Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To find out whether a Proxmox VM change helped, compare the same representative workload before and after changing one relevant setting. Match the test conditions, measure the resource the change should affect, and record enough host, guest, storage, and network context to interpret the result. A host overview alone cannot tell you how your application performs inside a VM.
Choose a test that answers a specific question
Start by writing down what you changed and what result should move. A CPU allocation change calls for a representative CPU-bound workload; a virtual disk or storage change calls for a repeatable I/O test; a virtual NIC or bridge change calls for a network test with an appropriate peer. Whenever possible, use a workload resembling the application you care about, rather than treating unlike synthetic tests as interchangeable.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose the metric that matters to that workload. Throughput describes how much work completes over time; latency describes how long an operation takes. A change can improve one while leaving the other unchanged or worse, so do not reduce the result to a single headline score if the workload depends on both.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Establish a baseline before changing settings
Save the VM configuration and note the host and guest environment before the change. Run the chosen test and record its settings and result. If practical, repeat it several times and note the spread; a single run can be distorted by background activity or ordinary variation.
#1 Best Overall
- 12th Intel Alder Lake N95 Processor – The GMKtec G3 S Mini PC is powered by the 12th Gen Intel N95 processor with 4 cores, 4 threads, 6MB cache and a burst frequency up to 3.4GHz. Compared with N100/N5105/N5100/N5095, the N95 delivers up to 36% overall performance improvement. Perfect for routine tasks, office work, and home entertainment, this compact mini desktop is more convenient than traditional bulky PCs.
- 8GB RAM & 256GB SSD Storage – Pre-installed with 8GB DDR4 memory and a fast 256GB M.2 2242 SSD, the G3 S mini desktop offers quicker startup, smoother multitasking, and faster file transfers. Enjoy seamless performance whether you’re working on multiple applications, browsing, or streaming content.
- Rich Interfaces & Connectivity – The G3 S mini computer comes equipped with USB 3.2 (up to 10Gbps), dual HDMI 2.0 (4K@60Hz), and a 3.5mm audio jack. With support for WiFi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45 1000MbE), it connects easily with monitors, projectors, printers, office equipment, and other peripherals, making it versatile for both home and business use.
- Dual 4K Display Support – Featuring upgraded Intel UHD Graphics (up to 1000MHz), the G3 S supports 4K video playback and AV1 decoding for a smooth viewing experience. With dual HDMI outputs, you can connect two 4K@60Hz displays simultaneously, enabling efficient multitasking for work and entertainment.
- GMKTEC WARRANTY - GMKtec offers a 3-year limited warranty (1 year replacement + 2 years parts replacement) for each mini PC, starting from the date of the purchase effective on all sales starting Oct. 2026. All defects due to design and workmanship are covered. With a professional after sales team always ready to attend to your needs, you can simply relax and enjoy your mini PC
Proxmox includes pveperf for a quick general view of CPU and hard-disk performance on an installed Proxmox VE system. The administration guide cautions, “This is just a very quick and general benchmark,” and recommends more detailed tests, especially for I/O. Use it as host context, not as a substitute for measuring the target VM and workload. See the Proxmox performance overview.
Keep the comparison controlled
- Record the starting point. Capture the VM settings and relevant host and guest details, then run the baseline test.
- Change one variable where possible. This makes attribution clearer. If a change necessarily involves several linked settings, list them together rather than implying that one alone caused the result.
- Repeat the same workload. Keep the test, data size, duration, concurrency, and guest state consistent. Keep VM resources and the relevant virtual device and storage target unchanged unless one is the variable under test.
- Compare the relevant metric. Look at the same throughput, latency, or other workload-specific measure in the before and after runs, including run-to-run variation.
- Relate the result to the application. If the benchmark and application experience disagree, investigate other bottlenecks and concurrent load before declaring the change a win.
What to record so the result is interpretable
A benchmark number without its setup is difficult to reproduce or compare. Include the following context in your notes or report:
Rank #2
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging. The product ships with all relevant accessories, a minimum 90-day warranty, and may arrive in a generic box. Only select sellers who maintain a high performance bar may offer Certified Refurbished products on Amazon.com
- Intel Quad-core i5-6500T up to 3.1G,16G DDR4 memory（2 slots，supports up to 32GB）,240G SSD
- Includes USB Keyboard（English Keyboard & Mouse Included)
- I/O ports：Front：2 USB 3.0 ，microphone，headphone ，USB Type-C port Rear：4USB 3.0 ，VGA DP port，RJ-45
- Operating System：Win10Pro64bit
- Proxmox VE version, host CPU, and relevant host load during each run.
- Guest operating system and version, assigned vCPU and memory, CPU model, and any relevant ballooning behavior.
- For storage tests: storage backend or target, virtual disk bus/controller, guest driver, caching and other relevant disk options, and the test’s data size and concurrency.
- For network tests: virtual NIC model and guest driver, bridge and physical network path, test peer, and test settings.
- The exact workload and metric, each run’s result, and any material concurrent activity.
These details are a reproducibility practice, not a Proxmox-mandated benchmark format. Proxmox’s source repository provides context for VM management and configuration; use the documentation matching the Proxmox VE version actually installed, since recommendations and interface details can change.
Match the test to the setting you changed
CPU changes
Use a workload that stresses the CPU in the way your VM normally does, and record the VM’s CPU model and allocation alongside the host CPU and test conditions. A score from a different workload or differently allocated VM is not a controlled before-and-after comparison. The available guidance does not establish one CPU model or benchmark score as best for every workload.
Rank #3
- 🌍 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗦𝗔 – Built and quality-checked in Texas with a 2-Year US-Based Limited Warranty for dependable long-term support.
- 🏠 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 – Ready to power your smart home locally with fast, reliable automation and no mandatory cloud dependence. A truly powerful smart home hub.
- ⚙️ 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Built for reliable 24/7 performance powering virtualization, automation, containers, storage, and professional workloads.
- 🧠 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – Available with AMD R2314 (efficient 4-core), AMD R2514 (8-thread multitasking), or Intel Core i3-1215U (hybrid 6-core performance) to match your workload.
- 💾 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗔𝗠 & 𝗨𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝟰𝗧𝗕 𝗡𝗩𝗠𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 – Dual SO-DIMM slots support up to 64GB RAM. Dual NVMe SSD slots support up to 4TB total storage. Select installed memory and storage based on your needs.
Disk, controller, or storage changes
Run repeatable I/O that resembles the workload, and preserve the test’s data size, duration, and concurrency between runs. Identify the storage backend as well as the guest-visible disk bus and controller: results can reflect the path through both. Proxmox’s migration guidance recommends SCSI with VirtIO SCSI single for disks when the guest supports VirtIO; it also discusses discard where useful for thin provisioning and IO thread for delegating disk I/O. Treat these as settings to evaluate in your own workload, not guaranteed speed improvements. Consult the Proxmox migration guidance.
Proxmox’s storage recommendations include SSDs as a general performance consideration. That does not establish how much a particular SSD or storage change will improve a particular VM; measure the change using the same workload and target.
Rank #4
- 🌍 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗦𝗔 – Built and quality-checked in Texas with a 2-Year US-Based Limited Warranty for dependable long-term support.
- 🏠 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗦 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 – Ready to power your smart home locally with fast, reliable automation and no mandatory cloud dependence. A truly powerful smart home hub.
- ⚙️ 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Built for reliable 24/7 performance powering virtualization, automation, containers, storage, and professional workloads.
- 🧠 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – Available with AMD R2314 (efficient 4-core), AMD R2514 (8-thread multitasking), or Intel Core i3-1215U (hybrid 6-core performance) to match your workload.
- 💾 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗔𝗠 & 𝗨𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝟰𝗧𝗕 𝗡𝗩𝗠𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 – Dual SO-DIMM slots support up to 64GB RAM. Dual NVMe SSD slots support up to 4TB total storage. Select installed memory and storage based on your needs.
Network changes
Test between the VM and a suitable peer, and record the virtual NIC model, guest driver, bridge, and physical path. A network result only helps explain the workload if the test path and peer are appropriate to it. Proxmox’s migration guidance favors VirtIO networking where the guest supports it, but the impact should be measured in the target setup.
Memory changes
Record assigned memory and any relevant ballooning behavior. Choose a workload that reflects the application’s memory demands; the available Proxmox guidance does not establish a universal memory benchmark prescription.
Best Value
- 🌍 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗦𝗔 – Built and quality-checked in Texas with a 2-Year US-Based Limited Warranty for dependable long-term support.
- 🖥️ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘅𝗺𝗼𝘅 𝗩𝗘 + 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 – Preinstalled with Proxmox Virtual Environment and a ready-to-run Home Assistant VM, giving you a powerful, flexible platform for virtualization, automation, and self-hosted services - all in one system with full local control and no mandatory cloud dependence.
- ⚙️ 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Built for reliable 24/7 performance powering virtualization, automation, containers, storage, and professional workloads.
- 🧠 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – Available with AMD R2314 (efficient 4-core), AMD R2514 (8-thread multitasking), or Intel Core i3-1215U (hybrid 6-core performance) to match your workload.
- 💾 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗔𝗠 & 𝗨𝗽 𝘁𝗼 𝟰𝗧𝗕 𝗡𝗩𝗠𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 – Dual SO-DIMM slots support up to 64GB RAM. Dual NVMe SSD slots support up to 4TB total storage. Select installed memory and storage based on your needs.
Interpret the result without overclaiming
- Compare like with like: results from different workloads, settings, or targets are not directly equivalent.
- Separate observed results from explanations. A higher throughput result does not, by itself, prove which configuration detail caused it if several details changed.
- Report variability and concurrent load when they could affect interpretation.
- Do not assume a standard gain from a device model or setting. Historical measurements in the Proxmox VE 6.4 guide are version- and test-specific, not a forecast for modern workloads.
The Proxmox documentation listing identifies the 9.x administration guide as version 9.2, last updated August 10, 2026. Check the guide for your installed release when following configuration recommendations: Proxmox VE documentation.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
