I want to benchmark my PC. Should I buy 3DMark on Steam or get something cheaper/free

[Josh5890]

Title says it all. Does anyone have experience using this application to benchmark their PC? I don't know if I would be better off using this or some other free applications that can be found on the internet. Thoughts?

 

[gran172]

You could try 3D Mark Demo

 

[Onefurrybanana]

I use 3dmark. I got mine on sale around christmas time for $5. So if your willing to wait and just use the demo the steam summer sale is coming.

 

[djreedj]

3d mark demo I fine also realbench for real world application test for CPU and gpu. Memtest is good for memory test. And yes I use 3dmark for firestrike its awesome. Also unigine heaven.

 

[James Mason]

Unigine Heaven or Valley are good enough for benchmarks and are free.
3dMark is a little better because you can compare scores easier, and the demo works you just can't really do the custom runs with it, and if you can get it for cheap it's worth it to benchmark any new PC you build (since you will always have it on steam) or any new hardware changes you make.
I used it benchmark all 5 of mine and then I can compare and reference them easily:
http://www.3dmark.com/compare/fs/7681677/fs/5598149/fs/5571921/fs/5563551/fs/5028682