Benchmarking is a useful way to determine the capabilities of a system and identify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement. There are two types of gaming PC benchmarks that you can use to test your system: gaming benchmarks and synthetic benchmarks. In this guide, you will learn about both.
Key Takeaways
- Running a benchmark test can be useful for gamers looking to upgrade their system.
- Your processor, storage drive, and GPU are among the main components to benchmark on your gaming PC.
- Some benchmarking tools allow users to compare their systems with others.
- In most cases, paid benchmarking software offers added features for accurate and in-depth results.
What Should You Focus On When Benchmarking A Gaming PC
When benchmarking your gaming PC, it is important to focus on the components that are most critical to gaming performance, such as the processor, graphics card, and memory. You can use specialized benchmarking tools to test these components individually or as part of a comprehensive system test.
By thoroughly benchmarking your gaming PC, you can better understand its performance capabilities and identify any potential issues that may need to be addressed. This can help you optimize your system for the best possible gaming experience. Also, make sure to read our guide on how to check PC specs as that can help you out greatly.
Yes, that’s correct. Benchmarking involves running tests on a computer system to measure its performance and compare it to other systems. Before performing a benchmarking test, you may want to check your PC’s specs to determine if it requires upgrades or changes. While this step isn’t vital, some users might find it helpful. There are two main types of benchmarks that are commonly used: gaming benchmarks and synthetic benchmarks.
Understanding The Difference Between Gaming And Synthetic Benchmarks
Gaming benchmarks involve running actual games on a system and measuring the performance, such as the frame rate and resolution. This can give you an idea of how well the system can handle different types of games and what settings you can expect to play them at.
On the other hand, synthetic benchmarks are simulations that test specific aspects of system performance, such as the processor’s speed or memory bandwidth. These benchmarks can help you understand the performance capabilities of individual components within a system and its overall performance.
Running benchmarks on your systems can be especially useful if you are building a new system or upgrading an existing one, as it can help you choose the best components for your needs.
Best Gaming PC Benchmarks Software For Your PC
You need a reliable, high-quality test to ensure that your benchmark test is accurate. While numerous benchmarking applications are available today, the ones mentioned below are among the best. Before proceeding further, you might be interested in learning how long gaming PCs last.
PC Mark 10
PCMark 10 is a comprehensive benchmarking tool that tests the performance of all components in a system, including the graphics card, processor, memory, and storage drives. It offers tests designed to simulate real-world scenarios, such as gaming, video editing, and web browsing.
One of the main advantages of PCMark 10 is that it provides a detailed breakdown of the performance of each component, as well as the overall performance of the system. That said, PC Mark 10 is a premium product and may be more suited for professional use rather than consumer use.
It is worth keeping in mind that this software is slightly more expensive than other benchmarking tools and may not offer as many features for gaming performance specifically. If you are primarily interested in benchmarking your gaming PC, you may consider using other tools specifically designed for gaming benchmarks.
Novabench
Novabench is a free benchmarking tool that tests the performance of all components in a system, including the memory, processor, storage drives, and graphics card. What makes Novabench stand out the most is its user-friendly interface, which makes it easy to use even for those unfamiliar with benchmarking tools. It also allows you to compare your system’s performance to other PCs.
It would be fair to say that this software is a good choice for those looking for a free and easy-to-use benchmarking tool that can provide a comprehensive overview of the performance of their system.
User Benchmark
User Benchmark is a free benchmarking tool that allows you to test the performance of all components in your system, including the processor, graphics card, memory, and storage drives.
This app has a large community of testers, which allows you to compare your system’s performance to other PCs of similar or identical specs. This can be useful for identifying bottlenecks and other issues with your system and getting an idea of how it compares to others.
3D Mark
3DMark is a comprehensive benchmarking suite specifically designed to test gaming PCs’ performance. This software also provides a score that lets users gauge their gaming PC’s performance and make adjustments if required.
In addition to its benchmarking capabilities, 3DMark also provides estimates for frame rate performance stats for some renowned games and allows you to stress test the stability of an overclock by running a looped benchmark. Also, you might want to check out how overclocking can reduce a CPU’s lifespan if you’re currently thinking about doing it.
You will also get a free demo with this program, which you can download on Steam. However, the full version of 3DMark is a premium product that usually retails for $30 unless it is on sale.
MSI Afterburner
MSI Afterburner is a free graphics card overclocking utility that allows you to fine-tune the performance of your GPU. It provides detailed hardware specifications for your graphics card and gives you full control over various aspects of your GPU, including clock speeds and voltage.
One of the most notable features of MSI Afterburner is its FPS counter, which allows you to measure your GPU performance in real time. This benchmarking software is easy to use and provides a wide range of features to help you get the most out of your graphics card. It is also completely free to use and compatible with GPUs from most brands. Overall, it is one of the best gaming PC benchmark tools out there.
Cinebench
Cinebench is a free benchmarking tool used to evaluate the performance of CPUs and GPUs. It uses image rendering tasks to grade the capabilities of your system and provides reports based on real-world performance.
This software stands out because of its ability to test the performance of high-end systems, some of which may be beyond the purview of regular benchmarking software. It is particularly useful for people involved in the content creation market, as it can help you determine the best components for building a high-end computer.
Cinebench grades OpenGL and CPU through efficient rendering tests, which use your CPU’s available cores and stress it to its limits. This can be useful for identifying bottlenecks or potential issues with your system and optimizing its performance. Cinebench is available on most platforms and is completely free to use.
Crystal Disk Mark
Crystal Disk Mark is a free benchmarking tool used to evaluate the performance of storage drives, such as hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). One of the main advantages of this benchmarking software is its ability to accurately measure the performance of ultra-fast NVMe SSDs, which are quickly becoming increasingly popular. By benchmarking your storage drives, you can determine which ones are the fastest and should be used to store your most important software.
To use Crystal Disk Mark, you must select the drive you want to test and choose the test settings. The benchmark will then run and provide a variety of performance metrics, including read and write speeds. You can compare these numbers to the manufacturer’s specifications to see if your drive is performing as expected.
It would not be a far stretch to say that Crystal Disk Mark is an incredibly useful benchmarking tool for evaluating the performance of your storage drives and ensuring that they are functioning properly.
Unigine Heaven
Unigine Heaven is a benchmarking tool that was released in 2009 to evaluate the performance of GPUs. It is still a popular choice among enthusiasts due to its advanced features and support for DirectX 11.
One of the main advantages of Unigine Heaven is its ability to run on both older and modern GPUs, making it easier to compare the performance of different graphics cards. It also includes a range of advanced features, such as per-frame analysis and automated benchmark looping, which are useful for more advanced users.
To use Unigine Heaven, you must download the software and select the appropriate test settings. The benchmark will then run and provide a variety of performance metrics, including frame rates and scores. While some of this program’s more advanced features are only available in the paid version, the basic benchmarking functions are free to use.
Geek Bench
Geek Bench is a popular benchmarking tool used to evaluate CPUs’ performance. It is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it easy to compare the performance of different systems.
Geek Bench thrives because of its ability to measure the performance of both 32-bit and 64-bit systems. It includes a range of tests that simulate different scenarios, such as image processing and data compression, to comprehensively evaluate your CPU’s capabilities.
Geek Bench is available in both free and premium versions. The free version includes a 64-bit CPU benchmark, while the premium version adds additional benchmarks for CUDA and Metal. You can also use Geekbench to compare the performance of your PC to other devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
This powerful and reliable benchmarking tool is well-suited for evaluating the performance of CPUs. Whether you are an enthusiast looking to optimize your system or a professional seeking to benchmark different hardware configurations, Geek Bench offers something to every type of user.
Pass Mark
Pass Mark is yet another gaming PC benchmark tool used to evaluate the performance of CPUs, GPUs, and other hardware components. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux and includes a range of tests, such as image processing and data compression, to comprehensively evaluate your system’s capabilities.
You can use Pass Mark to compare the performance of your system to similar systems, known as “baselines.” This allows you to see how your system stacks up against other systems with similar hardware configurations and can help you identify areas where your system may be underperforming. Sometimes, a low-quality case could also be the reason why your system is not performing well. If that is the case with your PC, consider reading this guide about the best airflow PC cases.
Like most benchmarking programs mentioned in this piece, Pass Mark is available in both premium and free versions. The free version includes a 30-day trial, while the premium version costs $29 and adds additional features, such as the ability to benchmark multiple systems simultaneously and generate reports in different formats.
CPU Z
CPU-Z is a freeware system information utility for Windows that provides detailed information about the hardware components of your computer. It is particularly useful for getting detailed information about your CPU, including its clock speed, model, cache size, and other technical specifications.
In addition to providing information about your CPU, CPU-Z also displays information about your RAM, graphics card, and motherboard. It can be a useful tool for identifying the specific components that make up your system and verifying that it is operating as expected.
CPU-Z can compare the performance of your system to others with similar hardware configurations. By running CPU-Z and sharing your results with others, you can understand how your system compares to others with the same CPU, motherboard, and other components.
HW Monitor
HW Monitor is a reliable and user-friendly software solution that helps you monitor your computer’s hardware performance. It is particularly useful for detecting and troubleshooting overheating issues, as it allows you to track the temperature of your CPU and GPU under different load conditions.
The software has a simple interface that displays key hardware performance metrics, including power consumption, voltage, temperature, fan speeds, and clock speeds.
While the classic version of HW Monitor is free and widely used among gamers, the paid version offers additional features. It includes remote monitoring capabilities and an improved interface, as well as two years of free updates. With up to 20 remote connections available, the paid version is a powerful tool for monitoring multiple devices remotely.
Basemark
Basemark is a modern and versatile benchmarking tool that tests for compatibility with various graphics APIs, including Vulkan 1.0, OpenGL 4.5, and OpenGL ES 3.1. It is designed to measure the performance of desktop PCs, as well as smartphones, smart TVs, and even self-driving cars. Basemark is a cutting-edge tool for evaluating hardware performance with more graphics APIs planned for the future.
What stands out the most about Basemark is its ability to test the handling of heavy graphical effects, such as depth of field and advanced lighting. This makes it particularly useful for assessing the capabilities of modern GPUs. However, it may not be as relevant for older graphics hardware. Speaking of GPUs, this guide about how to lower GPU temperature can be helpful if your graphics card heats up quickly.
When Does It Make Sense To Perform A Benchmark Test?
Benchmarking can help you compare the performance of different hardware or software configurations, so you can make informed decisions about which option is best for your needs. Here are a couple of scenarios when it makes sense to perform a benchmark test.
Establishing a baseline: Benchmarking can help you establish a baseline of performance for your system, so you can monitor its performance over time and identify any changes or issues that may arise.
Optimizing performance: Performing a benchmarking test can help you identify areas where your system is underperforming, so you can take steps to optimize its performance.
Components To Benchmark On Your Gaming PC
There are several components that you can benchmark on a gaming PC. They are as follows.
Processor (CPU)
The CPU is the central processing unit of your system and is responsible for executing most of the instructions that the system receives. Benchmarking the CPU can give you an idea of its performance and help you identify any potential bottlenecks in your system.
Graphics card (GPU)
The GPU is responsible for rendering graphics in games and other applications. Benchmarking the GPU can give you an idea of its performance and help you identify any potential issues with your graphics card.
Memory (RAM)
Memory, or RAM, is used to store data that the system is currently using or processing. Benchmarking the memory can help you determine the speed and capacity of your RAM, as well as any potential issues with it.
Storage Drives
Storage drives, such as hard drives and solid-state drives, are used to store data and applications on your system. Benchmarking these drives can help you determine their speed, capacity, and potential issues with them.
In addition to benchmarking individual components, you can also run full system benchmarks to get a comprehensive overview of the performance of your system as a whole.
Benchmarking Terminologies That You Need To Be Familiar With
Burn-in testing: This test prepares a component for prolonged use by subjecting it to extreme loads to check for reliability and sustainability.
Stress-testing: PC owners use this test to determine a component’s limitations by putting it under as much load as possible.
Benchmarking: A more general term that refers to testing a component with specific settings in order to optimize its performance and usage.
It’s also worth noting that many other types of testing can be performed on systems, such as compatibility testing, load testing, and performance testing, to name just a few. Each type of testing has its specific purpose and can be useful in different situations.
Tips To Follow for A Smooth Benchmarking Process
There are a few important steps that you should take before starting a benchmarking process:
- Start by closing all non-essential background applications and programs. This is important because it will help ensure that your results are as accurate as possible. Running other applications while benchmarking can affect the performance of your system and lower your scores.
- Set aside some time for the process because benchmarking can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the tests and the performance of your system. Make sure you have enough time to complete the benchmarking process without interruptions.
- Finally, be patient and don’t expect instant results from the benchmarking process. Most importantly, don’t interrupt the tests if you want accurate results.
Final Thoughts
You will find several reliable and user-friendly gaming PC benchmark tools available to help you measure and evaluate the performance of your PC and its components. Ultimately, the software you choose to benchmark your gaming PC depends on you. If you want the most accurate results, it would be best to invest in a paid version of any of the benchmarking software discussed in this PC. Otherwise, the free versions would be sufficient for your needs.
In most cases, benchmarking software programs are accurate and can give you a fair idea of where your gaming or editing PC could improve. You can get GPU and storage drive benchmarks by using the right benchmark software. Yes, some games have built-in benchmarks and offer players plenty of conveniences. However, in most cases, you will need to run a proper benchmark test. FAQs
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