Our verdict: 3DMark is the most widely used benchmark for comparing gaming PCs and graphics cards, and the free Demo already covers the main tests. The Demo is only available through Steam, always plays the demo scene, and lacks custom settings and stress tests, which need the $34.99 full version.
About 3DMark
3DMark from UL Solutions tests GPU and CPU performance by rendering demanding game-like scenes in real time, and compares your score with results from systems with the same hardware. Its tests range from Steel Nomad and Speed Way for high-end PCs to Night Raid for integrated graphics, plus feature tests for ray tracing, mesh shaders, DLSS, XeSS and FSR.
The free 3DMark Demo runs Steel Nomad, Steel Nomad Light, Time Spy, Night Raid and Fire Strike, but without custom settings, HDR, Explorer mode or stress tests, and Steam is the only official channel to download it. The full 3DMark costs $34.99 on Steam, the Epic Games Store or UL's own store; it is for personal home use, and businesses need 3DMark for Enterprise. The Storage Benchmark is a separate DLC.
What it does well
- Steel Nomad and Time Spy. Cross-platform and DirectX 12 GPU benchmarks for gaming PCs.
- Night Raid and Fire Strike. Tests for integrated graphics and DirectX 11 PCs.
- Score comparison. Compares your result with systems that use the same hardware.
- Hardware monitoring. Charts of CPU and GPU load, temperature and clock speed during the run.
- Stress tests (full version). Looped runs to check stability and cooling after overclocking.
Who it is for
Good fit
Gamers and PC builders who want a standard score to compare their PC or a new graphics card with other systems.
Look elsewhere
Users who do not want Steam installed, or anyone who needs free looped stress tests or custom benchmark settings.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Industry-standard scores for comparison
- Free Demo includes Steel Nomad and Time Spy
- Tests for everything from integrated to high-end GPUs
- One-time price, frequent new tests
Cons
- Free Demo only through Steam
- Demo lacks stress tests and custom settings
- Full version costs $34.99; Storage Benchmark is extra
How to install 3DMark
The free Demo is downloaded only through Steam: open the 3DMark store page in Steam and click Download Demo. You need the Steam client and a Steam account. Install only the tests you need to save disk space; installing all tests takes about 9.8 GB. Close background apps before benchmarking.
Questions about 3DMark
Is 3DMark free?
The 3DMark Demo is free on Steam and runs Steel Nomad, Steel Nomad Light, Time Spy, Night Raid and Fire Strike with no time limit. Stress tests, custom settings and the other benchmarks need the full 3DMark for $34.99.
Can I download 3DMark without Steam?
Not the free Demo; UL says Steam is the only official channel for it. The paid version is also sold on the Epic Games Store and UL's store.
Can businesses use 3DMark?
The regular 3DMark is for personal home use. Business and commercial users need 3DMark for Enterprise.
