Testing CPU and FSB speeds will tell you how your system compares with others.
Testing your computer's speed and capability, otherwise known as benchmarking, is a way to learn more about your computer and discover bottlenecks or areas that can be improved. Start by testing your computer's central processing unit (CPU) and front-side bus (FSB) speeds.
Types and Examples
There are many types of CPU and FSB speed testing programs. Some are simple, such as CPUInfo, which simply lists manufacturer and model type of your CPU, cache memory transfer rate, and CPU speed. Other programs, such as CPU-Z and Sisoftware's SANDRA are more complex, offering those details as well as FSB speed and other system information not related to the CPU.
Benefit
The benefit of a CPU and FSB speed testing program is it allows you to compare your system with the specifications listed by its manufacturer to ensure everything is running properly.
Benchmark
A benchmark is different from other speed testing programs because it tests the real-world capability of your processor and other components. In other words, as opposed to telling you speed in potential performance, it tells you the speed based on an actual performance in a certain computer related task. A CPU that falls short in the traditional speed and FSB tests may come out ahead in a specific benchmark. Benchmarks more clearly show strengths and weaknesses.
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