Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
CPU and GPU benchmarks - statistics & facts
For gaming enthusiasts or casual users taking on everyday tasks, understanding central processing unit (CPU) and graphics processing unit (GPU) benchmarks is crucial. Gamers rely on these benchmarks to ensure smooth gameplay at high resolutions and frame rates, eliminating frustrating lag and stutters. Average users, on the other hand, can leverage benchmarks to find processors and graphics cards that can handle applications like video editing or 3D modeling with ease. And now, with the rise in artificial intelligence (AI) and the demands it is putting on computing power, an awareness of whether a system can handle AI is becoming increasingly important.
Easy comparisons between multiple CPUs
Benchmarking tools for CPUs are crucial in determining whether a processor can run games and applications to their peak performance level. Comparing the listed specifications of CPUs helps determine the capabilities of the components forming part of any computing system. This allows a user to assess whether an upgrade is required. Should that be the case, benchmarking tools that showcase comparative data between processors across multiple generations will also enable a user to identify the best-priced option for them.GPU benchmarks matter to gamers and creators
Like CPU benchmarking, the ability to compare the performance of graphics cards across various tasks has become increasingly valuable. Key measures include frame rates for gaming and processing times for creative work. GPUs that deliver the smoothest visuals and fastest processing speeds will allow a user to operate a system that meets their needs. The GPU market has received even greater attention as the AI revolution has taken hold, with GPUs being the favored chips for machine learning activities due to their ability to perform millions of mathematical operations in parallel. By understanding the performance of a GPU and other processing components, the full potential of AI can be unlocked on devices.Specialized chips to support AI
As well as the more traditional CPUs and GPUs found in modern devices, the development of AI has resulted in the introduction of another processor type in the form of a neural processing unit (NPU). These accelerators help to supercharge AI, acting as the brains behind machine learning applications. Such is the importance of these chips that many benchmarking platforms now also offer NPU comparisons across a range of processor and device types.The final choice lies with the user
While CPU and GPU benchmarks are important tools in ascertaining the performance of computer components, a range of additional factors can also influence the buying process. The specific computing requirements, budget, and software compatibility all form part of the equation when settling on the best configuration. Nonetheless, with AI workloads such as image generation and other machine learning tasks becoming more in-demand, benchmarking tools will remain an important step in gauging if a computer system can power digital endeavors in the modern world.Thomas Alsop
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Feb 4, 2025
Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
