FIFA 15 Benchmarked

We use the same benchmark process we followed when evaluating the predecessor: we use a kick-off game between FC Bayerna and Borussia Dortmund in the Allianz Arena. To be as fair as possible, we use identical options (6 min half time length, semi-professional difficulty, Fall, 3 PM, fair weather...). We start recording using the tool Fraps as soon as the referee blows the starting whistle. After exactly seven minutes of game time (that's not equivalent to "real" time), we stop the test.

The performance can drop by half or even 2/3 during replays (Fifa 14 had the same issue), so it's best if the frame rate is at least 50 or even better 60 fps from the start. We try to avoid replay situations altogether or at least shorten them with a mouse click should they occur. Because of the mediocre replay performance, the minimum fps can fluctuate as well. This is why some weaker graphics cards can at times seemingly outperform their more powerful siblings. The average frame rates vary slightly from pass to pass as well, but at least they are more consistent (+/-10 %).

Unlike Fifa 14, which was very playable even with low-end GPUs at medium to high settings, Fifa 15 can push bargain notebooks to their limits. Case in point: the HD Graphics 4600 graphics card integrated into the current Intel processor generation. With a frame rate of about 52 fps at 1280 x 720 pixels and details on low, there is not much headroom for higher-end settings. Those who'd like to run Fifa 15 with the details set to high, a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, and 2x anti-aliasing, will have to make sure that they have a dedicated GPU from AMD or Nvidia (~62 fps @ GeForce GT 740M) at their disposal. Middle-class graphics cards like the GeForce GT 750M can handle a resolution of 1920 x 1080 Pixel and 4x MSAA. High-end GPUs are not going to be tasked much: a Geforce GTX 860M allowed us to play at frame rates of above 100 fps. Hopefully EA will continue to improve the engine for the next version.