What are graphics card benchmarks for?

Question

Im looking to replace mu Intel HD Graphics with something slightly better with dedicated memory and I am wondering what benchmarks mean and what benchmarks I should be looking for

Answer 1

Benchmarks use certain software to measure the performance of a components (GPU or CPU usually). They are often performed on similar machine to ensure equality. Obviously playing a "lesser" card with a lesser CPU is unfair compared to a "better" GPU with a better CPU as well.



For benchmarks you normally want whichever has a higher score. Certain software have "points" that are given to better products. Benchmarks do not always equate to real performance, but most of the time a GPU/CPU with a better benchmark score will perform better than one with a lesser score.

Answer 2

benchmarks are to test graphics on various conditions, usually for gamers.



I.e The newest cards which are insanely pricey can do the latest games, Battlefield 3, on the maximum resolution, with Antialiasing and all details turned all the way up at amazing frames per second. thats what a benchmark tests. There are benchmarks for CPUs as well. Benchmarks test different components under the same conditions.



It depends on what you want.



For video enthusiasts, watching High res Movies, This is a good card for them

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130632



For Gamers, Heres the best bang for your buck at the moment. All others pretty pricey, albeit more powerful



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125401



Of course your motherboard would need at least one PCIe express slot. For gamers youd need a decent quad core, 4 GB of RAM, and a motherboard with PCIe Express x16 2.1 slots for the graphics.



But for movie enthusiasts, all you need is a PCI express slot on your motherboard and a decent dual core and your good.



Unless you have a laptop. Do you have a laptop? Because if you do, disregard everything here. you must buy a new laptop to upgrade anything on laptop.

Answer 3

benchmarks are tests run on equivalent products to compare their quality .you can benchmark anything .from G cards to administration services.