Hello everyone! Many PC owners often catch themselves thinking that their machine is not working fast enough, so to speak, "freezes".

In this case, it is worth testing your "iron friend" and identifying the reason for this behavior. Today I will show you how to check the speed of your computer. But first, let's decide what it is for.

Why check?

You should waste precious time on tests for a number of reasons:

• The check will allow you to understand which tasks your computer is able to perform easily, and which ones are difficult for it.
• If you are going to purchase a new PC or laptop, then using the results of the check, you can choose the most suitable model that will meet all your requests.
• You will find out which components are slow and you can replace them during the upgrade.
• You can compare the characteristics of your computer with the PC of someone from your friends and find out whose PC is the most powerful.

How to do it?

Okay, checking the performance is a very necessary and important matter, but how do you know the speed, how can you measure it? In order to find out the speed of a computer, you will need a PC with Windows installed on it, the usual set of applications of this OS and my instructions, which I will describe below.

You can check it in three simple ways:

1. using the Windows performance level index;
2. using the Windows Task Manager, which you should already be familiar with;
3. based on the use of special programs.

Let's consider each of them in detail.

The first way

Windows has one extremely useful utility called “ Performance Index". This application measures the performance of your PC, shows the score of each and, of course, generally evaluates the performance of the system. Moreover, the size of the total indicator does not exceed the smallest indicator among the elements.

In 7, 8 versions of Windows and Vista in the Control Panel, you need a section "Performance counters and tools" (in Windows xp, performance cannot be checked in this way).

If we talk about the 7th version: the maximum score is 7.9, the average is from 3.5 to 5. If the index of the performance level is more than five, then you can not worry about anything. However, if the indicators are below the "3.5" rating, then your PC should either be replaced with a new one, or the old one should be upgraded (which will be much cheaper).

In Vista, the maximum is 5.9, and in 8-ke - 9.9.

In Windows 8.1 and 10, performance testing is done using PowerShell. To open it in the search bar on the start screen, write "PowerShell", in the search results, right-click on the icon of the found utility and select the line "Run as administrator" in the context menu.

In Windows PowerShell, write winsat formal and press Enter. As a result of these actions, you will see the following:

There is one small feature: if you are doing a test on a laptop, then it must be connected to a 220V network, otherwise the program will generate an error.

The whole process can take a few minutes, and the result will be saved here:
C: \ Windows \ Performance \ WinSAT \ DataStore \ ... Formal.Assessment (Recent) .WinSAT.xml.

You cannot perform system testing in Windows PowerShell without administrator rights; you can only view the performance scores from the previous test. To do this, write "Get-CimInstance Win32_WinSAT" and press Enter. As a result, you will see:

Second way

If you want to have an extremely accurate idea of ​​how fast your system is, then this method will be most convenient for you. Its main advantage over the above is that it is able to demonstrate not only how fast the computer itself, but also what speed its individual elements have.

To determine the quality of work in this way, you must perform the following steps:

1. Press the Alt, Ctrl, Delete keys at the same time.
2. Click on "Task Manager".
3. In the task manager, select the tab called "Performance".

In "Performance" you will see how fully your computer is functioning. If the level of quality of his work is insufficient, then you can try to upgrade your car.

Graphs allow you to determine what is the reason for the slow operation of the PC: with the load on the processor or with the lack of RAM. The green line indicates excellent work, the yellow line indicates an acceptable level, but if the line is red, then urgent action is needed.

Third way

This method consists in using special programs. There are special applications that are created specifically to collect data about the state of the computer.

There is just a bunch of all kinds of tests, numbers and information. With these products, you can get the most comprehensive data on the speed of your PC. What are these programs? Here is a list of those that I have used at least once:

Everest... It was created primarily for analyzing the PC configuration, but it gives a large number of different tests.

SiSoftware Sandra... At the moment, the most optimal option if you want to test the health level.

3Dmark... His main specialization is testing computer video cards. Consists of a huge number of different texturing tests, working with 3D modeling, etc. There is also a complex version of testing, reminiscent of a video game, which is not played by you, but by the program. In the course of its work, it evaluates the stability of the functioning of a video card during significant loads, and measures the frame rate.

PCMark... It is a lightweight software designed for limited use. Serves only to test performance. Allows you to perform integral testing of any PC component. The main feature is the ability to compare the performance of your own computer with the world average.

You can download these programs on the official Internet resources of their developers online.

Well, that's all, dear friends! In the end, I would like to tell you about a training course, the effectiveness of which I was able to "test" on myself. This is about the course “ Secrets of successful computer work».

The presented one differs from a huge number of other similar courses, first of all, by the high professionalism of the author and the simplicity of presentation. All the subtleties of working on a PC are presented so simply and clearly that even elderly people, who, as you know, shy away from modern technology, turn into experienced users in a couple of months of training.

I wish you to be computer literate people, and my blog and I will help you. Therefore, do not forget to subscribe to updates and follow the release of the new article.

Share information on social media networks, see you!

Sincerely! Abdullin Ruslan

The creators of Windows 8 provide a special service that evaluates the performance of a computer. It tests the most important system components and shows the speed of their work. This service is called the Windows 8 Performance Index. It was first used to test Windows Vista in 2006, then it was adapted for the seventh version. With the release of Windows 8.1, the creators abandoned the graphical interface of the index, leaving only the software part of it in the system.

Checking system operation

The service tests the main components of the system:

• hard drive;
• random access memory;
• disk system;
• graphic and video processes.

After verification, estimated scores are set, the indicator of which can range from 1 to 9.9.

Using an external application

To explore the data as you know it, you should install one of the programs that measure Windows 8 performance, such as ChrisPC Win Experience Index. This utility is available for free download on the Internet. After installation, run the program and analyze the result.

You can also use the analogue with the Russian-language interface - WSAT. This utility does not require installation. It is enough to download it, run it and see the test results. To receive a repeat test, click on the "Repeat assessment" button.

Analysis within the system

Test results can be seen without downloading special programs. But since in the 8th version of the OS there are no options with counters and performance tools for Windows 8 in the "Settings" item, as in the "Properties", the test of system components can be performed based on the data of the WinSAT file, which is located in the C: WindowsPerformanceWinSATDataStore folder and opens with a browser. The document shows the value of the OS performance index, if testing was carried out.

Decoding of some values:

1. SystemScore - shows the final score of Windows 1 (the value should be the lowest);
2. MemoryScore - displays the result of testing the RAM;
3. GraphicsScor - testing a video card;
4. CPUScore - processor test result;
5. Dx9SubScor - the result of the video card test for games;
6. GamingScore - testing of components for games;
7. VideoEncodeScore - video conversion testing;
8. DiskScore is the result of the system segments test.

Start testing manually

But it may also happen that you will not find any files in the specified path. In this case, the only way to find out the results of the performance index is to test it yourself.

Moving down from the left, through the right key:

1. We enter the menu.
2. We select "Command line (administrator)".
3. Enter "winsatformal-v" in the window that appears.

Storage location

If there was no saved data with test results in the system, then the performance of the system components will be evaluated. To start testing, type “winsatformal – restart” again.

You must wait for the message with the total execution time to appear, then close the window.

Completion of the assessment

All test results will be reflected in C: WindowsPerformanceWinSATDataStore. How to view them has already been described above. The PowerShell helper will also work. It is launched through "Start", then "System Tools - Windows - Windows PowerShell".

After starting, you need to enter the command "Get-CimInstanceWin32_WinSAT" and familiarize yourself with the obtained values.

Decoding of values:

1. CPUScore - reflects the processor test;
2. D3DScore - shows the result of the video card performance test for gaming processes;
3. GraphicsScore - shows the video card test;
4. DiskScore - testing the hard drive;
5. MemoryScore - reflects the RAM test;
6. WinSPRLevel - Shows the final result of the system test (should be the smallest number among the rest).

Windows 8 Performance Index: Video

In order to measure the performance of a computer using tests, it is not necessary to download any third-party applications and utilities.

It is enough to use the resources already built into the operating system.

Although, for more detailed information, the user will have to find a suitable program.

Based on the test results, it is possible to draw conclusions which of the parts of a PC or laptop needs to be replaced before the rest - and sometimes just understand about the need to buy a new computer.

The need to check

Testing the speed of the computer is available to any user. Verification does not require any specialized knowledge or experience with certain versions of Windows. And the process itself is unlikely to take more than an hour.

Reasons to use the built-in utility or third-party application include:

• unreasonable slowdown of the computer. Moreover, not necessarily the old one - a check is needed to identify problems with new PCs. So, for example, the minimum results and indicators of a good video card indicate incorrectly installed drivers;
• checking the device when choosing several similar configurations in a computer store. This is usually done before buying laptops - running a test on 2-3 devices that are practically the same in terms of parameters helps to find out which one suits the buyer better;

• the need to compare the capabilities of various components of a gradually upgraded computer. So, if the HDD has the least performance value, then it should be replaced first (for example, with an SSD).

According to the results of testing, which revealed the speed of the computer performing various tasks, you can find driver problems and incompatibility of installed devices. And sometimes even poorly functioning and broken parts - for this, however, you will need more functional utilities than those that are built into Windows by default. Standard tests show a minimum of information.

Checking by means of the system

You can check the performance of individual components of your computer using the built-in capabilities of the Windows operating system. The principle of operation and information content are approximately the same for all versions of the platform from Microsoft. And the differences are only in the way of starting and reading information.

Windows Vista, 7 and 8

For the 7th and 8th versions of the platform, as well as Windows Vista, the performance counter of computer elements can be found in the list of basic information about the operating system. To display them on the screen, just right-click on the "My Computer" icon and select properties.

If testing has already been carried out, information about its results will be available immediately. If this is the first time the test is being performed, you will have to run it by going to the performance check menu.

The maximum score that Windows 7 and 8 can get is 7.9. It is worth thinking about the need to replace parts if at least one of the indicators is below 4. The gamer is more suitable for values ​​above 6. Windows Vista has the best indicator of 5.9, and the "critical" indicator is about 3.

Important: To speed up performance calculations, almost all programs should be turned off during the test. When testing a laptop, it is advisable to plug it in - the process consumes battery power noticeably.

Windows 8.1 and 10

For more modern operating systems, it is no longer so easy to find information about computer performance and start calculating it. To run the utility that estimates system parameters, you should follow these steps:

1Go to the operating system command line(cmd via menu "Run" rollover Win + R);

2Include an assessment process by leading the team winsat formal –restart clean;

3Wait for work to finish;

4 Go to folder Performance \ WinSAT \ DataStore located in the Windows system directory on the computer's system drive;

5 Find and open a file in a text editor "Formal.Assessment (Recent) .WinSAT.xml".

Among the set of text, the user must find the WinSPR block, where approximately the same data is located that are displayed on the screen and systems Windows 7 and 8 - only in a different form.

So, under the title SystemScore hides the general index calculated by the minimum value, and MemoryScore, CpuScore and GraphicsScore denote the metrics for memory, processor, and graphics card, respectively. GamingScore and DiskScore- performance for the game and for reading / writing the hard disk.

The maximum value of the indicator for Windows 10 and version 8.1 is 9.9. This means that the owner of an office computer can still afford to have a system with numbers less than 6, but for a full-fledged PC and laptop, it must reach at least 7. And for a gaming device - at least 8.

Universal way

There is a method that is the same for any operating system. It consists in launching the Task Manager after pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys. A similar effect can be achieved by right-clicking on the taskbar - there you can find an item that launches the same utility.

You can see several graphs on the screen - for the processor (for each thread separately) and RAM. For more details, go to the Resource Monitor menu.

From this information, you can determine how heavily loaded the individual components of the PC. First of all, this can be done by the percentage of loading, secondly - by the color of the line ( green means the component is working normally, yellow- moderate, Red- the need to replace a component).

Third party programs

It is even easier to check your computer's performance with third-party applications.

Some of them are paid or shareware (that is, requiring payment after the trial period ends or to improve functionality).

However, testing of these applications is carried out in more detail - and quite often they also give out a lot of other useful information for the user.

1. AIDA64

AIDA64 contains benchmarks for memory, cache, HDDs, SSDs and flash drives. And when testing a processor, 32 threads can be checked at once. Among all these advantages, there is also a small drawback - you can use the program for free only for a "trial period" of 30 days. And then you have to either switch to another application, or pay 2265 rubles. for a license.

2. SiSoftware Sandra Lite

3. 3DMark

4. PCMark 10

The application allows not only to test the operation of computer elements, but also to save the test results for future use. The app's only drawback is its relatively high cost. You will have to pay $ 30 for it.

5. CINEBENCH

Test images consist of 300 thousand polygonal images, which are added to more than 2000 objects. And the results are displayed in the form PTS indicator - the larger it is, the more powerful the computer... The program is distributed free of charge, which makes it easy to find and download it on the net.

6. ExperienceIndexOK

Information is displayed on the screen in points. The maximum number is 9.9, as for the latest versions of Windows. It is for them that the ExperienceIndexOK work is intended. It is much easier to use such a program than to enter commands and search the system directory for files with results.

7. CrystalDiskMark

To test the disk, select the disk and set the test parameters. That is, the number of runs and the size of the file that will be used for diagnostics. After a few minutes, the screen will display information about the average read and write speed for the HDD.

8. PC Benchmark

Having received the test results, the program offers to optimize the system. And after improving the work in the browser, a page opens where you can compare the performance indicators of your PC with other systems. On the same page, you can check if the computer can run some modern games.

9. Metro Experience Index

10. PassMark PerformanceTest

conclusions

Using various methods to check the performance of your computer allows you to check how your system is performing. And, if necessary, compare the speed of individual elements with those of other models. For a preliminary assessment, such a test can also be carried out using the built-in utilities. Although it is much more convenient to download special applications for this, especially since among them you can find several quite functional and free ones.

Video:

Users familiar with the Windows 7 Performance Index are wondering where did it go in Windows 8.1 and 10 operating systems?

To see an estimate of the performance of a computer running Windows 7, it was enough to right-click on the Computer icon in the Start menu or on the desktop and select the Properties option from the context menu. In the window that opens, in the "System" section opposite the "Assessment" item, you could see the overall assessment of the system performance.

In fact, in Windows 8.1 and 10, the system performance assessment function has not disappeared anywhere, the developers have simply removed its graphical representation. However, this is not entirely true. Read more below.

Overall score

Most likely, the performance assessment has already been performed automatically on your computer with Windows 8.1 or 10. To see the result, press the "Win + R" key combination and type the command in the "Run" window that appears:

Shell: games

The window shown in the figure below will open.

In the lower right corner of the window, you will see the overall score for your computer, the one previously displayed next to the "Windows Performance Index" link in Windows 7 System Properties.

It should be noted that starting with Windows 8, the maximum performance rating has increased from 7.9 to 9.9.

System component evaluations

Also in Windows 8.1 and 10, you can see the assessments of the system components, although their presentation will not be as beautiful as the overall assessment.

Go to the directory "C: \ Windows \ Performance \ WinSAT \ DataStore", there you will see the system performance reports. Find the most recent XML file by date of creation that contains the phrase:

"… Formal.Assessment (Initial) .WinSAT…"

"… Formal.Assessment (Recent) .WinSAT…".

Open it with any browser by right-clicking on it and choosing the browser using the "Open With" command from the context menu. Find the "WinSPR" section in the open XML file. To speed up your work, use the search (usually the "Ctrl + F" keys).

You will see estimates of the performance of your computer's components. The following list contains conventions that correspond to the names of the component ratings in Windows 7:

• SystemScore- overall grade, determined by the lowest grade;
• MemoryScore- memory (RAM), memory access operations per second;
• CpuScore- processor, calculation operations per second;
• GraphicsScore- graphics, desktop performance for Windows Aero;
• GamingScore- graphics for games, performance of 3D graphics and games;
• DiskScore- the main hard disk, the speed of data exchange with the disk.

Running performance tests manually

If you do not see the performance report files in the "C: \ Windows \ Performance \ WinSAT \ DataStore" directory, or you want to update the score, run the benchmarks manually.

Open a command prompt with administrator rights. To do this, click on the "Start" button, in the list of programs find the "System Tools - Windows" section and in it find the "Command Prompt" item, right-click on it. In the context menu that opens, select the "Advanced> Run as administrator" sub-item and confirm the action.

Enter the command:

Winsat formal

or if you want to re-evaluate your computer:

Winsat formal -restart clean

and press the "Enter" key to run the tests.

After some time, the testing program will complete its robot and display real data on the performance of computer components in the command line window.

Also, performance evaluations of computer components will be written to the "C: \ Windows \ Performance \ WinSAT \ DataStore" directory. Follow the instructions in the System Component Evaluations section of this article for detailed information on evaluating the performance of your system.

Selective performance check of computer components

Console utility WinSAT can perform partial checks on individual computer components and display actual performance results on the command line. To do this, after the command winsat after a space you need to add the command of the desired test. Below are the commands for randomly testing computer components:

• formal- Performs a full set of evaluation tasks and saves the data to an XML file in the "C: \ Windows \ Performance \ WinSAT \ DataStore" directory;
• dwm- Performs evaluation of the desktop window manager;
• cpu -encryption or -encryption2 or -compression or -compression2- Performs processor performance evaluation;
• mem- Performs an assessment of the bandwidth of the RAM;
• d3d- Performs Direct 3D evaluation for games;
• disk- Performs an assessment of the hard drive or SSD;
• media -input "path to video file"- Performs multimedia assessment: video encoding and decoding (playback) performance using Direct Show;
• mfmedia -input "video file path"- Performs video decoding (playback) performance evaluation using Media Foundation;
• features- Displays information about system components.

For example, to find out the memory bandwidth, run the command:

Winsat mem

To learn more about the program's features winsat, call the help command.

The reasons why Microsoft developers decided to get rid of the "Performance Index" component is no longer a secret to anyone. This alternative benchmark simply turned out to be unclaimed. Game and software developers preferred third-party, and as practice showed, more effective tools, as for ordinary users, most of them did not even have any clear idea of ​​the performance index.

All this together led to the fact that the "patience" of the creators of Windows was exhausted, and they decided for the best if this component was not at all. However, they did not cut it off, and to begin with, they removed the module's graphical interface, while the component itself remained intact.

Winaero WEI Tool

A program from the domestic developer Sergey Tkachenko, well known for his utilities for customizing and optimizing the user interface of Windows 8 and 8.1. The utility is simple, free and does not require installation. At startup, it reads the necessary data, and then displays it in a window that matches the color of the current color scheme.

Additional features of the utility include creating screenshots of the received tests (pictures can be uploaded to Imgur) and saving tests as an HTML report. The interface language is also English.

Metro Experience Index

The simplest and most original utility for reading performance index data. What is its originality, guess for yourself.

The base score of the Metro Experience Index system displays in the most recent buildings that differ from others in color.

Outcome

Yes, if getting everything we want would be as easy as getting WEI data.

Although, you know, it would surely lead to a terrible disaster. As for the utilities we have considered, the benefits of them are obvious, and, I suppose, no one will dispute this statement.