Our next graphics test is Metro 2033, another graphically challenging game. Since IVB is the first Intel GPU to feature DX11 capabilities, this is the first time an Intel GPU has been able to run Metro in DX11 mode. Like Crysis this is a game that is traditionally unplayable on Intel iGPUs, even in DX9 mode.

Here the Llano gap shrinks to about 13—25% depending on the resolution/quality settings. AMD still has the clear advantage in GPU performance, but Intel does step closer. The performance advantage over Sandy Bridge ranges from 20—40%. With these sorts of numbers it's clear why Intel views Ivy Bridge as being a tick+. Generational performance improvements on the CPU side generally fall in the 20—40% range. As you've just seen, Ivy Bridge offers a 7—15% increase in CPU performance over Sandy Bridge—making it a bonafide tick from a CPU perspective. The 20—40% increase on the graphics side is what blurs the line between a conventional tick and what we have with Ivy Bridge.

Intel HD 4000 Performance: Crysis Warhead Intel HD 4000 Performance: DiRT 3
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  • sld - Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - link

    .... and in this multivariate comparison you choose to ignore the superior battery life which makes Llano a serious competitor in the mobile space.
  • midn8t - Thursday, June 28, 2012 - link

    this the frames pre secound for CPU, you cant really figure out well when gamming its all mostly based around what ever video card they used, in this artical so I would have to guess that they might have used diffrent GPU video card in each system.

    obivuously they cant use same motherboard for amd vs intel

    Also I find it wired that other reciews have Rated the phenom II x6 lower in preformance then the FX chip makes it wired how these review claims that the phenom II which is lower grade CPU is more powerfull then the top of the line AMD product out.
  • zeagus - Wednesday, April 25, 2012 - link

    A huge chunk of text is spent explaining how while its a step in the right direction, they need to do more on the GPU side of the equation. Take off your strangely coloured glasses.
  • wingless - Monday, April 23, 2012 - link

    EDIT: I'M NOT KIDDING. I bought my 2600K the Friday before last for $199 and paired it with an ASUS P8Z77-V PRO. Ivy Bridge is simply too hot and lacks OC performance.

    I overclock so I WILL be keeping my 2600K for the foreseeable future!
  • fredisdead - Sunday, April 29, 2012 - link

    So HD4000 igp is weaker than last gen Brazos ?? Based on the leaked Trinity benchmarks, Trinity blows any Intel igp into the weeds, never mind the ( already 1.5 yr old ) Brazos, which is 'only' 5% faster.
  • fredisdead - Sunday, April 29, 2012 - link

    So HD4000 igp is weaker than last gen Brazos ?? Based on the leaked Trinity benchmarks, Trinity blows any Intel igp into the weeds, never mind the ( already 1.5 yr old ) Brazos, which is 'only' 5% faster.
  • 1ceTr0n - Monday, April 23, 2012 - link

    I'll keep my 2500k @ 4.6ghz

    Not kidding
  • smookyolo - Monday, April 23, 2012 - link

    And I'll keep mine at 4.9GHz.

    But that's just because I'll be waiting for the tock, not the tick.

    I will however be getting a Ivy Bridge Laptop soon.
  • Flunk - Monday, April 23, 2012 - link

    Me too, the 2500K is a great chip. Especially with watercooling.
  • Ratman6161 - Monday, April 23, 2012 - link

    For anyone like me who already has a Sandy Bridge quad core (mine's a 2600K) it wouldn't make a lot of sense to "upgrade" to an Ivy bridge. But for those with older systems looking to upgrade, these actually seem like pretty good deals. @ $313 the 3770K is cheaper than the 2700K and cheaper than the typical price on a 2600K (unless like me you are lucky enough to live near a Micro Center).

    As to those complaining about graphics, come on. Will anyone who really cares a lot about graphics, particularly gaming, be using the on board graphics anyway?

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