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With bots and physics in play, we can see no performance difference between 4x, 2x and 2xQ AA in this game on all cards. While there are variations between results, these are 'normal' with Battlefield 2. To see any difference, we either have to use a faster processor such as the Athlon FX-55 or FX-57 or use a higher resolution. A higher resolution is cheaper, but if you read our last article, you'll see that even the 7800GT is fast enough with 4x SSAA transparency antialiasing at 1280 x 960. 2xQ should provide fast enough frame rates at 1600 x 1200 if you want to, but we recommend 4x SSAA at 1280 x 960 instead - frame rates are about the same with better image quality.

Conclusion:

Looks like 2xQ seems to be pretty much the most viable compromise between performance and quality with the GeForce 7 series. It offers performance levels virtually the same with 2x and quality near 4x. Even more so, since there's no way to get 4x AA and 2x SSAA for transparent textures enabled at the same time with the GeForce 7 series. There are differences, but we think it's worth the compromise. We recommend using 2xQ if you find 4x SSAA to be too slow for real world gameplay in the games you play.

Thankfully, that's only true for a handful of new games such as Serious Sam 2. Most games should be ok with 4x SSAA transparency antialiasing, frame rates are reasonably high enough. In this situation, you can and should enable 4x, since you'll get the most quality with a reasonably, slightly lower frame rates. If you prefer higher resolutions, 2xQ is the only way to go with a single card - you need at least two GeForce 7800GTX to enjoy 4x SSAA transparency antialiasing with high enough frame rates at all times at resolutions above 1024 x 768, 32 bit.

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