Best Games to Benchmark Your New Gaming PC

When building or upgrading a gaming PC, it's crucial to test its performance with demanding games to ensure it can handle the latest graphical and computational requirements. Here are some of the best games to benchmark your new gaming PC, along with specific details on why they are ideal for this purpose.

Demanding Games for Comprehensive Benchmarking

Cyberpunk 2077

Cyberpunk 2077 is a top choice for benchmarking due to its advanced graphical features. The game includes path tracing and ray tracing modes, which significantly stress both the CPU and GPU. Even with high-end hardware, running the game at ultra settings can be challenging, making it an excellent test for your PC's capabilities. Additionally, the game's CPU usage is high, often reaching 90% even on 8-core processors, ensuring that your CPU is thoroughly tested.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 is another highly demanding game with a built-in benchmark. This benchmark is particularly useful as it tests sustained performance over a longer period, stressing both the CPU and GPU. The game uses the Vulkan API, which provides a different testing scenario compared to DirectX-based games. For consistent results, it's recommended to set the performance slider to its maximum setting during the benchmark.

Forza Horizon 5

Forza Horizon 5, while not as punishing as some other titles, still requires a powerful PC to achieve high frame rates at 4K resolutions. The game's open-world environment and detailed graphics make it an excellent choice for testing your PC's ability to handle demanding graphics and smooth gameplay. Even a mid-range GPU like the GTX 1070 can run the game, but for a stellar 100+ FPS experience at 4K, you'll need a high-end graphics card.

Metro Exodus

Metro Exodus is known for its intense graphical demands, making it a great benchmarking tool. The game features advanced lighting, reflections, and shadows, which can significantly impact frame rates. It also includes a built-in benchmark that provides consistent and reliable results, making it easy to compare performance across different hardware configurations.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla offers a built-in benchmark that produces consistent results, making it a solid choice for baseline testing. While it may not be as demanding as some other titles, it still provides a good test for your PC's performance and is particularly useful for comparing results across different machines.

Hitman 3

Hitman 3 includes an in-game benchmark that tests both CPU and GPU performance. The benchmark features a complex environment with dense AI and physics simulations, which are primarily handled by the GPU. This makes it an excellent tool for testing the performance of your graphics card.

Games with Built-in Benchmarks

Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is another game with a built-in benchmark. This benchmark is particularly useful for testing GPU performance and provides consistent results, making it easy to compare performance across different hardware configurations.

Far Cry 6

Far Cry 6 also includes a built-in benchmark, which is useful for testing both CPU and GPU performance. The game's complex environments and detailed graphics make it an excellent choice for benchmarking.

Dying Light 2

Dying Light 2 is a recent game that includes a built-in benchmark. The game's demanding graphics and complex gameplay mechanics make it an ideal choice for testing the performance of your gaming PC.

Tips for Effective Benchmarking

Use Built-in Benchmarks: Games with built-in benchmarks are highly recommended as they provide consistent and reliable results. These benchmarks are often designed to test specific aspects of your hardware, such as GPU performance or CPU usage.
Adjust Settings: To get the most out of your benchmarking, adjust the game settings to their maximum levels. This will help you understand how your PC performs under the most demanding conditions.
Monitor Performance: Use tools like FRAPS or MangoHUD to monitor frame rates and other performance metrics during the benchmark. This will give you a detailed view of how your hardware is performing.
Compare Results: Benchmarking is not just about running a test; it's also about comparing results. Use online resources to compare your results with others who have similar hardware configurations.

Additional Considerations

CPU and GPU Balance: Ensure that your CPU and GPU are balanced. A powerful GPU paired with a weak CPU can result in poor performance, and vice versa. Games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2 are excellent for testing this balance.
Resolution and Settings: Test your PC at different resolutions (e.g., 1080p, 1440p, 4K) and with various settings (e.g., ultra, high, medium) to get a comprehensive view of its performance capabilities.
Overclocking and Tweaking: If you're overclocking or tweaking your hardware, benchmarking games can help you see the impact of these changes. Games with built-in benchmarks are particularly useful for this purpose.

By using these games and following these tips, you can ensure that your gaming PC is performing at its best and identify any potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement.