Graphics card benchmarking software is readily available.
A benchmark is a standard by which things are judged. Graphics cards used in computers use software set benchmarks for them. The software makes the card perform numerous tasks, including endurance tests and speed trials. After the tests are over, the software will offer data on the graphics card and give its limitations. Different benchmarking programs use different speed tests and diagnostic tools, so it is wise to use more than one program and compare the results.
Instructions
1. Download the evaluation version of the PassMark Performance Test and install it. The evaluation version of the software is free to use for 30 days. Longer usage requires purchase. PassMark is a robust benchmarking program that runs both 2-D and 3-D tests. It also has advanced tests that are configurable by the user so specific scenarios can be created to test the hardware. Benchmark results can be saved and used to create new baselines. PassMark Performance Test is capable of running benchmark tests on CPU, memory and networking as well.
2. Install the free trial of Futuremark's 3-D graphics card benchmarking software, 3DMark Vantage. Windows Vista or Windows 7 is required and graphics card must be DirectX-10 compliant in order for the software to run. Display devices need to be capable of at least 1280-by-1024 pixel resolution. 3DMark Vantage runs two graphics tests. The first is a simulation of a large, indoor game with detailed characters, physics, lighting and objects. The second represents a vast space scene with huge distances interrupted by gigantic objects. It also has six feature tests that gauge specific aspects of a graphics card's capabilities.
3. Test the graphics card with FurMark, free software that is OpenGL 2.0 compliant. FurMark uses algorithms that render fur as benchmark tests and focuses on stability and stress testing rather than speed tests. The program also monitors and records the graphics card's temperature for analysis and has stability modes designed for overclockers. New versions of the software will allow command line parameters that alter the way the software starts up. These parameters will give the user the ability to personalize the tests more and focus on specific issues.
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