If you’re a PC gamer or just a computer enthusiast, you’ve probably heard about Furmark. It’s a free and popular graphics card stress testing program that helps users to measure the performance of their graphics cards and check for any possible issues. Furmark is designed to push the graphics card to its limits, allowing users to see how it performs under extreme conditions. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Furmark, how it works, how to use it, and more.
What is Furmark?
Furmark is a program that was developed by the French website “Geeks3D” in 2007. It’s a benchmarking tool that’s specifically designed to test the performance of graphics cards under extreme conditions. The program runs a highly intensive 3D rendering test that stresses the GPU to its maximum capacity. The test consists of a rotating 3D object that’s covered with fur, hence the name “Furmark”. The program calculates and displays the graphics card’s performance in frames per second (FPS), as well as other important metrics such as GPU temperature, power consumption, and fan speed.
Why use Furmark?
Furmark is a great tool for anyone who wants to test the performance of their graphics card. It’s especially useful for gamers and overclockers who want to push their hardware to the limit. The program is designed to simulate the most demanding games and applications, allowing users to see how their graphics card performs under those conditions. Furmark can also be used to identify any possible issues with the graphics card, such as overheating or instability.
How to Download and Install Furmark
Downloading and installing Furmark is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Go to the official Furmark website, https://geeks3d.com/furmark/.
- Click on the “Download Furmark” button located in the middle of the page.
- Select the version of the program that matches your operating system (Windows or Linux).
- Once the download is complete, extract the program files from the downloaded archive.
- Double-click on the Furmark executable file to start the program.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to run the benchmark test.
How to Use Furmark
Using Furmark is very easy. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the Furmark program by double-clicking on the executable file.
- Once the program is open, you’ll see a window with several options.
- Select the resolution and quality settings for the benchmark test. The higher the resolution and quality, the more demanding the test will be on your graphics card.
- Click on the “GPU stress test” button to start the benchmark test.
- The program will run a highly intensive 3D rendering test for several minutes. During this time, you’ll be able to see the FPS, GPU temperature, power consumption, and fan speed in real-time.
- After the test is complete, the program will display a score based on your graphics card’s performance. You can compare this score with other users’ scores on the Furmark website to see how your graphics card stacks up.
Best Practices for Using Furmark
Furmark is a powerful tool, but it’s important to use it responsibly. Here are some best practices for using Furmark:
1. Monitor Your GPU Temperature
Furmark can put a significant load on your GPU, which can cause it to overheat if it’s not properly cooled. To prevent damage to your GPU, it’s essential to monitor your GPU temperature while running Furmark. There are several tools you can use to do this, such as MSI Afterburner or GPU-Z. You should aim to keep your GPU temperature below 80°C to ensure safe operation.
2. Use Furmark in Short Bursts
While Furmark is a great stress test for your GPU, it’s not recommended to run it for extended periods of time. This is because Furmark is designed to push your GPU to its limit, which can cause it to overheat and potentially damage your hardware. Instead, it’s best to use Furmark in short bursts to test your GPU’s stability and performance.
3. Avoid Overclocking Your GPU While Running Furmark
Overclocking your GPU can increase its performance, but it also increases the amount of heat it generates. When running Furmark, it’s best to avoid overclocking your GPU, as it can cause your GPU to overheat and potentially damage your hardware.
4. Don’t Run Furmark on Older GPUs
Furmark is a demanding application that’s designed to push modern GPUs to their limit. If you’re using an older GPU, it may not be able to handle the stress of running Furmark, which can cause it to overheat and potentially damage your hardware. It’s best to avoid running Furmark on older GPUs and instead use less demanding stress test applications.
5. Close Other Programs While Running Furmark
Running other programs while running Furmark can interfere with its performance and cause your GPU to overheat. It’s best to close all other programs while running Furmark to ensure that your GPU is the only application using your system resources.
6. Be Careful with Your Fan Settings
It’s important to have proper cooling for your GPU while running Furmark, but you also need to be careful with your fan settings. Setting your fans to run at maximum speed can help keep your GPU cool, but it can also create a lot of noise. It’s best to find a balance between cooling and noise levels that works for you.
7. Use Furmark as a Diagnostic Tool
While Furmark is primarily a stress testing tool, it can also be used as a diagnostic tool. If you’re experiencing issues with your GPU, running Furmark can help you identify the problem. For example, if your GPU overheats or crashes while running Furmark, it’s likely that there’s a problem with your GPU’s cooling system.
In conclusion, Furmark is a powerful tool for stress testing your GPU, but it’s important to use it responsibly. By following these best practices, you can ensure that you’re using Furmark safely and effectively.