A computer benchmark program allows you to evaluate the overall performance of your Windows computer as well as the efficiency of its various components. This post compiles the best free Windows benchmark programs.
Tip: You can Enable HDR on your Windows PC WINDOWS 11 Learn how to enable it.
Why You Should Use Performance Benchmarking Software on Windows
The term "benchmarking" refers to the practice of using software to measure the performance of various components of your computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU). By comparing your computer's score with the results of other computers that have passed the same test, you can get a sense of where you stand in the grand scheme of things.
Benchmarking tools can also be useful if you are looking to evaluate your computer's performance to identify potential upgrades to your system.
1. CPU-Z
CPU-Z CPU-Z is a free Windows benchmarking tool that provides a comprehensive overview of your computer's hardware, with a focus on the CPU. It can generate reports either through the command line interface or the graphical user interface (GUI). CPU-Z also includes motherboard and graphics card details. The program lets you see how fast both single-threaded and multi-threaded CPUs process data. There's also an option to stress test your CPU. Furthermore, reports can be exported to TXT or HTML files.
Positives
- The Android app offers similar features.
- User-friendly interface
- Includes a system update tool that notifies you of new BIOS and driver updates.
Negatives
- It does not provide any information about the CPU temperature.
2.HWMonitor
Displays HWMonitor The model of each piece of hardware in your system, along with other useful information, is displayed. It records data on temperature, utilization, and fan speed. This is crucial, as issues like overheating components can cause frequent system failures. HWMonitor also displays important system metrics, including voltage, power usage, and clock rates. If you need more options, such as the ability to monitor equipment remotely, you'll need to pay for a premium subscription.
Positives
- Displays FPS (frames per second) counter during gaming sessions.
- Allows you to save data as a chart in .BMP format.
Negatives
- Android app is only available as a paid offer.
3. SiSoftware Sandra Lite
SiSoftware Sandra Lite It is a comprehensive benchmarking program designed to perform in-depth testing on computers. The program offers a wide range of performance benchmark tests, including: "Computer score" Sandra also allows you to test different components by providing custom tests for the processor, network, storage devices, and video adapter. For example, the Processor Power Management test measures the efficiency of the processor's power management system, while the Network (LAN) test evaluates data transfer performance to hosts/devices on the local area network. The program can also be used to view system hardware and software data.
Positives
- Offers advanced tests
- The wizard suggests ways to improve the efficiency of your computer.
Negatives
- Many features may confuse less technically inclined users.
- Your computer may freeze during a benchmarking process.
4. Speccy
From the developers of CCleaner comes a tool SpeccyThis tool provides a comprehensive inventory of your computer's hardware, including most drivers. More detailed information about system temperatures, fan speeds, and other components is available by clicking on the settings for each on the left side of the window.
Positives
- Allows you to quickly recover system information.
- lightweight program
- User-friendly interface
Negatives
- Updates are rare.
5. CineBench
If you need a reliable reference measuring tool, you can also check out: CinebenchFor decades, it's been the go-to tool for graphics benchmarks. Whether you're looking to check the health of your graphics card or just want to see how your PC is performing overall, this free GPU benchmark software is a great resource. Unlike other benchmark programs, CineBench evaluates your PC's performance in less than 10 minutes, testing all of your CPU's processing cores as well as your GPU. Once completed, the program assigns your system a rating—the higher the rating, the better.
Positives
- Single-core performance test
- Faster than other programs
Negatives
- There is no easy way to perform continuous testing using the GUI.
Frequently Asked Questions about Performance Measurement Programs
Q1: What is the sign of a bad or dying GPU?
The answer: One sign that your GPU is dying is graphical glitches. At the same time, if your computer is crashing more than usual, it could be a sign that your GPU is slowly dying. For example, if you're experiencing frequent crashes and freezes while gaming, you should immediately be concerned.
Failing GPU fans can also indicate its imminent demise. Note that a faulty fan is not a sign in and of itself, but it can lead to GPU failure if not addressed in a timely manner. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Also to major GPU issues. However, if you see Error code 43 in Windows There may be a few things you can try before looking for a new graphics card.
Q2: Why can't my computer detect the GPU?
The answer: The "GPU not detected" error message may appear for various reasons. For example, it can occur after installing a recent driver update with its own set of issues. Furthermore, your system may not recognize your GPU if you're using an older BIOS or UEFI version, indicating incompatibility. Disabling your GPU in Device Manager also prevents Windows from recognizing it.
Sometimes, Windows updates can cause your device to break. This could be another source of the "No GPU detected" error, so you may want to roll back to an older version of Windows before the problem occurred. You can also try Perform a System Restore.
