Next up, we have 3D graphics testing with 3DMark Cloud Gate. The Cloud Gate test is aimed at entry-level PCs and laptops, and has two subtests: a processor-intensive physics test and two graphics tests. We run the test suite at its default 1280 x 720 resolution and at default rendering quality settings. Keep in mind that 3DMark Cloud Gate scores aren’t comparable to scores from say, 3DMark Fire Strike (gaming PCs) or Ice Storm (smartphones and tablets).
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| 3DMark Cloud Gate |
| Synthetic DirectX Gaming And Graphics Testing |
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Again we see Dell's 2015 XPS 13 and Intel's new Broadwell-U Core i5 chip dominate this benchmark heat, even versus the higher-end Core i5-4500U from the previous gen architecture. Versus the Core i5-4200U there's roughly a 10 percent performance kicker. And just so you can get a sense of where Broadwell-Y fits into the equation, we've highlighted the Yoga 3 Pro's score here as well. the 4.5 Watt Core M 5Y70 Broadwell-Y chip in that system is a different animal entirely, much more akin to high-end tablet or hybrid architecture than a full-fledged notebook platform.
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| Ubisoft Far Cry 2 |
| DX10 Gaming Performance |
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Far Cry 2
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When it comes to lush vegetation in a steaming, sinister jungle, no one pulls it off quite like Ubisoft does in its Far Cry series. Far Cry 2 uses high-quality textures, complex shaders, and dynamic lighting to create a realistic environment. The game’s built-in benchmark gives us a good look at a system’s performance with DirectX 10. |
In this test, we're essentially taking an ultralight notebook, that isn't specifically targeted for gaming, and putting it through a mainstream gaming benchmark. Granted, Far Cry 2's engine is a generation behind with DX10 level effects, however, it's no pushover either and still offers relatively impressive visuals and immersive game play as a result. Here, the new 2015 Dell XPS 13, with its Intel Broadwell-U Core i5-5200U, puts up the best core we've seen to date in this test with Any ultrabook. In fact, it comes within a hair's width of the score that Dell's 2014 Inspiron 14z put up with its discreet Radeon HD 75780M graphics chip. It seems as though Intel has been stepping it up on its graphics and gaming chops and the new XPS 13 will do just fine for some light-duty gaming as well.
