Comparing your computer's internals with other hardware and software configurations around can be an interesting task, and usually, it will show you how outdated your computer is - at least that's what keeps happening to me again and again in the last three years...which means that I probably need an upgrade, but let's get back in line and talk about benchmarks.

Benchmark software can help you compare your PC with others, as I said, and today, I have such a program here for a review, and a little more - to check again where the system I use stands, compared to other configurations. The name of my subject is PerformanceTest, coming from the well known PassMark Software.

The last version of this program is 6.0, build 1013, and what I have here is a 30 days trial with some advanced test modules disabled, and in order to enable all tests and register it, you have to take 24$ out of the pocket. The setup package has 3.46MB in size and everybody should be able to install it without problems. These being said, let's move on to the interface and features, as usual.

I have seen a lot of ugly tweakers and benchmarking tools, but I am glad to discover that PerformanceTest is very far from those. This program's interface is exactly the way it should be - well organized, easy to use, with carefully done graphics, so everything I see is up to date. You can't get lost, because all you have to take care of is a menu bar, a toolbar and a small work area. Of course that if you run into any trouble, you can check the comprehensive documentation that comes with the program, so let's go on and explore the available tests and other features, shall we?

When it's about benchmarking, I don't like to waste time on options after starting it, because I have enough time to play with the advanced settings at a later time, and first of all, I am used to run a full system benchmark. When using PerformanceTest, this task is started using the first item to be found inside the Tests menu, called Run All Tests. Let's follow this path and see how we can use the results obtained here...

The tests didn't last long, so in a few minutes I got my final score, and I was ready to proceed to the next step - see how my system stacks up against various opponents. To do that, you have to load the built in results obtained with other systems, using the Baseline menu's Select Baselines command. Inside the Select Baselines window you have the chance to choose which system configurations to load in order to compare their results with yours, and doing this is extremely easy.

Once you have completed the previous step, you can see a graphical representation of all results - your system's, and those from the baselines you have loaded, side by side. Even more, you can install baselines from files or straight from the Internet!

Good, so we have an overall score for our computer's performance, but what about testing only one hardware component? Nothing easier than that, just pick your test from the Tests or Advanced menus! I don't have to tell you which tests can be run, because they cover every component from your computer that can be benchmarked, starting with the CPU and ending with the multitasking and networking tests.

I really enjoy reviewing such programs, but if I would have to choose between reading a review of a benchmarking tool and using it, I would pick the latest, so I'll move on to the conclusion now, because I don't want you to do the same...

The Good

PerformanceTest is an excellent full featured benchmarking suite with a comprehensive documentation that has only one major drawback, that of not being free...but the good part is that it deserves every single penny that you'll pay for it!

The Bad

This program's trial version has some advanced tests disabled, and I would like to see a serious DirectX 9 video test built in...other than that, no problems!

The Truth

Passmark Software did it again, and I can say only one word about this program: excellent! Hurry up and get it while it's hot, and don't forget to enjoy it!

Here are some snapshots of the application in action: