New Generation Benchmark: Introducing 3DMark Steel Nomad

by Arthur Herring
in News, PC
on 21 May 2024

Step aside, Time Spy – there’s a new benchmark in town. 3DMark Steel Nomad has arrived, promising to push the boundaries of gaming PC and notebook performance. Developed by UL Solutions, this benchmark is set to revolutionize the way we measure gaming capabilities.

Gone are the days of relying on ray tracing effects to assess performance. Steel Nomad brings a fresh approach, with a focus on high-resolution visuals and advanced graphical effects. Boasting 4K UHD resolution, this benchmark is a visual treat for gamers.

One of the standout features of Steel Nomad is its attention to detail. The benchmark utilizes Volumetric Skies, Procedural Grass, Volume Illumination, Ambient Occlusion, and Depth-of-Field effects to create lifelike visuals. The result is a benchmark that not only demands more from your system but also provides a gaming experience that rivals modern PC games.

Steel Nomad is set to launch on May 25, 2024, initially for Windows and Windows on Arm platforms. However, UL Solutions has plans to expand its reach to macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. This cross-platform benchmark aims to cater to a wide range of gamers.

To help users assess their performance, UL Solutions offers an Explorer mode in Steel Nomad. This mode allows users to freely explore the benchmark scene and adjust parameters to see the impact on visual effects and performance. Additionally, Steel Nomad features V.S. mode, enabling users to compare their performance with friends or previous results.

The current test scenario for gaming PCs recommends Speed Way for heavy ray-traced gaming, Steel Nomad for demanding games without ray tracing, Solar Bay for light ray-traced gaming, and Port Royal for medium ray-tracing games.

For mobile devices, the test scenario expands to include Solar Bay for cross-platform light ray-traced gaming, Steel Nomad Light for medium cross-platform gaming without ray tracing, and Wild Life Extreme for cross-platform light gaming without ray tracing.

Early tests have shown promising results with Steel Nomad Light outperforming Time Spy in terms of both score and graphics quality. AMD graphics cards, particularly the Radeon RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT, have also demonstrated exceptional performance in the Steel Nomad benchmark.

3DMark Steel Nomad is set to redefine the way we measure gaming performance. With its stunning visuals, demanding tests, and cross-platform compatibility, this benchmark is a must-have for any serious gamer. Get ready to put your gaming rig to the test.

Additional facts:

– 3DMark Steel Nomad is developed by UL Solutions, a company known for its benchmarking software and hardware testing tools.
– The benchmark focuses on high-resolution visuals and advanced graphical effects, aiming to provide a realistic and immersive gaming experience.
– Steel Nomad will initially be available for Windows and Windows on Arm platforms, with plans to expand to other operating systems such as macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
– UL Solutions offers an Explorer mode in Steel Nomad that allows users to freely explore the benchmark scene and adjust parameters to see the impact on visual effects and performance.
– The benchmark also features a V.S. mode, which enables users to compare their performance with friends or previous results.
– Steel Nomad offers different test scenarios for gaming PCs and mobile devices, targeting different levels of ray tracing and gaming intensity.
– Early tests have shown promising results, with Steel Nomad Light outperforming the previous benchmark, Time Spy, in terms of both score and graphics quality.

Important questions and answers:

Q: What is the purpose of 3DMark Steel Nomad?
A: The purpose of Steel Nomad is to provide a benchmark that pushes the boundaries of gaming PC and notebook performance, focusing on high-resolution visuals and advanced graphical effects.

Q: Which platforms will initially support Steel Nomad?
A: Steel Nomad will initially be available for Windows and Windows on Arm platforms.

Q: Are there plans to expand Steel Nomad to other operating systems?
A: Yes, UL Solutions plans to expand the benchmark’s reach to macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Q: What are the different modes available in Steel Nomad?
A: Steel Nomad offers an Explorer mode, which allows users to freely explore the benchmark scene and adjust parameters, as well as a V.S. mode for comparing performance with friends or previous results.

Q: How does Steel Nomad compare to the previous benchmark, Time Spy?
A: Early tests have shown that Steel Nomad Light outperforms Time Spy in terms of both score and graphics quality.

Key challenges or controversies:

– One potential challenge for Steel Nomad is achieving widespread adoption across different platforms. As the benchmark expands to macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, compatibility and optimization on these platforms may present challenges.

Advantages:
– Steel Nomad offers stunning visuals and advanced graphical effects, creating a realistic and immersive gaming experience.
– The benchmark allows users to freely explore and adjust parameters, providing a more customizable testing experience.
– Steel Nomad is cross-platform, catering to a wide range of gamers.

Disadvantages:
– The benchmark’s demanding tests may require high-performance hardware, potentially limiting its accessibility for users with lower-end systems.
– Achieving widespread compatibility and optimization across various operating systems may present challenges for UL Solutions.