Download PCMark for Windows 10 to run benchmarks

Our Review

PCMark is a distinguished computer benchmark utility that can be used both at home and at work. Optimized for the latest Windows editions, it comes bundled with a comprehensive set of components for running various tests meant to highlight the PC‘s best and worst features.

Thanks to sophisticated assessments, it creates a complete profile of your computer’s specifications and produces a high-level benchmark score for essentials, productivity, and digital content creation.

Before getting our final verdict for PCMark, let’s review its system requirements, editions, installation process, interface, and feature set.

PCMark system requirements

The benchmark software solution has a large setup file. As such, you should check the system prerequisites before downloading it, especially if you don’t have a high-speed internet connection:

• Processor: dual-core CPU
• Memory: 4 Gb minimum
• Graphics card: NVIDIA GeForce 7100, nForce 630i, or better
• Display: 1920×1080
• HDD: at least 6 Gb free disk space
• OS: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7 (64-bit only)
• Other: DirectX 11

PCMark free version

Distinct PCMark editions are available for home and business use, which we will explain a bit later. Most casual users will be happy to know they can use a free version called PCMark Basic Edition, which they can get on Steam (Download Demo button). But it doesn’t have some of the features found in PCMark Advanced Edition.

When it comes to business use, you can get PCMark Professional Edition to unlock all product options and configuration settings. You can also opt for a free trial for Testdriver, a superior benchmark automation solution. Only the pro version allows commercial usage.

PCMark installation and interface

Setting up PCMark takes a while. Besides accepting the license terms and conditions, you can choose the installer and UI language, modify the default program and DLC install paths, and control desktop shortcuts.

As far as the interface is concerned, PCMark has a large main window with a clean layout, where you can explore all features in the Home, Benchmarks, Results, and Options tabs.

A word of advice about PCMark

Keep in mind that, during benchmark tests, you should suspend all computer activities until PCMark completes its job. It’s also recommended that you close any running applications. Besides the fact that PCMark maximizes system resources usage, there are other reasons.

Firstly, your actions will likely skew the results. Secondly, you risk having your programs automatically terminated by PCMark if they are part of its tests. Therefore, you could lose any unsaved work.

What is PCMark?

It’s difficult to find something wrong with PCMark, seeing how it’s a complete solution for PC benchmark testing on Windows systems. But we can safely assume that many gamers feel displeased about how the free version has significantly fewer features than its paid counterparts.

Nevertheless, PCMark is an excellent product for measuring the impact of games as well as office, photo, video and browsing tools on the computer’s performance. It provides relevant tests and scores for comparing results with others online.

FAQ: Learn more about PCMark

• What is a good PCMark score?

It depends on what you’re measuring. For basic computer tasks, the PCMark makers recommend at least a 4100 score. For standard office tasks with a hint of media content, you should score 4500 or higher. When it comes to photo, video and other media editing, 3450 or higher is recommended.

• Can you get 3DMark for free?

Yes, you can use 3DMark Basic Edition, which is completely free and has no expiration date. But some of its features are locked.

• What is the best benchmark program?

PCMark is our top choice when it comes to the best PC benchmarking software for Windows 10. However, if you’re curious about other similar products, you should check out 3DMark, SiSoft Sandra, and Fresh Diagnose.