benchmarking software Archives

AppWizard

November 5, 2025

I’d pay $1,500 for an Xbox Ally X with 2.5x the performance, and this leaked AMD CPU could nudge that dream closer to reality

AMD is rumored to be developing the Ryzen AI Max+ 388 chip, featuring the largest integrated GPU it has produced, built on the Strix Halo design. This chip has a streamlined architecture with eight CPU cores and 40 compute units (CUs) based on RDNA 3.5 architecture, distinguishing it from its predecessor, the Ryzen AI Max+ 395, which has 16 CPU cores. The Max+ 388's GPU is expected to be significantly more powerful than existing models like the Steam Deck and Xbox Ally X, potentially offering 2.5 times the performance of the Xbox Ally X. The current market for handheld gaming chips includes devices like the Steam Deck and Xbox Ally X, with the Max+ 388 anticipated to set a new benchmark for portable gaming performance. The only current handheld using the Strix Halo architecture is the GPD Win 5, priced around ,000.

Winsage

February 13, 2025

Poor PC performance in 2025 leads to Windows 11 vs Windows 10 culprit speculation

PassMark reported a decline in average CPU performance for Windows PCs in 2025, which may be unprecedented. Possible factors for this trend include the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11, increased bloatware, and consumers opting for cheaper or lower power hardware. The performance data is based on thousands of PerformanceTest benchmark results submitted by users and updated bi-weekly. Despite claims that Windows 11 offers better performance than Windows 10, independent evaluations suggest Windows 10 often outperforms Windows 11. Additionally, the majority of users are not upgrading to CPUs with more than eight cores, a trend consistent since 2020. In gaming, most titles do not utilize more than 16 processor threads, and the focus is shifting towards GPU capabilities due to high-resolution gaming and software designed for hardware acceleration.

Winsage

September 18, 2024

I bought the cheapest Surface Pro 11 model: 3 takeaways from a Windows expert

The Windows PC landscape has been dominated by incremental updates focused on Intel CPUs, but the introduction of Copilot+ PCs with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X series ARM processors marks a significant change. The Surface Pro 11, which I tested in its most economical configuration, shows improved battery life and performance compared to its Intel-based predecessors. It retains a familiar design similar to the Surface Pro 9 and operates on Windows 11, providing a consistent user experience across ARM and Intel platforms. The device remains cool and quiet during intensive tasks, with a battery life exceeding 10 hours, effectively doubling that of the Intel-based Surface Pro 9. Compatibility with software is generally good, though some older applications may face challenges. The Surface Pro 11 features advanced AI capabilities, including a front-facing camera with automatic framing and eye tracking, while some anticipated AI features are still pending. The testing methodology includes both quantitative benchmarks and qualitative assessments to evaluate performance, portability, and battery life comprehensively.

Winsage

June 16, 2024

Free Benchmark Programs to Benchmark Your Windows PC

Benchmarking software can help assess system performance by understanding individual components within a PC. Free benchmarking tools like CPU-Z, HWMonitor, SiSoftware Sandra Lite, Speccy, and CineBench provide detailed insights into hardware specifications, real-time monitoring, comprehensive benchmarking tasks, hardware configuration overview, and CPU performance evaluation, respectively.