Benchmarks

A benchmark is a standard test or set of tests used to measure and compare the performance of computer hardware, software, or systems. Benchmarks provide quantitative metrics that enable retailers, researchers, and users to evaluate relative capabilities and track changes over time.

Benchmarks come in hardware benchmarks (CPU, GPU, memory, storage), software benchmarks (applications, libraries, and algorithms), and network benchmarks (throughput and latency). They can be synthetic, designed to stress particular components, or application benchmarks that run realistic workloads. Benchmark suites combine multiple tests to produce overall scores.

Methodology: runs should be reproducible and conducted under controlled conditions, with clear instructions, multiple iterations, and consideration of thermal and power effects. Results can be sensitive to compiler optimizations, system BIOS settings, background processes, and software versions, which can limit comparability.

Common benchmarks include SPEC CPU for processor performance, SPECjbb for Java server workloads, LINPACK for floating-point performance, and various storage or GPU suites. Industry uses benchmark results to inform procurement, optimization, and research, but cautions that benchmarks do not always represent real-world usage and can be biased by test design or funding.