Basemark GPU is the new kid on the block for benchmarking tools. Basemark calls this the ‘graphics performance evaluation tool’, which already sets itself apart from other benchmarks. Basemark has worked over the past several years to deliver a tool that can test everything from mobile to tablet to desktop without having to use multiple programs to do it. There’s consistent visual fidelity across PC and mobile, making Basemark GPU a powerhouse of an engine for serious testers.
Editor’s Note: This review was based on v1.0.2 of the software
Basemark GPU hosts a slew of graphical options, APIs, and compression methods. As of now, the tool supports Windows, Linux, and Android with more to come like Metal and DirectX 12. An Apple iOS version of the program will be added in the coming months as well. But for what’s there now, is a great start and the bridge between mobile and PC benchmarking capabilities are closer than other tool I’ve used in the past. When on PC, you have the choice of testing in Vulkan or OpenGL, and it uses a fixed 4K resolution. There are three texture compression modes: BC7 – Block Compression, ATSC – Adaptive Scalable Texture Compression, and ETC2 – Ericsson Texture Compression. This may not mean much, but in the later spreadsheet, it has varying results on performance.
In starting an official test, you’ll be met with an 8×8 grid in a window with progress bar. This may seem strange to many who have used other benchmark tools in the past, but trust it is working harder than it seems. The screen isn’t occupied with sweeping vistas (though it can in another mode), this tool is here to work. And it does by working efficiently – at the cost of not entertaining the user running the test.
On Android, there are two official modes to test: Official – Offscreen and Official – Native. Offscreen will test in 1080p. Native works by using your device’s native resolution, which in my case on a Google Pixel 2 XL is 1440p. API choices are still between OpenGL and Vulkan, but you do not get the option to compress different than using etc2. You also don’t get to choose the content quality, it uses “High” in all scenarios which helps with comparisons across mobile and PC.
Outside of the official tests, you can do custom tests. They can be uploaded to Power Board, but will not be publicly aggregated, but viewable by you with your own link. There’s an Experience Mode which can be a windowed or full screen render of the benchmark, but this will not calculate a score, thus not upload anything to Power Board. What this does do, is satisfy that need to see what’s going on during a test. What it doesn’t do, is give you the ability to free roam within what’s rendered to see more of the beautiful engine at work, sadly. This is something I hope they’ll add soon.
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Open in new tab Some things to note on the above PDF:
- The first mobile test was done with the phone plugged into the charger. The following test was done at 100% battery while unplugged.
- ‘N’ indicates it was a Native test, but still uploads my results as official
- All official tests will be sent to Power Board, and I’ve linked those results
My PC Specs:
– Microsoft Windows 10 Pro
– Intel Core i7 6700k @ 4.2Ghz (Turbo)
– NZXT Kraken X61 106.1 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler
– G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3200 Memory
– EVGA GeForce GTX 1080 FTW 8GB GDDR5X
Basemark GPU is an impressive tool that I’d like to see little improvements made for the short-term, but in the long-term needs no changes other than its plans for adding more graphics APIs. What’s evident, is that this tool is smart and efficient, and it’s multi-platform capabilities are only being realized. It’s going to be great as the adoption rate grows, and the software grows with it. I can see Basemark GPU becoming the gold standard for testing and benchmarking.
A media/corporate version for Windows and Android was provided by Basemark for review purposes
