3DMark

Overview

3DMark is a cross-platform gaming benchmark for measuring and comparing graphics and processor performance. It suits people evaluating gaming hardware across PCs, Macs, notebooks, tablets, and phones. Its broad mix of tests and score context is the main draw; storage benchmarking costs extra, and desktop purchase options differ by storefront.

Key features

3DMark scans a system and recommends a suitable benchmark, which helps users avoid choosing a test that does not fit their hardware. Its graphics coverage includes ray tracing and DirectX and Vulkan benchmarks, alongside CPU Profile tests and GPU stress tests. That makes it useful for more than a single graphics score, though the separately purchased Storage Benchmark DLC is required to assess SSDs and other storage hardware through gaming activities.

Results can be compared with systems using the same CPU and GPU combination, a more relevant reference than comparing unlike configurations. Estimated frame rates for selected popular games help put synthetic scores in gaming terms, but remain estimates for a selection of games rather than measurements of every title. Charts show CPU and GPU temperatures, clock speeds, and frame-rate changes during a run, providing useful performance context.

3DMark supports custom workloads and an online results database. Enterprise edition adds command-line automation, offline results, XML export, commercial-use licensing, Testdriver compatibility, and priority email and phone support. Single-seat enterprise licenses require internet access for activation; site licenses support offline activation and simultaneous use on multiple systems.

Pricing

3DMark is freemium, with free iOS and Android editions at no cost. For desktop use, 3DMark for Windows and macOS costs $34.99, paid once, while the Windows edition sold through Epic Games costs $34.99, paid once. The free mobile editions suit people benchmarking those devices, but they do not replace the paid Windows and macOS purchase options. The Storage Benchmark DLC is a separate purchase. The stated paid-from price is 29.99 one-time.

There is no free trial. The Enterprise edition is the fit for commercial use, automation, offline results, or multi-system site licensing; it has custom pricing. The listed minimum Windows requirement is Windows 10 64-bit, a dual-core 1.8 GHz CPU, 4 GB memory, and DirectX 11 graphics. The 3DMark Demo is available through Steam; paid home-use copies can be downloaded through Steam, Epic Games Store, or 3dmark.com depending on the purchase channel.

Platforms

3DMark supports Android, iOS, macOS, web, and Windows. The Windows minimum requirement makes the desktop edition's baseline clear, while the mobile editions provide separate free options for Android and iOS. Product support includes a user guide, downloads, benchmark rules, approved drivers, and support resources.

Who it's for

Choose 3DMark if you want a broad benchmark suite with comparable hardware scores, selected game frame-rate estimates, and monitoring during test runs. It is especially suited to comparing systems or checking graphics and CPU performance across supported device types. Look elsewhere if included storage tests are essential or if a single-platform, narrowly focused benchmark better matches the task.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Graphics, CPU, and stress tests cover several distinct ways to assess gaming hardware.
• Pro: Same-CPU-and-GPU score comparisons and game frame-rate estimates make results easier to interpret.
• Pro: Enterprise options include automation, exports, commercial licensing, and site licensing.
• Con: Storage testing requires a separately purchased DLC, adding cost for users who need SSD results.
• Con: Desktop editions cost $34.99, paid once, and there is no trial for evaluating them first.

Alternatives

Game Benchmark Software is the broader category for comparing options. Consider GameBench if its Android, iOS, desktop, web, and self-hosted platform coverage or 28-day Pro trial suits your evaluation. Basemark GPU is another freemium cross-platform option; its free edition is for home or private use, requires internet, and submits data to Powerboard while providing a single score without breakdown analysis.

PerfDog may fit users seeking a freemium option across mobile, desktop, and web platforms, though its free version is limited to non-profit organizations. Choose NVIDIA ShadowPlay if you want a free Windows option, provided your system meets its Windows 10 or 11, driver, and supported-GPU requirements. 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, and Windows. UNIGINE Heaven Benchmark offers a free download and paid plans for Linux, macOS, and Windows. UNIGINE Superposition Benchmark also has a free download and paid plans, for Linux and Windows.

Verdict

3DMark is the right choice for people who want one broad suite for comparing gaming graphics and CPU performance, with results tied to hardware and selected game estimates. Its principal drawbacks are the paid desktop editions and separate storage-test purchase. Choose it for breadth and comparative context; look elsewhere if your priority is storage testing included in the base purchase or a free desktop benchmark.