Benchmark

Overview Benchmark tests rate your computer in comparison to test results from different computers or devices. Some benchmarks test specific resources, such as video or CPU performance, while others test overall system performance. Benchmark FAQs, test result comparisons, and benchmarking software can all be downloaded from the Internet. 

General Benchmark Information Basic benchmark information can be found in a FAQ at www.sysopt.com/benchfaq.html. This site contains many resources for learning benchmark basics. For more detailed benchmark information, such as the differences between common benchmark methods, comparing benchmark results, and links to other benchmark sites, visit www.netlib.org/. A popular benchmark uses the popular video game “Doom 3” to test video and CPU performance. You can see a guide to benchmarking  with  "Doom 3" at www.tweaktown.com.  CPUScorecard.com also provides very detailed information about benchmarking technology, methods, and results. Additionally, this site provides links to many of the major benchmark test sites. 

Overview of Benchmark Results Once you understand benchmarks--how and what they test, and the meaning of their results--you can easily find comparison sites on the Internet.  Specific benchmark results using software developed by the non-profit Standards Performance Evaluation Company can be compared at  www.spec.ogy/cpu2000/results. Another specific benchmark for measuring the overall speed of computer systems involves playing chess and analyzing the results. Visit the site www.rebel.nl/bench.htm for complete details. Benchmark results for modern supercomputers are available at www.ideasinternational.com. Here you can compare the results of supercomputer performance compared to your PC’s performance. 

Benchmarks for Testing Your System Some Web sites offer free downloads of benchmark software. Others offer live, online benchmarks. Some will even allow users to include their own results in their own indexed benchmark results. This DMOZ.org page provides users with access to free benchmark software, and resources for comparing your results with other similar tests. They have many different benchmarks, with instructions on how to use them correctly, as well as reviews of popular benchmarks. If you want to benchmark your system live on the Internet, visit www.nhse.org/performance.html. The site www.benchmarkhq.ru/cm30/ allows you to use their benchmark utility to test the performance of Java on your system and review a summary of what the tests and results mean.