PCMark 7 1.0.4

PCMark 7 is a benchmarking utility developed by Futuremark Corporation in March 2002. Benchmarking is the act of testing the limits of a computer’s individual components. PCMark 7 tests simulate the workload and stress of a typical home computer. A higher score shows better performance and endurance. PCMark 7 is suitable for entry-level netbooks and tablets, up to full powered desktops and laptops.

PCMark 7 features seven tests, which embody 25 individual workloads. These tests are designed to test different sets of components at a time, giving a different perspective per test on the system’s performance. PCMark test checks the overall system performance. The result of the PCMark test is the official PCMark score. The Lightweight test is designed for entry-level systems, which won’t be able to run the PCMark test. Hardware specific component performance are tested through 2 tests—Storage and Computation tests. The Storage test features workloads, which tests the storage capabilities of the system separate from the whole system. The Computation test measures the computing capabilities of a computer. For common use based tests, there are three—Creativity, Productivity, and Entertainment tests. The Creativity test is designed to test the video and image processing capabilities of a system. The Productivity test is designed to compute the performance of the system when faced with office applications and Internet tasks. Lastly, the Entertainment test is designed to test the gaming, multimedia and video capabilities of a system.