PerformanceTest is an easy to use PC benchmarking application that lets you find out how well your computer performs. The answer to this question can be very useful in some cases, such as when you have to decide between upgrading a computer’s hardware and replacing it with a new one.
This program is equipped with a large collection of tests to determine the performance of your computer and offers test results of similar machines to help you understand your computer’s test score and get a general view of where it stands on the performance scale.
PerformanceTest is very easy to install and the process should pose no problems even to complete beginners. At launch, the trial version of the program will display a notification offering users the possibility of purchasing a license.
PerformanceTest supports several Windows platforms, namely XP SP3, 2003 Server, Vista, 2008 Server, Windows 7, 2012 Server and 8. The application also requires an 1280 x 1024 pixel display (or higher), DirectX 9.0c or higher, 1GB RAM, 100MB of free hard disk space (more disk space will be needed to run the Disk Test and the Advanced CD burn test).
Interface
PerformanceTest’s main tab has a really impressive 3D motherboard which the user can rotate and click on any hardware component to see information about. The rest of the tabs show performance in all the available test categories (CPU, 2D and 3D graphics, memory and disk) for the tested computer and a set of “baseline” computers.
You can run all the tests directly from the main tab or deploy just one test series (or an individual test from a series) from the Tests menu. Just remember, for accurate results, it’s best to close all your applications and open windows.
From the Baselines menu, users can change the “baseline” computers used for performance comparison using some built-in presets or add individual entries using the simple or advanced search functions. PerformanceTest also offers a series of customizable advanced tests, best suited for power users. Results can be saved as image, text or HTML files and submitted to the developer’s website.
Pros
– Fast, effortless installation.
– Interactive 3D mainboard featured on the main tab, lets users see hardware information in an intuitive manner.
– Tabbed interface displays tests results per category, side-by-side with a “baseline” collection of computers for relevant comparison.
– PerformanceTest also includes several advanced tests that can be fully customized.
– Test results can be saved or uploaded to the developer’s website.
– Users can also modify the baseline data using provided presets or adding entries manually using search functions.
Cons
– None worth mentioning.
Alternatives
– AIDA64
– PCMark 7
– NovaBench
Conclusion
PerformanceTest has a remarkable number of tests and baseline data included, to allow even inexperienced users to carry out the test and understand the performance results of their computers. Even so, the multitude of settings and customizable advanced tests will likely satisfy even tech-savvy users that want to test their rigs under complex situations.
