updating leaderboards are out of action for the time being.

It is currently unsure whether the page can be restored during the ongoing Easter weekend, but all incoming submits are honored in the contest.

[Lucky_n00b]

Hi Mr. Pasi,

For the integrated GPU category, can we use Intel driver 8.15.10.2342 (latest on their website) ?

Or we need to use the approved driver (which iirc 8.15.10.2086 version) ?

Thank you ,

[Pasi_FM]

Hi Mr. Pasi,

For the integrated GPU category, can we use Intel driver 8.15.10.2342 (latest on their website) ?

Or we need to use the approved driver (which iirc 8.15.10.2086 version) ?

Thank you ,

Hey,

The approved drivers page was apparently lagging a bit, the 8.15.10.2342 has been approved and is valid for this contest.

[Pasi_FM]

We also have an additional prize for week 3, in addition to the FSP AURUM GOLD 700 Power Supply there is now also a T.B.VEGAS TRIO fan from Enermax to win.

[ewitte]

Hmm need to do some official runs with my 2720qm :) I got a pretty good score this morning but did not check drivers or even submit it.

EDIT: Drivers approved but it does not recognize the CPU so I guess its not going to accept it

http://3dmark.com/3dmv/3118096

[GUN'G'STAR]

why this score is not in leaderboard?
http://3dmark.com/3dm11/1092974

[gnidaol]

I think that is because of a non single discrete card setup...
The staff could confirm that, but it's written on the rules..

[Lucky_n00b]

Wow, someone already hitting 4k , the IGP almost have the same performance of the GT425M, Nice one

Mine was hitting P25xx at the moment with 15xx Mhz,

I'm really want to know the clockspeed of the GMA HD3000 mobile on that 4k run, is it about 2200Mhz++ ?