GPU Stress Test

GPU Testing Guide

Everything you need to know about testing your graphics card performance and stability.

Why Test Your GPU?

GPU stress testing help verifying hardware stability, establishing performance baselines, detecting potential issues before they cause problems, and validating overclocking settings.

Whether you have just built a new PC, upgraded your graphics card, or suspect performance issues, stress testing provides objective data about your GPU's capabilities.

Types of GPU Tests

  • Performance Testing

    Measures raw processing power, rendering speed, and frame rates under load.

  • Stability Testing

    Tests reliability over extended periods to detect crashes, artifacts, or thermal issues.

  • Feature Testing

    Verifies specific GPU features like shader models, texture formats, and API support.

  • Benchmark Testing

    Produces comparable scores for evaluating performance against other hardware.

Browser vs Desktop Testing

Browser-Based Tests

Advantages

  • No installation required
  • Cross-platform compatible
  • Safe and sandboxed
  • Instant results
  • Tests real web performance

Limitations

  • Cannot measure temperature
  • Limited to WebGL/WebGPU APIs
  • Browser overhead affects results
  • Cannot test DirectX/Vulkan

Desktop Software

Advantages

  • Full hardware access
  • Temperature monitoring
  • More intensive stress tests
  • DirectX/Vulkan/OpenGL support
  • Overclocking integration

Limitations

  • Requires download and installation
  • Platform-specific
  • Some tools are paid
  • Can cause overheating if misused

Use browser tests for quick checks and web performance evaluation. Use desktop tools for comprehensive hardware testing, overclocking validation, and thermal analysis.

Before Starting a Test

Testing Methodology

1

1. Baseline Test

Run a quick test at default settings to establish baseline performance.

2

2. Stress Test

Increase complexity and duration to push your GPU. Monitor for artifacts or crashes.

3

3. Extended Test

Run longer tests (5-10 minutes) to check thermal throttling and sustained performance.

4

4. Compare Results

Compare results across tests and over time to track performance changes.

Interpreting Results

FPS (Frames Per Second)

Higher is better. 60+ FPS indicates smooth performance. Look for consistent FPS without major drops.

Frame Time

Lower is better. Consistent frame times mean smoother animation. Spikes indicate stuttering.

Stability Score

Higher is better. 95%+ means very stable. Lower scores indicate inconsistent frame delivery.

1% Low / 0.1% Low

These percentile metrics show worst-case performance. Close to average FPS indicates smooth gameplay.

Warning Signs

Visual Artifacts

Colored dots, flickering, or distorted graphics can indicate GPU overheating, failing memory, or unstable overclocks.

Crashes or Black Screen

System crashes during testing may indicate driver issues, power supply problems, or hardware failure.

Thermal Throttling

Performance dropping over time suggests the GPU is overheating and reducing speed to cool down.

Inconsistent Results

Large variations between test runs may indicate driver instability or background interference.

Safety Tips

  • 💡 Never leave stress tests running unattended for extended periods
  • 💡 Monitor temperatures when using desktop stress testing tools
  • 💡 Stop testing immediately if you notice visual artifacts or unusual behavior
  • 💡 Ensure proper ventilation and cooling before intensive testing
  • 💡 If your GPU is overclocked, test at stock settings first