V-Ray Benchmark

Overview

V-Ray Benchmark is a free utility for measuring rendering speed on CPUs, NVIDIA GPUs, or both. It suits artists, technical directors, system builders, and anyone selecting hardware for V-Ray workloads. The bottom line is a focused comparison tool rather than an application for creating or finishing 3D scenes.

Key features

The benchmark scene runs V-Ray 6's CUDA and RTX engines, so results reflect two distinct NVIDIA GPU rendering paths as well as CPU performance. A normal run takes about a minute, which is convenient for checking a new configuration or comparing settings quickly. You can loop the test for longer runs when a single short pass is not enough for your comparison.

CUDA testing can use the CPU and GPU together. That hybrid mode is useful when a workstation's combined resources matter, while separate CPU and GPU modes help isolate which component is responsible for a result. V-Ray 6 Benchmark also supports Apple silicon, making the same benchmark relevant to current Macs as well as conventional Windows and Linux workstations.

Scores can be saved, viewed, and shared, then matched against entries in the online result database. Side-by-side viewing is limited to three configurations, so larger shortlists require several comparison rounds. Device and hardware filters make the database more practical by narrowing results to relevant systems. A result can include core count, clock speed, and hyper-threading information, giving a score more context than a number alone.

The mobile version of benchmark.chaos.com supports browsing and sharing results away from the desktop. V-Ray 5 Benchmark results remain accessible, which helps when older machines or historical measurements are still part of a purchasing decision. Sign-in works with a Chaos, Trimble, or Google account. Export to a text log or image provides a simple record for reports, support tickets, or build documentation.

Pricing

V-Ray Benchmark is free, with no paid tier and no separate free trial. The Free plan costs free and includes the standalone benchmark application, CPU and GPU rendering tests, and online result comparison. The V-Ray Benchmark plan also costs free and covers the free benchmark app with CPU and NVIDIA GPU tests.

There are no seat charges, renewal terms, or usage quotas attached to either listed plan. This makes it appropriate for individual buyers, studios comparing workstations, and educators who need repeatable measurements without allocating software budget. The trade-off is scope: the plans provide benchmarking, not a general-purpose V-Ray production license or a scene-creation workflow.

Platforms

V-Ray Benchmark supports Windows, Linux, macOS, and the web result service. The Windows requirement is Windows 8 or later; Linux support includes Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.2 WS and later and CentOS 7 and later. The downloadable V-Ray 6 Benchmark entries show a July 2, 2025 release date. Results and sharing are available through benchmark.chaos.com, including its mobile experience.

Who it's for

Choose it when rendering speed is the decision you need to make: comparing CPUs, NVIDIA GPUs, hybrid CUDA configurations, RTX capability, or Apple silicon systems. It is especially useful before a workstation purchase, during a hardware refresh, or when documenting a configuration for a V-Ray-focused pipeline.

Look elsewhere if you need to model, animate, shade, or render production scenes. This utility measures a defined workload; it does not replace a 3D creation suite or a full renderer.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free testing: both listed plans cost 0.00 USD, so repeated comparisons carry no license expense.
• Multiple rendering modes: CPU, NVIDIA GPU, RTX, CUDA, and CPU/GPU hybrid measurements reveal different hardware trade-offs.
• Useful result context: searchable scores can include core count, clock speed, and hyper-threading, with text-log and image export.
• Broad device coverage: Windows, Linux, macOS, and Apple silicon support accommodate mixed hardware fleets.

Cons

• Three-way comparison ceiling: only three configurations can be displayed side by side at once.
• Narrow purpose: it benchmarks rendering speed but offers no general 3D production tools.
• NVIDIA emphasis: GPU workloads are centered on NVIDIA CUDA and RTX engines, limiting relevance for non-NVIDIA GPU decisions.

Alternatives

Houdini is the better choice when you need a full procedural 3D application rather than a benchmark, although its commercial workstation licensing is paid.

Terragen suits users seeking a landscape-focused rendering application with a free plan and a paid Indie tier.

Marmoset Viewer is a viewer option for presenting 3D assets across desktop, web, and mobile platforms.

Mitsuba 3 is preferable for users wanting a free, Python-based renderer with optional NVIDIA GPU support.

Bforartists is a free and open-source 3D creation suite, not a dedicated performance benchmark.

LuxCoreRender is a free renderer for private and commercial use when rendering itself, rather than standardized scoring, is the priority.

RenderMan fits non-commercial rendering workflows with a free plan and time-limited licenses.

Thea Render is worth considering when you need a production renderer with free node licensing alongside its integrations.

For broader software discovery, browse 3D Rendering Software and PC Benchmark Software.

Verdict

V-Ray Benchmark is the right pick for anyone who needs a free, repeatable way to compare CPU, NVIDIA GPU, RTX, CUDA, and hybrid rendering performance, with database-backed scores and simple exports. Choose another tool when your goal is creating or rendering finished 3D content, or when your hardware decisions center on non-NVIDIA GPU workloads.