Check out this quick overview of new hardware we've recently received at the WSGF. We're going to start a new game performance analysis series - diving into how different GPUs perform in Eyefinity, 21:9 ultra-widescreen and 4k UHD. Let us know what games you'd like us to test first.
I recently purchased the Dell 30Hz 28" 4k UHD panel. While AussieTimmeh was down for a visit, a few of the local members got together to put it through its paces. We wanted to see how each game handled 4k UHD resolutions, how they would perform with a single Radeon R9 290, and how 30Hz impacted the gameplay experience. In total we tested: Battlefield 4, DiRT Showdown, Natural Selection 2, Guild Wars 2, Torchlight II, Lego Batman 2, Pac-Mac Championship Edition DX+ and Tom Clancy's H.A.W.K.
Embedded below is the YouTube playlist of all the videos. There is a lot of analysis, and a lot of good commentary by all of the members. Some games worked perfectly, some faired okay, and others were simply unplayable. Come see how your favorite game performed, and whether 4k UHD was preferred over 1080p, Eyefinity or 21:9.
Tek Syndicate got the details from Dell. It is a TN panel (but apparently a good one), has DP and mini-DP inputs, and DP out. With it being 30Hz at 4k, I wonder if it can do 60Hz at 2k (2560x1440) or 1080p.
Based on two reports from Engadget, both LG and Samsung are poised to showcase 105" Ultra HD TVs sporting a 21:9 "ultra widescreen" aspect ratio. Both displays are curved, and sport a resolution of 5,120 x 2,160 - a total of 11.06M pixels.
By comparison a "4K UHD" display has 8.29M pixels, making these sets basically 5.3K UHD". By way of comparison, a 5x1-Portrait Eyefinity configuration has 10.4M pixels, and an aspect ratio of 25.3:9 - just wider than the 21:9 aspect ratio here. Recently announced 3440x1440 21:9 displays have 4.93M pixels (roughly 2.5 HD), and just under half the pixels of these new massive panels.
If you've got the money for one of these new displays, you can compare performance to any 5x1-Portrait Eyefinity benchmarks out there. Until this resolution makes its eventual way to PC displays, you can keep on the lookout for the 34" 3440x1440 panels which will require half the horsepower.
Dell has released its first two 4k UHD panels. The UltraSharp UP2414Q is a 24" model sporting an anti-glare IPS LED panel with mini-DP, DP 1.2a and HDMI connections. The UltraSharp UP3214Q is a 32" panel with the same connections and an anti-glare IGZO LCD panel.
Both models sport USB 3.0 hubs. They can do 60Hz over the mini-DP or DP connections, and 30Hz over the HDMI. The UP2414Q retails for $1,399, and the UP3214Q retails for $3,499. Dell is also promising a 28" 4k UHD panel at "sub $1,000" pricing in early 2014. I'm wondering what features will be cut for to get this panel under $1000. I don't see them going non-IPS, as a TN panel at this resolution would be a waste. I'm guessing that it won't be part of the UltraSharp line.
The 24" seems a bit small for this many pixels, but the price is in line with the existing 30" panel. I'd love to get the 32", but right now that price is out of reach. Here's hoping the 28" panel has the right features.
HDMI Licensing officially announced HDMI 2.0. The v2 spec has 18Gbps bandwidth and can carry 3,840 x 2,160 resolution video at @ 60fps. The connector itself is unchanged, and HDMI Licensing claims current high-speed Category 2 wires can handle the increased bandwidth. Additionally, some companies have suggested upgrade paths for UHDTVs already on the market, and the new spec will natively support 21:9 widescreen displays.
Renegade Ops is a action shooter that has you taking control of 1 of 5 vehicles (6 if you include the helicopter) and using them to shoot your way though the army of a mad man calling himself Inferno. The game works well on a multi-montor setups, scaling correctly, but as is common the HUD is fixed to the edges of the screen, also the score popups appear to be stretched. Once again if your monitors width is larger than 1920 pixels and you have lots of bandwidth, set the quality to original and play the video in full screen for a much higher quality.
Direct Video Link: Renegade Ops (Triple Monitors / Eyefinity / Surround) [~4K]
Forum Thread: [#19036]
Anno 2070 is best described as a City Builder / Economics Simulator / Real Time Strategy, the game has you building an maintaining a city while trying to manage your resources while sometimes trying to fend off hostile NPCs or players that want your resources for themselves. The game works relatively well on a multi-montor setups, game scales correctly, with the main issues being the HUD is bound to the edge of the screen. Once again if your monitors width is larger than 1920 pixels and you have lots of bandwidth, set the quality to original and play the video in full screen for a much higher quality.
Direct Video Link: Anno 2070 (Triple Monitors / Eyefinity / Surround) [~4K]
Forum Thread: [#18716]
X3: Albion Prelude is an stand alone add-on for Terran Conflict, and is designed to explain the changes in the X-Universe between X3:TC and X-Rebirth when it comes out next year, the game uses the same engine as Terran Conflict, so its horizontal plus with correctly scaled HUD but the interface does span all 3 screens. Once again if your monitors width is larger than 1920 pixels and you have lots of bandwidth, set the quality to original and play the video in full screen for a much higher quality.
Video Link: X3: Albion Prelude (Triple Monitors / Eyefinity / Surround) [~4K]
Forum Thread: [#18632]
Trine 2 is a puzzle platformer that can be played in Co-Op for up to 3 people, the game does render correctly to horizontal plus but unfortunately the menu, HUD and cutscreens are all stretched. I have an extended version but that won't be ready till tomorrow. Once again if your monitors width is larger than 1920 pixels and you have lots of bandwidth, set the quality to original and play the video in full screen for a much higher quality.
Video Link: Trine 2 (Triple Monitors / Eyefinity / Surround) [~4K]
Forum Thread: Trine 2 (Triple Monitors / Eyefinity / Surround) [~4K] Video
