Rise of the Tomb Raider – AMD VS Nvidia Performance Review

Performance Impact – HBAO+

 

 Rise of the Tomb Raider is a very mixed game, supporting both Nvidia and AMD made technologies. It is commonly discussed on the internet if AMD or Nvidia made technologies, such as TressFX or GameWorks specifically harm the other side, so this testing is to show exactly how much oif an impact both HBAO+ and TressFX/PureHair will have on each side. 

Below is a set of screenshots of the game at max settings at 4K with Ambient Occlusion (AO) Off, AO on and  HBAO+ on, showcasing how the graphical option affects the game. Please click on the images to see them in their full size and resolution. 

 

              

[No AO (Left), AO On (Right), HBAO+ (Bottom)]

 

In this test all other game settings will be turned to their maximum, with only Ambient Occlusion options changing between benchmarking runs. 

With AO off we can see that AMD and Nvidia’s performance is almost completely even, with Nvidia taking a lead of almost 3FPS in the averages. When AO is turned on AMD is hit a little harder than Nvidia, with AMD’s minimum dipping below 30FPS.

Moving from standard AO to HBAO+ AMD and Nvidia are hit by a very similar amount,  with both averages dropping by about 4 FPS each and minimums being very similar. 

Overall moving from no AO to HBAO hits AMD a little harder, but the difference is not enough to say anything more conclusive than that, as it is something that can be explained more easily by the fact that AMD has no Game specific driver than any kind of foul play.

Hopefully AMD can readdress the balance with their upcoming Rise of the Tomb Raider Driver, but right now it remains to be seen. We will be retesting the performance impact of HBAO+ when AMD releases their new driver. 

      

Updated with results from new AMD Drivers, please scroll down.