Target Resolutions and Target Quality

Target Resolutions and Quality is listed below for each card.

Card	Target Resolution	Target Quality
RADEON X850 XT PE	1280x1024	Ultra (4xAA)
GeForce 6800 GT	1280x1024	Ultra (4xAA)
RADEON X700 PRO	1280x1024	Ultra (NoAA)
RADEON X600 XT	1024x768	High (NoAA)
RADEON 9500 PRO	1024x768	High (NoAA)
GeForce FX 5700 Ultra	1024x768	High (NoAA)

*We will use only these targets in the testing of the advanced graphics options below.

High Quality Special Effects

High Quality Special Effects improves the fun factor of the game tremendously. It gives gun flare more detail while the area immediately surrounding flames will have a haze effect around it, and allows for all the bells and whistles of Quake 4 to shine though onto your computer screen. Notice the differences below?

High Quality Special Effects Off, looks pretty dull and blah.

High Quality Special Effects On, adds tremendous graphical quality in terms of Special Effects.

Quake 4 Performance
Performance	Off	On
RADEON X850 XT PE	41.1	41
GeForce 6800 GT	36.4	36
RADEON X700 PRO	27.4	27.3
RADEON X600 XT	35.2	35.2
RADEON 9500 PRO	18.2	20.6
GeForce FX 5700 Ultra	19.1	18

Shadows

This one is pretty simple. This option enables shadows from static or dynamic objects throughout the game. Also to be noted is that this option puts a pretty big hit on your graphics card when enabled, so opting to turn this feature off on slower rigs is recommended. Look at the screens below.

Shadows On, Explains itself.

Shadows Off, No real-time shadows!

Quake 4 Performance
Performance	Off	On
RADEON X850 XT PE	51.9	41
GeForce 6800 GT	45.8	36
RADEON X700 PRO	31.7	27.3
RADEON X600 XT	42.8	35.2
RADEON 9500 PRO	20.1	20.6
GeForce FX 5700 Ultra	19.4	18

Specular Lights

Specular lighting produces shiny highlights on the surface of objects within the game and helps to distinguish between flat, dull surfaces and shiny surfaces. It also brings more depth and realism to objects. This light comes from a point source, and is reflected on the object in a direction that agrees with the shape of the object. See the images below to see the difference!

Specular Off, Objects look greyed out and have bland lighting.

Specular On, Adds a realistic lighting effect to objects in the game.

Quake 4 Performance
Performance	Off	On
RADEON X850 XT PE	50.3	41
GeForce 6800 GT	47.2	36
RADEON X700 PRO	33.8	27.3
RADEON X600 XT	37.3	35.2
RADEON 9500 PRO	19.6	20.6
GeForce FX 5700 Ultra	18.1	18

Bump Maps

Bump Maps are used to add detail to objects in the game without changing the polygon count. In essence, bump maps add depth to what are essentially 2D surfaces. The added detail is created from light reflections onto the object that create a “bump” on the surface thus giving it texture and depth. This does not actually change the surface of the object though, just the appearance. Bump Mapping is a tool that software and game developers have been using for years to create better looking objects. Look at the picture below to see the difference between enabling and disabling Bump Maps.

Bump Maps Off, Look at the hills, the building, and your gun.

Bump Maps On, Gives objects depth, more structure, and realism.

Quake 4 Performance
Performance	Off	On
RADEON X850 XT PE	49	41
GeForce 6800 GT	48	36
RADEON X700 PRO	33.2	27.3
RADEON X600 XT	37.6	35.2
RADEON 9500 PRO	19.6	20.6
GeForce FX 5700 Ultra	17.8	18

*Bolded objects will be used in our recommended settings