How to Evaluate CPU Performance: A Comprehensive Guide

There are multiple methods to assess the performance of different CPUs. One common approach is to compare their technical specifications. A CPU with more cores and a faster clock speed typically performs better than its counterparts in the same product line.

However, what if you want to compare a high-end CPU from a few years ago with a mid-range model from the current year? Or if you're trying to estimate how much faster a new CPU will be for a specific game or application? That’s where CPU benchmarks come into play.

What Are CPU Benchmarks?

CPU benchmarks are standardized tests that evaluate a processor’s performance across a range of tasks. They are useful in many scenarios:

• When purchasing or building a new PC. Use benchmark scores to determine how well a system can handle games and applications before buying.
• Before upgrading your CPU. Compare benchmark results for different CPUs on review sites or benchmarking software platforms.
• After upgrading your CPU. Run your own benchmarks to see how the upgrade affects your system’s performance.
• When overclocking your CPU. Use tools like Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel® XTU) to measure performance gains after overclocking.

Types of CPU Benchmarking Tools

CPU reviewers use a variety of benchmarking tools to evaluate processors. These can be divided into two main categories: synthetic and real-world benchmarks.

Synthetic Benchmarks

Synthetic benchmarks are ideal for quick, general comparisons between CPUs. These tests simulate a wide range of tasks such as 3D rendering, file compression, web browsing, and floating-point calculations. The results are then combined into a single score, which is considered “synthetic” because it is based on simulated workloads rather than real-world applications.

Examples of synthetic benchmarks include:

• PassMark: Measures performance in mathematical calculations, compression, encryption, and physics-related tasks.
• 3DMark: Assesses a system’s ability to handle 3D graphics for gaming.
• PCMark 10: Evaluates how well a system can handle business workflows and productivity tasks.
• Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel® XTU): Tests CPU performance under stress and during overclocking.

Many of these benchmarks provide a database of scores for various CPUs, making it easy to compare their relative performance.

Real-World Benchmarks

Real-world benchmarks are more appropriate when you have specific plans for your PC and need accurate performance data for particular applications. These tests involve running real programs with heavy workloads and measuring the time it takes to complete them.

Common real-world benchmarking tools include:

• 7-Zip: Measures CPU speed in data compression and decompression.
• Blender: Tests 3D rendering performance.
• Handbrake: Evaluates video encoding speed.

In-game benchmark tools are another type of real-world test. These are non-interactive scenes found in some games and are used to measure the CPU’s impact on frame rate (FPS) during gameplay and streaming.

These tests provide a repeatable environment, ensuring that the results are consistent as long as the system configuration remains the same.

Understanding Benchmark Scores

Now that you’re familiar with the types of benchmarking tools, let’s look at how to interpret the results.

In synthetic benchmarks, the scoring system varies by program. Scores are often measured in “marks” or other program-specific units. A higher score generally indicates better performance, but it’s important to remember that different CPUs are designed for different purposes. Choose a benchmark that reflects how you plan to use your CPU.

Real-world benchmarks use a variety of measurements:

• Dropped frames: In video encoding tests, this counts the number of frames lost during playback. A lower percentage is better.
• FPS (for video): Measures the number of frames encoded per second. Higher is better.
• FPS (for gaming): Indicates the number of frames rendered per second. Higher FPS usually means smoother gameplay.
• Frame time (1% low and 0.1% low): Measures the time between frames in milliseconds. Consistency is key; lower is better.
• GB/s: Measures data throughput in encryption tests. Higher is better.
• MIPS: Measures the number of low-level instructions executed per second. Higher is better, but be cautious when comparing CPUs from different generations.
• Render time: Measures how quickly a CPU can render a 3D scene. Lower times are better.

Since no single benchmark can capture all aspects of a CPU’s performance, it’s best to check multiple benchmarks to get a comprehensive view.

Synthetic and real-world benchmarks can work together. Use synthetic benchmarks for a broad overview of a CPU’s strengths, and then use real-world benchmarks to understand how it performs in everyday use.

For example, if you're shopping for a gaming CPU, start with benchmark scores to evaluate general performance. Then, look up FPS and frame time data for recent games to get a more accurate picture.

Single-Core vs. Multi-Core Scores

Benchmarks often include both single-core and multi-core scores.

• Single-core scores are relevant for lightly-threaded applications and games that rely on a single core to process most instructions.
• Multi-core scores are more important for heavily-threaded applications and games that distribute tasks across multiple cores.

To determine whether a game is lightly or heavily threaded:

• Open Task Manager in Windows 10 (CTRL+SHIFT+ESC) and go to the Performance tab.
• Change the graph to “Logical processors” to see the load on each core.
• Compare core activity. If the game is lightly threaded, most of the activity will be concentrated on one core.

Many popular games, such as Fortnite and some titles like Assassin’s Creed Origins and Battlefield V, are heavily-threaded and can take advantage of multiple cores, potentially increasing FPS.

System Configuration Considerations

While CPU benchmarks are important, other components also play a role in system performance:

• CPU: Games with complex AI, physics, and graphical effects are more CPU-intensive and may benefit from higher core counts and faster clock speeds.
• GPU: Some games are more reliant on the GPU, especially for 3D rendering. Discrete graphics cards can handle most of this workload.
• Memory and Storage: These components affect system responsiveness and loading times.
• Software: Performance can vary from game to game due to programming differences and settings like resolution and graphical options.

For more information on avoiding bottlenecks, see our article on system balancing.

Improving Your Benchmark Scores

Whether you're into high-end gaming, live streaming, or creative work, Intel® Core™ CPUs offer performance that scales to meet your needs.

For more insights on choosing the right gaming CPU, visit our dedicated guide.