What are the best benchmarks for evaluating graphics card performance?

1 What are benchmarks?

Benchmarks are software tools that run a series of tests on your graphics card and measure its performance in terms of frames per second (FPS), resolution, quality, and stability. Benchmarks can be synthetic or real-world. Synthetic benchmarks use artificial scenarios and graphics to stress-test your graphics card and compare it with other models. Real-world benchmarks use actual games or applications that you might use on your PC and measure how well your graphics card can handle them.

2 Why are benchmarks important?

Benchmarks are important because they can help you evaluate your graphics card's performance, compare it with other graphics cards, and identify any potential issues or bottlenecks. Benchmarks can also help you decide whether you need to upgrade your graphics card, optimize your settings, or overclock your graphics card for better performance. Benchmarks can also help you choose the best graphics card for your budget and preferences, based on the tasks and applications that you use most often.

3 How to choose the best benchmarks?

When evaluating graphics card performance, there is no single best benchmark. The best benchmarks for you depend on your goals, system, and usage. Consider relevance, reliability, and variety when choosing the best benchmarks. For example, if you are a gamer, use real-world benchmarks that use the games you play or plan to play. If you are a graphic designer, use synthetic benchmarks to test your graphics card's capabilities in rendering, shading, and lighting. Ensure the benchmarks are reliable and consistent by running them under the same conditions and settings. Additionally, use a combination of synthetic and real-world benchmarks to test different aspects of your graphics card such as 2D, 3D, VR, ray tracing, and power consumption.

4 How to run benchmarks?

To run benchmarks on your graphics card, you need to download and install the benchmark software you want to use, such as 3DMark, Unigine, FurMark, or GameBench. Additionally, make sure your graphics card drivers are up to date and your system is stable and virus-free. When ready, close any unnecessary programs or processes that might interfere with the benchmark results. Then, launch the benchmark software and select the test you want to run. You can customize the test settings - such as resolution, quality, and duration - according to your preferences. Start the test and wait for it to finish; depending on the complexity and length of the test, it could take several minutes or hours. When complete, check the results and compare them with other graphics cards or your own previous results. You can also save or share the results for future reference.

5 How to interpret benchmarks?

Benchmarks can provide a wealth of information about your graphics card's performance, but it's important to know how to interpret them correctly. When looking at the benchmark results, pay attention to the average FPS instead of the peak or minimum FPS. Additionally, consider the resolution and quality settings as these affect the FPS and visuals. Furthermore, look at the stability and temperature of your graphics card as this will give an indication of its lifespan and risk of crashes or damage. Finally, don't forget to factor in the context and purpose of the test, such as the type of benchmark, task or application, and your own expectations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?