When you are purchasing a used GPU, you better know that it performs to its strengths.
That is where a benchmarking app comes to your rescue.
Lets take a look at these.
Why you would Benchmark your Graphics Card?
Benchmarking software is designed tostress-testyour GPU.
They will run a simulation that is taxing to your graphics card.
When it is done, it will assign a score or FPS based on your GPUs performance.
Then you’re able to compare this score with others who have the same GPU.
This tells you how good your graphics card is.
Running a GPU benchmark helps you achieve a baseline score and measure the graphics cards performance.
If you are getting lower numbers than normal, some issues exist with the GPU.
This is extremely helpful when buying a used GPU.
One other benefit of using such software isstress testing.
A faulty GPU will exhibit some properties that are only reflected after you put 100% load onto it.
You will see artifacts, high temperatures, and outright shutdown with a faulty GPU.
Once you get any such issues, you’re free to steer clear of buying those units.
Finally, testing your GPU can be relaxing too.
The fact you see your GPU performing consistently gives you peace of mind.
I dont know about you, but this is how I feel about benchmarks.
And yeah, dont forget the bragging rights in front of your friends too.
Read more on 7 signs yourGraphics Card is Dying.
Best GPU Benchmarking Software
The best GPU benchmark software that I have used is3D Mark.
It comes with different modes such asTime Spy,Night Raid,Wild Life,Night Raid, etc.
When Nvidia launched RTX GPUs,Port Royalwas the first ray-tracing benchmark available for users.
Uniginehas some great benchmarks too.
You may already know theHeavenandValleybenchmarks.
It is quite popular among gamers.
Instead of giving you a numerical score, it gives the FPS count when the benchmark completes.
For stress testing the graphics cards, you might useFurmark.
It is also used for processors.
FurMark maxes out your GPUs temperature.
This will give you a good idea of how the GPU cooler and its thermal compound are holding up.
It is a great way to test a GPUs stability when purchasing used cards.
You will be presented with average, maximum, and 1% low frame rates after completion.
Next, download the benchmark or game of your choice.
launch the same benchmark 2 or 3 times.
Compare the scores with other users who have the same GPU as you.
Lets delve deeper into these steps now.
Get Your PC Ready
Running the latest graphics driver is a must before benchmarking.
Manufacturers push out these updates to fix low FPS in games or bugs.
A great example could be when AMD improved its OpenGL performance in Minecraft with the22.7.1 update.
Some users got frame rate increases that were 2-3 times as before.
Select your GPU model, and the page will show you the latest drivers.
Download Nvidia Drivers
Download AMD Drivers
Also, keep your Windows updated.
Check the latest version of Windows and download it before proceeding to the next step.
Unigine is free to download.
3D Mark is free but only contains three tests.
I have included the links to the free versions of both benchmarks below.
Download Unigine
Download 3D Mark
Now lets look at how you could run Time Spy to test your GPU.
You have the option of running any of three benchmarks that are bundled with 3D Mark.
The benchmark will start running after the app collects your system information.
When the benchmark finishes, you will see your GPUs score.
Once installed, the interface of Unigine looks something similar to this.
you could change the resolution, texture details, anti-aliasing, and more.
To properly test the GPU, go with the stock parameters.
This will ensure that the GPU is 100% utilized.
PressRunwhen everything is configured.
Wait for some time as the benchmark finishes.
The final screen will show you the results.
An RTX 3070 produces this with Unigine Heaven.
You should re-run these benchmarks multiple times.
Note the scores that you get each time.
They will come in handy at the last step.
Run Some Games
Choosing a GPU-heavy game will show you how the GPU performs with recent games.
Take Cyberpunk 2077, for example.
Use the in-game benchmark to see the frame rates in detail.
Then you’ve got the option to be sure if your video card is performing optimally.
As with the synthetic benchmarks, monitor the temperatures too.
Analyze Your Findings
Note the results of the benchmark after each run.
The same goes for games.
Use a spreadsheet like this to keep all the data in a single place.
If the benchmark scores remain consistent, the GPU is good to go.
But if you see a drastic change in successive results, thermal throttling is present.
The GPUs temperature during that run will indicate this.
Temperature is very important when it comes to GPU performance.
Normally graphics cards can reach up to 80 degrees when running very demanding titles.
You might also need to reconsider the fan setup on your system.
It could be that the system is unable to cool its components adequately.
you’re free to compare your results with others at theUnigine Leaderboardor3D Marks Hall of Fame.
The website hosts different graphics card benchmark data from other users.
This will give you an idea if you are getting the performance that your GPU is capable of.
With old cards, you will get lower frame rates at high controls.
That does not indicate that the GPU is faulty.
Its just you have to settle with a low or medium setting for that particular game.
Also, keep an eye out for 1% lows and frame times.
They will indicate if the game will suffer from frame spikes.
The difference between your average FPS and 1% lows should be the minimum.
If you see a difference of 20 or more, you will experience some bad stuttering.
Before comparing the results, ensure the system configuration for both systems is close.
Otherwise, an apples-to-apples comparison will not be relevant.
Read our new article on how tofix Nvidia Graphics Card not detected in Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my GPU is underpowered?
If you are not getting good frame rates with recent games, chances are the GPU is underpowered.
Comparing your results with others in the same game will confirm this.
How can I benchmark my GPU?
you’re free to benchmark your GPU by running 3D Mark or Unigine.
you’re free to run Time Spy, Fire Strike, Heaven, and Valley benchmarks.
This should give you a score that highlights the GPUs position in terms of computational power.
Final Words
Benchmark is a way of ranking the GPU in order of how powerful they are.
Which is great to know when purchasing a used card.
And with that said, its time to wrap up.
