Benchmarking your computer hardware shows exactly what is working well, and what needs to go.
PC benchmarking speed tests evaluate the operational abilities of your computer's components. Knowing what is and is not working well will save thousands on costly upgrades, and help you develop a plan of what parts you want to upgrade next.
Types of Tests
Most benchmarking software will use two types of tests: GPU or CPU. The GPU, or graphics processing unit, better known as a video card, takes the workload of graphics processing off of the CPU, or central processing unit. The job of the video card is to render graphics on the screen. Knowing what part of a computer is performing badly makes it possible to single out a much less expensive part to upgrade.
GPU Tests
GPU tests are designed to maximize the load capacity of the video card. In effect the test pushes the card to its limit for a brief period of time. Using a few tests, the benchmarking program is able to rate your video card against current video card benchmarks, giving your video card a score.
CPU Tests
CPU tests push the computational power of the CPU. By maximizing the load a CPU can handle, it is able to determine the computational speed the CPU works at compared to known benchmarks. There are also many computer enthusiasts who upload their test results for comparative analysis.
Tags: video card, your video card, graphics processing, Knowing what, processing unit