How can I run a benchmark test on my laptop?

Benchmark
1

I just got a new laptop and want to ensure it’s running optimally. I’ve heard that running a benchmark test can help with this, but I’m not sure where to start or what software to use. Can anyone recommend a good free tool for running a benchmark test on my laptop and offer some guidance on how to interpret the results? Thanks!

2

For running a benchmark test on your laptop, there are a few solid options out there, both free and paid. Since you’re looking for free software to start with, here are some recommendations and step-by-step instructions for how to get things done.

Step 1: Choose Your Benchmark Software

Here’s a list of reliable, free benchmarking tools that can cover different aspects of your laptop’s performance:

  • PassMark PerformanceTest: A comprehensive suite for testing CPU, 2D/3D graphics, disk speed, and memory performance.
  • Geekbench: Focuses on CPU and memory performance, providing cross-platform comparisons.
  • UserBenchmark: Evaluates multiple system components (CPU, GPU, SSD, HDD, RAM) and gives a cohesive system rating.
  • Cinebench: For testing CPU performance with real-world render tasks.

Step 2: Download and Install the Software

Most benchmarking tools are straightforward to install. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. PassMark PerformanceTest:

    • Head to PassMark’s website.
    • Download the PerformanceTest installer.
    • Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation.

  2. Geekbench:

    • Visit the Geekbench download page.
    • Choose the version for your OS and download the installer.
    • Open the installer and follow the instructions to install Geekbench.

  3. UserBenchmark:

    • Go to the UserBenchmark download page.
    • Click on the download link and save the file.
    • Run the downloaded executable, and it will start immediately without installation.

  4. Cinebench:

    • Go to Maxon’s Cinebench page.
    • Download the latest version.
    • Follow the installation instructions after downloading.

Step 3: Run the Benchmark Tests

After installing your chosen software, run the tests to get an idea of how your laptop is performing.

PassMark PerformanceTest

  • Launch PerformanceTest.
  • You’ll see a list of available tests: CPU, 2D graphics, 3D graphics, memory, and disk.
  • Select ‘Run Benchmark’ to start the default series of tests, or choose individual tests to run them separately.
  • Wait for the tests to finish, and you’ll get a comprehensive report.

Geekbench

  • Open Geekbench.
  • Choose the type of benchmark: CPU or Compute.
  • Click ‘Run Benchmark’.
  • Geekbench will run a series of tests and display your scores along with categories like Single-Core and Multi-Core performance.

UserBenchmark

  • Open the UserBenchmark executable.
  • Click ‘Run’ to start the benchmark.
  • UserBenchmark will run multiple tests on your CPU, GPU, SSD, HDD, and RAM.
  • Upon completion, you’ll be redirected to a webpage displaying your results and a percentile ranking compared to other systems.

Cinebench

  • Start Cinebench.
  • Select ‘Run’ next to CPU (Multi-Core) and CPU (Single-Core) as per your interest.
  • It will render an image and score your CPU based on how fast it completes the task.

Step 4: Analyze the Results

Each of these tools will provide you with different forms of results:

  • PerformanceTest offers detailed metrics and comparisons to average scores.
  • Geekbench provides a simple Single-Core and Multi-Core score, allowing you to compare across platforms.
  • UserBenchmark gives a percentile rank for each component and an overall system score.
  • Cinebench results are great for comparing rendering performance specifically.

Step 5: What To Do With The Results

If your scores are below average, there might be a few areas you can look into:

  • Update Drivers: Out-of-date drivers can affect performance, especially for GPU and storage devices.
  • Power Settings: Ensure your laptop is set to ‘High Performance’ mode.
  • Thermal Management: Check if your laptop is overheating and clean the fans if necessary.
  • Background Processes: Disable unnecessary startup programs and background processes.

These steps should give you a good starting point to evaluate your laptop’s performance. If you find any deficiencies, addressing the above areas should help optimize your system further.

3

byteguru’s suggestions are great, but here’s another angle to consider. Benchmarking isn’t just about the raw scores; it’s also about understanding how your laptop handles different workloads over time.

Alternate Software and Approaches

1. CrystalDiskMark:

If you’re particularly interested in your storage performance, CrystalDiskMark is fantastic for testing your SSD or HDD read/write speeds. It’s straightforward to use and gives you clear data. Just install it, select the drive you want to test, and run the benchmark.

2. FurMark:

For GPU stress testing, FurMark is a solid choice. It pushes your GPU to the limits and lets you see how it handles extreme conditions. But beware, this test can make your laptop run hot, so don’t leave it unattended.

3. PCMark:

Though not completely free, PCMark has a basic version that evaluates real-world tasks like web browsing, photo editing, and video conferencing. It’s more relevant than synthetic benchmarks if you want to understand daily performance.

Step-by-Step for CrystalDiskMark

  1. Download CrystalDiskMark from here.
  2. Install it using the on-screen instructions.
  3. Select the drive you want to test.
  4. Choose the test sizes and number of passes.
  5. Run the test and wait for the results.

Step-by-Step for FurMark

  1. Grab FurMark from their website.
  2. Install and open the software.
  3. Select the resolution and settings.
  4. Hit “Burn-in test” to start the benchmark.
  5. Monitor the temp—it should prompt you to stop if things get too hot.

Real-World Context

You can have top-tier scores, but if your laptop thermo-throttles or has driver issues, those scores won’t mean much in real-life tasks. Keep an eye on these while running benchmarks:

  • Temperatures: Overheating can throttle performance. Open Hardware Monitor or HWMonitor can show you temps.
  • Battery Life: Stress tests drain battery fast. Check if power settings balance performance and longevity well.
  • Driver Compatibility: Ensure all drivers are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can skew results.

Practical Tips

  • Close Background Applications: Clear background tasks to ensure the test focuses purely on hardware.
  • Repeat Tests: Run benchmarks multiple times to ensure consistency. Variability happens and averages give clearer insights.
  • Analyze Trends: Compare initial vs. later benchmarks to see if performance drops over time due to thermal issues.

Common Pitfalls

  • Avoid running benchmarks on battery mode unless testing battery performance specifically. Results are always better when plugged in.
  • Be wary of Windows Update running in the background, causing unexpected performance dips.
  • Understand that super high scores on benchmarks don’t always translate to noticeable differences in daily tasks like web browsing or office work.

Mix and match different tools based on what aspects matter to you the most. Your goal should be to optimize for the tasks you actually perform rather than just chasing high scores.

And hey, it’s a new laptop—tweak it a bit, but don’t stress if it doesn’t match the absolute top benchmarks. Real-world use matters more!

4

Honestly, all these fancy benchmark tools get overrated. They don’t reflect real-life use most of the time. Sure, run Cinebench or Geekbench if you wanna see some numbers, but don’t think for a second that they’ll show how your laptop handles the stuff you actually do every day.

Here’s why I wouldn’t stress benchmarks too much:

  1. Synthetic Tests: They give you synthetic scores which are often inflated and don’t mean much for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, or even light gaming.

  2. Thermal Throttling: They can push your system to extreme levels causing thermal throttling you’ll never actually hit during daily usage. If your laptop gets too hot and underperforms, congratulations, you just scared it to death for nothing.

  3. Driver and Update Hell: These things can be finicky. A simple driver update or OS update can change your scores drastically. Are you gonna benchmark it every time there’s an update?

Optional Tools to Consider with a Grain of Salt:

  • HWMonitor: Sure, it checks temps and voltages. Not a traditional benchmark but more useful IMO if you suspect your laptop’s thermo-throttling.

  • CrystalDiskMark: Alright for HDD/SSD, but how often do you need to know your maximum read/write speeds? Just use your laptop and notice if it feels slow.

  • ThrottleStop: A tool to keep your CPU from throttling under load. Honestly overkill unless you know your laptop has thermal issues.

Real World Tips:

  • Keep it Clean: Physically - dust and clean the vents, fans, and at least monthly.

  • Bloatware: Uninstall the crapware that came pre-installed. Manufacturers love to load that junk that just slows things down.

  • Task Manager: Check your startup processes. Disable what you don’t need.

  • Updates: Keep BIOS, GPU, and system drivers updated. No need to run benchmarks every time.

Pitfalls and Myths:

  • Battery Life: Benchmarking on battery is stupid unless you use your laptop unplugged heavily. Use Performance mode when plugged in or Balance mode for battery.

  • Background Processes: These can skew results, sure, but that’s real usage environment. You’re not gaming/editing without browser tabs open in the background, are you?

Closing Thoughts:

Focus less on benchmarks and more on actual, real-world performance. If your laptop feels slow, THEN look at the benchmarks to diagnose possible issues. Otherwise, use the time saved to do something actually productive or entertaining on your new laptop. In the end, high numbers can make you feel good but don’t always mean your device is running optimally for YOUR use case.