Occlusion detection
This next test will show us how efficient the 9500 Pro is at discarding pixels that won't be visible once the final 3D scene is rendered. ATI's HyperZ suite of technologies aims to eliminate occluded pixels, so valuable processing time isn't wasted. Our occlusion detection test, VillageMark, is a torture test for this sort of thing.

Here you can see the R300's HyperZ tech in action. ATI has included a feature called EarlyZ in the R300 chip that basically eliminates occluded pixels, and the payoff is obvious. Even the faster (clock speed-wise) and more expense GF4 Ti 4600 can't keep pace with the 9500 Pro here. Newer technology wins out over brute force.