GeForce GTX260+ vs Radeon 4850 Part 2: Image Quality
Transparency/Adaptive Anti-Aliasing Introduction
The transparency/adaptive class of anti-aliasing tackles objects called alpha textures that are not affected by regular multi-sampling.
This usually includes transparent content such as chain-link fences, grass, and individual tree leaves; situations where the developer has chosen to use a texture rather than rendering the content with geometry. Using textures in these situations is faster but since multi-sampling only affects polygon edges, they do not receive AA.
nVidia’s transparency super-sampling (TrAA) and ATi’s quality adaptive anti-aliasing (AAA) are functionally equivalent in that both use sample patterns identical to the base multi-sampling pattern currently in operation, and the samples are super-samples.
The scheme works by resubmitting the texture in question multiple times to the pipeline and shifting the sample position, later averaging the samples into one. Thus the performance hit will be proportional to the amount of alpha textures in the scene. The odd grating or fence won’t impact performance much, but large open areas with masses of vegetation can cause a significant performance impact, even more-so than regular super-sampling.
nVidia’s super-sampling setting is equivalent to ATi’s quality setting, providing both vendors are set to the same multi-sampling level.
This is the best image quality comparison I’ve seen regarding the 4800s and GTX 200s. As always, great job BFG, and thanks for all of the hard work.
Damn, i have to agree. i was lucky to get a preview of this review and i learned a lot from it. BFG10K has been working on and polishing this review for quite some time and his hard work and effort really shows in a deep but very clearly understandable article. He does not waste a single word yet covers what he intends expertly.
Thanks for your support everyone. It’s the readers like you that make it all worthwhile.
I Used to be a die hard nvidia fan – loved my BFG 7950GT,Had a truly fabulous Zotac 8800GT AMP, But my last graphics upgrade has been my first to cross over to ATI and the HD4850. I now have 2 in crossfire (mainly because nvidia motherboards are quite frankly terrible ! Having been unfortunate enough to own a couple i include the Striker 2 extreme in that). I have friends still scared to try anything but NVIDIA or Infact made by BFG -(Great cards,incredible warranty – but have you ever had a gfx card for more than a couple of years ?)- They own 260’s and 280’s but i wouldn’t swap the ATI’s because the gaming performance and picture quality is i’m afraid to dissapoint you – BETTER WITH ATI 4800 SERIES GRAPHICS CARDS. These things happen AMD were great and overclocked for england ,Intel topped them with the core 2’s, Nvidia 8 series were great, GTX200 series came out too expensive and ATI struck gold with the RV770 chipset , swings and roundabouts gentlemen , What counts above all else is FPS per £/$ and that means ATI 4800 .
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