Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation

Publisher: Stardock

We use the built-in benchmark of Ashes of the Singularity: Escalation, which runs an automatic play-through scene in the game. We've selected the CPU-intensive benchmark option and used High settings with MSAA disabled, all of which are located in the game's video options and benchmark menus. On startup, we also select the DirectX 12 version, which is only available to use in Windows 10. We use a 30-second Fraps benchmark to obtain the minimum and average frame rate during the benchmark, starting the recording as the benchmark begins.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided

Publisher: Square Enix Holdings

We test using the 'Ultra' preset, and at these settings it is currently one of the toughest games to run smoothly, presenting a challenge for even flagship graphics cards. We run the built-in benchmark (hidden in the 'Extras' menu), as it is very consistent and makes full use of the engine's features. We also rely on the game's own frame rate counter since FRAPS does not currently work with this game when using DirectX 12. We've actually found that your experience in-game will typically be with frame rates a little higher than the average frame rate from the benchmark, but even so it's the minimum frame rate that we focus on and that you should really take into consideration, because it's in the most challenging parts of the game that you'll really feel the slowdowns, and it's no good having a sub-par experience in the heat of battle.

Far Cry 5

Publisher: Ubisoft

We test using the game's built-in benchmark that runs through various zones of the Far Cry 5 world and has a detailed readout of performance, where we record the minimum and average frame rates. We use the ultra setting with an unrestricted frame rate at 1,920 x 1,080 with all other settings at default.

3DMark Time Spy CPU Test

Publisher: Futuremark 

Time Spy is a DirectX 12 benchmark that runs at 1440p. It is designed to properly utilise the advantages of the DirectX 12 API. The benchmark is available for free, but you'll need to pay to change any of the settings, including the resolution. We use the default settings, so you should easily be able to compare your score.

VRMark

Publisher: Futuremark

VRMark is another synthetic GPU benchmark from Futuremark, this time specifically designed to assess a system's ability to handle VR gaming, although no VR headset is required. The Orange Room test assesses whether a system is capable of meeting the current minimum requirements for an Oculus Rift or HTC Vive VR headset. We run it at default settings, so users can easily compare scores here to the free version of this benchmark where settings cannot be changed.