Catalyst 10-3 Performance Analysis
Conclusion
At this point, it is safe to conclude that the Catalyst 10.3a driver is where you want to be for Radeon performance. With significant improvements over 10.2 in the HD 4000 series, we see this driver take charge and show itself approved. What was surprising is that in many titles we see the final 10.3 driver falling short of its preview counterpart, the 10.3a; this was disappointing.
The above image serves to show that the newly-released HD 5830 is not supported in the Catalyst 10.2 driver set. Comparisons with the 10.3a and the 10.3 show more or less give-and-take performance. The 10.3 marginally took 9 of the 15 benchmarks. World in Conflict was a draw right across, while the others were either split on the resolution used or fell in favour of the 10.3a. When 10.3a won, it was usually by a considerable margin, still giving it the advantage.
Without a widespread representation, it is hard to say if this behaviour will continue across the rest of the 5000 series but the HD 5830 should be a good basis on which to draw such a conclusion. I would suggest that you make your driver choice based on the games you play as there is no clear cut winner as with the 4000 series.
Bottom Line: Catalyst 10.3a is the best performing ATI driver set at the moment.
Check back later this month as we look to analyze the performance of Catalyst 10.4 versus the 10.3 drivers. Until then, happy gaming!
–
Leon Hyman
Senior Editor
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