3DMark

Overview

3DMark is a gaming benchmark for comparing performance across PCs, Macs, notebooks, tablets, and smartphones. It suits people who want a broad set of graphics and CPU tests plus context for interpreting the results. Its range is a strength; the storage benchmark costs extra, and the Windows edition has a defined minimum specification.

Rather than leaving users with a score in isolation, 3DMark can match results to systems with the same CPU and GPU and estimate frame rates in selected popular games. Those comparisons and estimates help put benchmark results in context, though the game estimates cover a selection rather than every title.

Key features

3DMark scans a system and recommends a suitable benchmark, which helps users choose a test aligned with their hardware. Its test range includes ray tracing, DirectX and Vulkan graphics benchmarks, CPU Profile tests, and GPU stress tests. That mix serves both component comparisons and checks under sustained graphics load.

During a benchmark, charts show CPU and GPU temperatures, clock speeds, and changes in frame rate. This can help explain how performance shifts during a run, not just how systems rank by score. An online results database and comparisons against matching CPU-and-GPU systems add useful reference points.

The separately purchased Storage Benchmark DLC measures gaming performance of SSDs and other storage hardware through practical gaming activities. It extends the suite to storage, but buyers interested in that workload should account for the additional purchase rather than assume it comes with the main product.

Pricing

3DMark is freemium, with free apps for iOS and Android at no cost. These suit mobile users who want benchmarking on those platforms without an upfront price.

For Windows and macOS, 3DMark costs $34.99, paid once as a one-time purchase. A separate Windows edition sold through Epic Games also costs $34.99, paid once. The paid home-use copies can be downloaded through Steam, Epic Games Store, or 3dmark.com depending on where they are purchased. The cheaper mobile editions do not serve desktop benchmarking needs, while the desktop purchase does not include the separately sold Storage Benchmark DLC.

Enterprise edition is aimed at organizations that need command-line automation, offline results, XML export, commercial-use licensing, Testdriver compatibility, and priority email and phone support. A single-seat enterprise license requires internet access for online activation; site licenses support offline activation and simultaneous use on multiple systems. Enterprise pricing is custom pricing.

Platforms

3DMark is listed for Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. The Windows minimum requirement is Windows 10 64-bit, a dual-core 1.8 GHz CPU, 4 GB of memory, and DirectX 11 graphics. That baseline is useful for checking Windows eligibility before buying, but it is a specific Windows requirement rather than a shared specification for every platform.

Who it's for

3DMark is a strong fit for PC and device owners comparing gaming performance across hardware, especially when same-component score comparisons, game frame-rate estimates, and temperature or clock-speed charts matter. Its breadth also suits people who want graphics, CPU, and stress testing in one benchmark suite. It is less suitable for buyers who need storage testing included in the base purchase or whose Windows system falls below the minimum requirement.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Matching CPU-and-GPU score comparisons and game frame-rate estimates give results practical context beyond a single benchmark score.
• Pros: Graphics, CPU, and stress tests cover several kinds of gaming-performance assessment in one suite.
• Pros: Run charts track temperatures, clock speeds, and frame-rate changes, helping users see behavior during a test.
• Cons: Storage benchmarking requires a separate DLC purchase, adding cost for users who want SSD and storage performance measurements.
• Cons: The Windows edition requires Windows 10 64-bit and specified minimum CPU, memory, and graphics capabilities, excluding systems below that baseline.

Alternatives

Game Benchmark Software is a useful starting point for readers who want to compare the broader category before choosing a tool.

Choose GameBench instead if its 30-minute Pro trial, unlimited sessions for 28 days, and wider platform list better match the evaluation you need. Basemark GPU is another freemium option; its free tier is restricted to home or private use, submits test data to Powerboard, provides a single score without breakdown analysis, and requires internet access.

PerfDog may suit non-profit organizations looking for a free version. NVIDIA ShadowPlay is a free Windows option, with the NVIDIA App requiring Windows 10 or 11, GeForce driver 551.52 or later, and a supported GPU. OpenVR Benchmark offers a free core benchmark and features, with its leaderboard and hardware-detail additions sold separately.

WhatFPS Benchmark is a free Windows alternative with GPU, CPU, RAM, and disk benchmarking and a public leaderboard. glmark2 is a free option for Android, Linux, or Windows. UNIGINE Heaven Benchmark offers a free Basic download as well as paid Advanced and Professional plans.

Verdict

Choose 3DMark if you want a broad gaming benchmark suite that pairs graphics, CPU, and stress tests with comparable scores, game estimates, and hardware monitoring. Look elsewhere if storage testing must be included in the base price or your Windows system does not meet its minimum requirements.