Lost Planet 2 is a game that uses a lot of DirectX 11 features, like tessellation (to round out the edges of polygonal models), displacement maps (added to the tessellated mesh to add fine grain details), DirectCompute soft body simulation (to introduce more realism in the “boss” monsters), and DirectCompute wave simulation (to introduce more realism in the physics calculations in water surfaces; when you move or when gunshots and explosions hit the water, it moves accordingly). We reviewed the video cards using Lost Planet 2 internal benchmarking features, choosing the “Benchmark A” (we know that “Benchmark B” is the one recommended for reviewing video cards, however, at least with us, results were inconsistent). We set graphics at “high,” anti-aliasing at “4x” and DX11 at “full.” The results below are the number of frames per second generated by each video card.
The Node 304 from Fractal Design is a small form factor (SFF) computer case with an aluminum front panel and supporting regular-sized power supplies. Let’s check it out.
MSI N260GTX Lightning Black Edition is a factory-overclocked video card based on GeForce GTX 260/216 that comes with an overclocking panel to be installed on your case or desk.
The new Toughpower Grand power supply series have 80 Plus Gold certification, modular cabling system, and single +12 V rail. Let’s see if the 750 W model is a good buy.
The Aurum Xilenser is the latest power supply series from FSP, using a fanless design and featuring the 80 Plus Gold certification. Let’s see how the 500 W model with fixed cabling fared in our tests.