PCMark 10 Free and Advanced Editions now available

Futuremark, the company behind the widely used PCMark, 3DMark and VRMark benchmarking tools has now released PCMark 10 for all users. This is an updated version of the benchmarking tool for Windows 10, featuring new and improved workloads all wrapped up in a faster, more user-friendly application. Previously, only PCMark 10's Professional Edition was made available but now, everyone can download it and benchmark away.

PCMark benchmarks measure overall system performance by using tests based on real-world applications and use cases. In this latest version, workloads reflect tasks performed in the modern workplace. There are three versions of PCMark 10 launching, a basic, advanced and professional edition. The basic version is free and officially became available yesterday. The Advanced Edition is also now available via FutureMark and on Steam. It currently costs $23.99 but after the 5th of July, it will go up to $29.99. The Professional Edition is reserved for businesses, press and government users- this is the edition that became available three weeks ago.

Here is what's new in PCMark 10:

• Improved design produces a single PCMark 10 score that reflects the system's performance for typical tasks in a modern office. There are extended, express, and custom run options for exploring other aspects of system performance if needed.
• Just click run and start benchmarking. In PCMark 10 you don't have to choose between the Accelerated and Conventional benchmarking modes used in PCMark 8.
• We've streamlined the workloads so that running the main PCMark 10 benchmark takes less than half the time of the equivalent test in PCMark 8.
• Multi-level reporting – each benchmark run produces a high-level benchmark score, mid-level test group scores, and low-level workload scores. What's more, you can now compare two results side by side in the app.
• New yet familiar design – PCMark 10 uses the same style of user interface as 3DMark and VRMark.

Here are the three different tests you can run with PCMark 10:

• PCMark 10 benchmark: The main PCMark 10 benchmark test measures your PC's performance for a wide range of activities from everyday essentials and productivity applications to demanding work with digital media content.
• PCMark 10 Express: A shorter benchmark that focuses on basic home PC use. It includes the Essentials and Productivity test groups. It is less demanding than the main PCMark 10 benchmark.
• PCMark 10 Extended: Expands the main benchmark with demanding gaming tests that measure GPU and CPU performance. The PCMark 10 Extended benchmark gives you a complete view of your PC's performance for the widest range of activities.

KitGuru Says: I haven't given my most recent PC build the proper benchmarking treatment yet, though I am tempted to give it a go now. Do you guys ever use benchmark tools like PCMark/3DMark when building a new system or testing a new overclock?

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