Last week Futuremark wrote us to share the trailer for 3DMark Fire Strike, the new showcase DirectX 11 benchmark test for high-performance gaming PCs. Many gamers have more modest machines, however, so today they'd like to tell you about Cloud Gate, a new 3DMark benchmark test for DirectX 10 compatible hardware.  More after the break with screenshots.

Cloud Gate, one of three tests in the new 3DMark, uses a DirectX 11 engine limited to Direct3D feature level 10_0, making it suitable for testing DirectX 10 compatible hardware found in notebooks and typical home PCs. It is also an ideal benchmark for entry-level DirectX 11 integrated graphics solutions that could struggle to run the more demanding Fire Strike test. Cloud Gate will be available only in the Windows versions of 3DMark initially.

Cloud Gate is a new test that is designed for Windows notebooks and typical home PCs. Cloud Gate includes two graphics tests and a physics test. Cloud Gate uses a DirectX 11 engine limited to Direct3D feature level 10 making it suitable for testing DirectX 10 compatible hardware. Cloud Gate will initially be available only in the Windows editions of 3DMark.

3DMark will be released in January 2013 on Windows. The Android, iOS and Windows RT versions will follow soon after pending app store approvals. Please check back often for the latest updates. There will a free Basic Edition on all platforms, a paid Advanced Edition with more options for enthusiasts, and a Professional Edition for business users.

Click on a screenshot below to view it at full size.