Next 3DMark to Support DirectX 11, 10 and 9

Futuremark has released a video of the next version of its benchmarking utility due out later this year. ZoomThe software is being teased with a video on YouTube showcasing a DirectX 11 "tech demo" that features "intelligent" tessellation, particle systems, as well as volumetric lighting real-time light scattering. Futuremark also revealed that it uses ambient occlusion for post-processing effects.

The new benchmark, which has not received an official name yet, is expected to be released after the launch of Windows 8, and will be using the DirectX 11 API to evaluate DirectX 9, DirectX 10 and DirectX 11 hardware in parallel. Futuremark said that the software will also be supporting Windows Vista and Windows 7. There was no information on pricing. Next to the free version, the company is offering the current 3D Mark 11 as Advanced Edition for $20. The commercial Pro version runs for $995.

Source: Toms Hardware