Question What's a good benchmark app to use? I generally run superposition 8k opt as it gives a pretty good reading of a setup performance on GPU-limited games

[Trixr]

I am looking for a benchmarker software that loads the GPU entirely and makes sure to boost the clock up and use a good amount of vram. The goal is to replicate common GPU-based games as well as VR chat realistically instead of just passing the bar to intel due to multi-core util. I used to use Timespy, then Nomad, and now have settled on superposition 8k opt out of recommendation. I know the only real bench is to play the games manually but it's nice to help me test and compare with friends for fun. If it matters I have a 79xtx/76x3d build I just made with a b650 Eagle and 850w udgm psu. Please refrain from any "benchmarks all suck" comments I understand this clearly.

 

[CountMike]

I am looking for a benchmarker software that loads the GPU entirely and makes sure to boost the clock up and use a good amount of vram. The goal is to replicate common GPU-based games as well as VR chat realistically instead of just passing the bar to intel due to multi-core util. I used to use Timespy, then Nomad, and now have settled on superposition 8k opt out of recommendation. I know the only real bench is to play the games manually but it's nice to help me test and compare with friends for fun. If it matters I have a 79xtx/76x3d build I just made with a b650 Eagle and 850w udgm psu. Please refrain from any "benchmarks all suck" comments I understand this clearly.

OCCT and Furmark.

 

[drea.drechsler]

I am looking for a benchmarker software that loads the GPU entirely and makes sure to boost the clock up and use a good amount of vram. The goal is to replicate common GPU-based games as well as VR chat realistically instead of just passing the bar to intel due to multi-core util. I used to use Timespy, then Nomad, and now have settled on superposition 8k opt out of recommendation. I know the only real bench is to play the games manually but it's nice to help me test and compare with friends for fun. If it matters I have a 79xtx/76x3d build I just made with a b650 Eagle and 850w udgm psu. Please refrain from any "benchmarks all suck" comments I understand this clearly.

To know if a gaming PC is adequately optimized one or more of the 3dMark benches (Timespy, Nomad, Speedway, even Firestrike). That's mainly because they have a huge database of like hardware I can compare against, being sure to allow for results that are most likely from extreme overclocking. But what's most important is to know it runs well the benchmark built into whatever game I'm interested in, at the settings I want to play at. Mainly, that it's rendering is smooth throughout and not stressing the GPU too hard.

In general, any benchmark is only going to be valid for the type of workload it was designed for. And conversely, to be informative it should be designed for the workload you're interested in. There is a huge variety of benchmarks largely because there is a huge variety of workloads.

 

[alceryes]

To know if a gaming PC is adequately optimized one or more of the 3dMark benches (Timespy, Nomad, Speedway, even Firestrike). That's mainly because they have a huge database of like hardware I can compare against, being sure to allow for results that are most likely from extreme overclocking. But what's most important is to know it runs well the benchmark built into whatever game I'm interested in, at the settings I want to play at. Mainly, that it's rendering is smooth throughout and not stressing the GPU too hard.

In general, any benchmark is only going to be valid for the type of workload it was designed for. And conversely, to be informative it should be designed for the workload you're interested in. There is a huge variety of benchmarks largely because there is a huge variety of workloads.

Also note that those who run Timespy, Firestrike, OCCT, Furmark, Heaven, Superposition, etc., are already in a slightly higher tier of PC gamers/enthusiiasts than your absolute average PC user. Landing 'in the middle' with scores can mean that your PC is already optimized well. 😉

 

[drea.drechsler]

Also note that those who run Timespy, Firestrike, OCCT, Furmark, Heaven, Superposition, etc., are already in a slightly higher tier of PC gamers/enthusiiasts than your absolute average PC user. Landing 'in the middle' with scores can mean that your PC is already optimized well. 😉

What is left unsaid is the purpose of running the benchmark, which can make it pretty complicated.

It's probably safe to say it's related to overclocking of the GPU, mainly since this is an overclocking forum. My purpose is to know the GPU is both stable in use and gives actual performance gains. Exceeding thermals frequently results in little to none as the algorithm pulls back on clocks to protect itself. Furmark in particular isn't particularly useful to me since my GPU just seems to pull back as much as needed to stay stable unless the overclock is stupid/crazy high yet even a moderate overclock will make it pull back as it overheats in the unrealistic workload.

3DMark stress tests do give you an idea when performance is declining with time, a good clue to go chasing thermal issues. But in-game benches are still very helpful since a game isn't like a benchmark/stress test. They present far more variable processing loads, so a low Furmark scoring OC might (and frequently does) still allow for better in-game performance as it has frequent cool-down periods even in the most pressing action sequences.

I've also found in-game benches, or simply playing it, better at finding memory stability problems than even 3DMark stress tests. A memory clock that gives me no problems with FurMark and gives me the best TimeSpy or Nomad scores, even passes their stress tests with ease, will crash in several games until dropping memory clocks.

That makes it far more nuanced than to suggest one benchmark is the 'best', that's my main point. If you have to run one in particular to feel good about performance by all means do it. But if nothing else make sure it runs your games with stability and actual performance improvements. Also, with the cost of modern GPU's (or CPU's) being what they are, if you want to overclock one it's in your financial interest to know you're not just burning one up with no actual gains in your application/game.