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).
 | | 3DMark Ice Storm And Cloud Gate | | Synthetic DirectX Gaming And Graphics Testing |
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The HP Spectre X360 also managed to pull ahead of the Dell XPS 13 in the 3DMark Cloud Gate benchmark, and lead the pack overall. The delta separating the XPS 13 and X360 is small, but HP leads nonetheless.
| | Ubisoft Far Cry 2 | | DX10 Gaming Performance |
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Far Cry 2
| 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 HP Spectre X360 squeeks past the XPS 13 and trails only the Radeon HD 7570M powered Inspiron 14z.
