Bootcamp Performance Compared to 'real' Windows Install?

Question

I am considering buying a Mac but want to continue using Windows mainly for games and to use my existing Photoshop licence.
Can someone tell me if the bootcamp performance of Windows is as good as a 'real' Windows install - especially from a graphical point of view?

Answer 1

Now that is something to compare against.
It depnds on game somewhat, too, right?
The Core i7 has more headroom and bandwidth to drive today's graphics.
The iMac is still dual-core and not sure but it was last year's Penryn based processor and not Bloomfield (i7) Nehalem - yet.
Now though you can look through some game benchmarks and scores, and see though I think your 8800GTS still holds its own. And that I would wait for a refresh of the iMac line. We know Intel has Lynnfield and 32nm Nehalem on tap for this fall/winter.
You can get an idea where GT1xx graphics fall into the Nehalem tests, my guess is down-grade from your GTS8800.
*iMac 3.06 GT130 review answers 90% (games, PS, compared to other models)*
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2342785,00.asp
I'd want W7 64-bit, and it is possible but Apple has never officially supported 64-bit Vista on iMac surprisingly, and therefore the chipset drivers install but an extra step or two.
For reference, Mac Pro 3D gaming performance graphics
http://www.barefeats.com/nehal05.html
http://www.barefeats.com/nehal07.html
http://www.barefeats.com/nehal13.html
iMac tests:
http://www.barefeats.com/imp02.html