Benchmark tools are used to determine the performance of your personal computer (PC). The most common ones test your central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, memory and network connection. Benchmark utilities are important in PC optimization and troubleshooting. Brien M. Posey, a contributor to the System Management Tips section of SearchDataCenter.com, states that one important consideration when choosing the right benchmark tool is system compatibility, which greatly affects the accuracy of the results.
PassMark Performance Test
One benchmark tool that works on Windows 2000 and later platforms is the PassMark Performance Test. This benchmark tool evaluates the PC in terms of speed and compares the result to other hardware. The package includes 28 standard benchmark tests that are categorized into six test suites. In addition, seven advanced testing utilities for custom benchmarking are also available.
PassMark Performance Test not only allows you to compare your machine to similar units; you can also measure the effect of any upgrades or changes in your hardware's configuration. Both of these can help you make an objective evaluation of your hardware, especially when you are deciding on a purchase. On the other hand, the advanced features can help you create your own benchmark scenarios for better PC enhancements.
You can download a free 30-day trial version of the software from its website. If you're satisfied, you can purchase the full standard version from the same website for $24, as of 2010.
PC-Wizard
Available to download free of charge, PC-Wizard is another computer diagnostic and benchmark tool that works on most Windows platforms, Windows 2000 and later. PC-Wizard is a utility that helps detect and analyze your hardware configuration and system components. It has been on the market since 1996. The CPUID website, a technical resource that hosts this program, claims that the tool is constantly being updated to provide accurate results.
PC-Wizard is specifically designed to analyze and benchmark computer hardware system performance including that of the CPU, cache, memory and hard drive. It also has specific benchmark tools for operating systems and processors.
Fresh Diagnose
Another free software program you can use to analyze your PC's performance is Fresh Diagnose--also compatible with most Windows systems from Windows 2000 onwards. This utility is used to benchmark hardware such as the CPU, hard drive, video system and motherboard. You can install the software on your system, and it will automatically scan and give you a comprehensive report about your computer hardware and its software.
Tags: benchmark tool, PassMark Performance, PassMark Performance Test, Performance Test, Windows 2000