GPU benchmarks are essential tools for evaluating graphics card performance, but many people only look at the final score while ignoring what it truly means. This guide will help you deeply understand various benchmarks and learn how to correctly interpret test results.

Table of Contents

• What is GPU Benchmarking
• Popular Benchmark Tools Compared
• Key Performance Metrics Explained
• How to Correctly Interpret Benchmark Results
• Real-World Application Comparison
• Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls
• Practical GPU Buying Advice
• FAQ

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What is GPU Benchmarking 🎯

The Essence of Benchmarking

GPU benchmarking is the process of measuring graphics card performance by running standardized graphical workloads. Its core value lies in:

• Comparability: Results from different GPUs under the same test can be directly compared
• Reproducibility: The same GPU should produce similar results across multiple runs
• Quantification: Transforms abstract "performance" into concrete numbers

Types of Benchmarks

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Popular Benchmark Tools Compared 🔧

1. 3DMark (Most Authoritative Comprehensive Test)

Test Suites:

• Time Spy: DX12 test, modern gaming standard
• Fire Strike: DX11 test, compatibility testing
• Port Royal: Ray tracing test
• Speed Way: Latest DX12 Ultimate test

Score Composition:

Total Score = Graphics Score × Weight + Physics Score × Weight + Combined Score × Weight

Key Interpretation Points:

• 🎮 Graphics Score: Pure GPU performance, most important reference
• 🖥️ Physics Score: CPU performance, unrelated to GPU
• ⚖️ Combined Score: CPU+GPU coordination ability

Example Interpretation:

Time Spy Total: 12,500
├── Graphics Score: 13,200  ← Focus on this
├── CPU Score: 9,800        ← CPU performance
└── GPU: RTX 4070

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2. FurMark (GPU Stress Test)

Purpose: GPU stress testing, stability testing, temperature testing

Key Metrics:

• FPS: Rendering frame rate
• GPU Temperature: Cooling capability
• Power Draw: Actual power consumption

Warning Thresholds:

Note: FurMark is an extreme test; daily use rarely reaches this workload level.

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3. Unigine (Scene Rendering Test)

Test Suites:

• Heaven: Classic DX11 scene
• Valley: Natural environment rendering
• Superposition: DX12 + 4K test

Features:

• Closer to real game scenarios
• Can test different quality settings
• Supports custom resolutions

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4. WebGL Benchmarks (Our Test)

Our GPU Performance Test specifically targets WebGL volume rendering:

Advantages:

• ✅ No software installation required
• ✅ Directly reflects web 3D performance
• ✅ 5 complexity levels for different GPUs

Testing Principle:

// Increase load by adding ray marching steps and fractal iterations
#define MAX_ITERATIONS 2000  // Level 5
#define MAX_RAY_STEPS 200
#define FRACTAL_POWER 10.0

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Key Performance Metrics Explained 📊

1. FPS (Frames Per Second)

Definition: Number of frames rendered per second

Experience Reference:

Important Note: Higher FPS isn't always better; anything above your monitor's refresh rate is wasted.

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2. Frame Time

Definition: Time required to render a single frame (milliseconds)

Formula:

Frame Time (ms) = 1000 / FPS
60 FPS → 16.67ms
30 FPS → 33.33ms

Why is it More Important Than FPS?

Consider this example:

Scenario A: Stable 50 FPS
Frame times: 20ms, 20ms, 20ms, 20ms... ✅ Smooth

Scenario B: Average 60 FPS, but fluctuating
Frame times: 10ms, 50ms, 8ms, 45ms... ❌ Noticeable stuttering

Conclusion: Frame time consistency is more important than average!

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3. 1% Low / 0.1% Low

Definition: Average frame rate of the worst 1% / 0.1% of frames

Purpose: Reflects stuttering severity in games

Healthy Ratios:

Ideal: 1% Low ≥ Average FPS × 70%
Acceptable: 1% Low ≥ Average FPS × 50%
Needs optimization: 1% Low < Average FPS × 50%

Example:

GPU A: Average 100 FPS, 1% Low 75 FPS → Excellent
GPU B: Average 110 FPS, 1% Low 40 FPS → Problematic

Although GPU B has higher average FPS, the actual experience is worse!

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4. GPU Utilization

Meaning: Percentage of GPU compute units being used

Interpretation:

Diagnostic Tips:

• Low GPU utilization + Low FPS → Likely CPU bottleneck
• High GPU utilization + Low FPS → Insufficient GPU performance
• High GPU utilization + High FPS → Ideal state

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5. VRAM Usage

Importance: Insufficient VRAM causes severe stuttering

Recommended VRAM by Resolution:

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How to Correctly Interpret Benchmark Results 🔍

Step 1: Verify Test Conditions

When comparing benchmarks, ensure the following conditions are identical:

✅ Conditions that must match:
- Benchmark software version
- Test suite (e.g., Time Spy vs Fire Strike)
- Resolution settings
- Driver version

❌ Incomparable benchmark conditions:
- 3DMark 2022 vs 2024 versions
- Time Spy Graphics vs Total score
- 1080p vs 4K tests

Step 2: Distinguish Graphics Score from Total Score

Common Mistake: Many people only look at total score, being misled by CPU score

Example:
Config A: RTX 4060 + i9-14900K
Time Spy Total: 14,000
Graphics Score: 9,500
CPU Score: 22,000

Config B: RTX 4070 + i5-12400
Time Spy Total: 13,500
Graphics Score: 12,500
CPU Score: 8,000

Conclusion: Although Config A has higher total score, Config B's GPU is significantly stronger!

Step 3: Focus on Percentage Differences

Performance Gap Perception Thresholds:

< 5%: Almost imperceptible
5-15%: Noticeable with careful comparison
15-30%: Obvious difference
> 30%: Significant difference

Step 4: Calculate Value with Price

Value Formula:

Value = Score / Price × 1000

Example:
RTX 4070: 12,500 points / $599 × 1000 = 20.87
RTX 4060 Ti: 10,000 points / $449 × 1000 = 22.27

Conclusion: RTX 4060 Ti offers better value

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Real-World Application Comparison 🎮

Game Performance Estimation

Game performance estimation based on Time Spy Graphics Score (1080p High):

Note: Actual game performance is affected by many factors; benchmarks are just reference.

WebGL Application Performance

Web 3D performance estimation based on our GPU test:

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Common Misconceptions and Pitfalls ⚠️

Pitfall 1: Only Looking at Benchmarks, Ignoring Actual Games

Problem: Benchmark optimization vs game optimization differ Truth: Some GPUs excel in benchmarks but perform mediocrely in specific games

Advice: Check actual frame rate tests for target games

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Pitfall 2: Ignoring Driver Version Impact

Problem: Different driver versions can cause 10-15% performance differences Truth: New drivers usually optimize for new games, older games may regress

Advice: Note driver version when comparing benchmarks

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Pitfall 3: Thermal and Power Throttling

Problem: High-end GPUs may throttle in poorly ventilated cases Truth: Benchmarks are usually run under ideal cooling conditions

Advice: Monitor temperature and power to ensure sustained performance

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Pitfall 4: More VRAM ≠ Better Performance

Problem: Some low-end cards use large VRAM as a selling point Truth: VRAM only matters when actually needed

Example:

GTX 1650 4GB vs GTX 1650 Super 4GB
Same VRAM, but Super version is 30% faster

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Pitfall 5: Benchmark Cheating

Common Cheating Methods:

• Overclocking without disclosure
• Using special drivers
• Modifying benchmark detection
• Cherry-picking best results

Detection Methods:

• Compare with official or multiple sources
• Check if temperature and power are reasonable
• Watch for abnormal individual scores

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Practical GPU Buying Advice 💡

Determine Budget by Use Case

Performance Requirements Quick Reference

Target: Stable 60 FPS

1080p Medium → Time Spy Graphics 5,000+
1080p High → Time Spy Graphics 8,000+
1440p High → Time Spy Graphics 12,000+
4K High → Time Spy Graphics 18,000+

Pre-Purchase Checklist

□ Confirm PSU wattage is sufficient (GPU TDP × 2 + other components)
□ Confirm case has enough space (GPU length, thickness)
□ Confirm motherboard interface compatibility (PCIe version)
□ Confirm monitor resolution and refresh rate
□ Check reviews and benchmarks from multiple sources
□ Consider warranty and after-sales support

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FAQ ❓

Q: Why is my benchmark score lower than others? A: Possible reasons:

• Different driver versions
• Background programs consuming resources
• Poor cooling causing throttling
• Power mode not set to high performance
• GPU drivers not properly installed

Q: What if there's a big gap between benchmark and actual game performance? A: This is normal. Benchmarks are standardized tests; game optimization varies. Check actual frame rate tests for target games.

Q: Why does my new GPU score lower than my old one? A: Likely a driver issue. New GPU drivers may not be fully optimized at launch; wait for driver updates.

Q: Which is more accurate, WebGL tests or 3DMark? A: Depends on your use case. For web 3D applications, WebGL tests are more relevant; for desktop gaming, 3DMark is more accurate.

Q: Can laptop and desktop GPU scores be compared? A: Same model GPUs typically perform 10-30% lower on laptops due to thermal and power constraints. Note the difference between mobile (e.g., RTX 4070 Laptop) and desktop versions.

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Summary

GPU benchmarking is an important tool for evaluating and purchasing graphics cards, but requires proper understanding:

✅ Focus on Graphics Score rather than total score ✅ Compare frame time consistency rather than just average FPS ✅ Combine with actual game tests rather than just benchmarks ✅ Consider value rather than just chasing highest scores ✅ Beware of marketing traps, verify data from multiple sources

Visit our GPU Performance Test page now to test your GPU's real WebGL performance!

Related Articles:

• Deep Dive: Understanding the 4 Preset Shaders
• Getting Started with Volume Shaders

Happy Benchmarking! 🚀