Futuremark today released free updates to its 3DMark06, 3DMark05 and PCMark05 benchmark suites. The 3DMark series is the worldwide industry standard PC benchmark series for objectively measuring and comparing DirectX 3D performance. PCMark05 is positioned as an overall system performance analysis tool for home PCs.

A downloadable full installer updates 3DMark05 to version 1.3.0. Only scores obtained via these new versions, using approved drivers, will be used in official statistics, comparisons and services provided by Futuremark.

To support performance analysis on PC's running Microsoft Windows Vista operating system Futuremark's 3DMark06 and PCMark05 will be Vista enabled. Updated benchmark performance results on Windows Vista systems have been tested and verified by Futuremark as valid and fully comparable. Next generation benchmarks from Futuremark slated for 2007, will be the official native Vista benchmarks from Futuremark.

With these updates, Futuremark introduces a new online result view mode for all editions of the benchmarks, including free versions. Additionally, the Result Analyzer offered in all versions will enable users to get an online analysis of their system, and compare their results. This new online service is one of the key components of Futuremark's next generation of PC benchmarks.

Selected update details are listed below; a full list of fixes and technical data can be found on the Futuremark website. 3DMark05 1.3.0 is not Windows Vista enabled and should only be used on 32 bit Windows XP systems with the latest updates.

3DMark06 1.1.0:

Windows Vista enabled;
Internet Explorer 7 compatibility;
Improved start-up speed by optimizing the SystemInfo component;
Updated SystemInfo component with support for the latest CPU and graphics hardware;
Fixes all reported & reproduced issues.

PCMark05 1.2.0:

Windows Vista enabled;
Internet Explorer 7 compatibility;
Fixed Windows Media Player version detection;
Improved start-up speed by optimizing the SystemInfo component;
Updated SystemInfo component with support for the latest CPU and graphics hardware;
Fixes all reported & reproduced issues.

3DMark05 1.3.0:

Internet Explorer 7 compatibility;
Improved start-up speed by optimizing the SystemInfo component;
Updated SystemInfo component with support for the latest CPU and graphics hardware;
Fixes all reported & reproduced issues.

Futuremark's official mirror sites carry these free updates for 3DMark06, 3Dmark05 and PCMark05 users. A complete list of the official mirrors can be found at http://www.futuremark.com/download/

A free evaluation copy of any Futuremark PC benchmark product is available to qualified PC media.