There can be a number of reasons why you want to benchmark your Windows handheld gaming PC or Android gaming handheld. If you are tweaking the settings to get the best performance out of your device, or you think there may be an issue such as your device getting too warm and the CPU is throttling as a result.
Our guide will demonstrate how to easily and consistently benchmark your device. With these results you will be able to identify higher or lower performance across different tests. We also have a guide on how to change the TDP on Windows handhelds and performance profiles on Android handhelds here.
We also recommend ensuring that your Windows install is up to date and drivers such as the graphics drivers are up to date. Check over our updating Windows guide here, and updating graphics drivers guide here.
Download & Install 3DMARK
You can download the Windows demo version direct from Steam, and the Android version direct from the Google Play Store. The demo version will suffice for the Time Spy and some other tests and you do not need to buy the full version. Below you can find alternative sources.
| 3DMARK WINDOWS VERSION | OFFICIAL WEBSITE | ALTERNATIVE DOWNLOAD |
| 3DMARK ANDROID VERSION | OFFICIAL WEBSITE |
Windows 3DMARK Benchmark
Load the 3DMARK software and if you are prompted to update, please do so, you may need to update once or twice depending where you downloaded the software from above.
One Time Benchmark
Click on the Benchmarks icon at the top.
Scroll down the list and locate the Time Spy (not Time Spy Extreme) benchmark and click on that.
Confirm that you are using the correct GPU for the test. This would normally be the internal GPU found inside the handheld unless you are testing external GPU cards performance. Click on the Run icon to begin the benchmark. The process will take around 10-15 minutes.
Once the benchmark has completed, you will be presented with the results screen. Make a note of the Time Spy Score as well as the Graphics and CPU score to the right of it. Alternatively you can take a photo on your phone or a screeenshot (Print Screen key) to keep a copy of it.
You can then make any changes such as changes to the TDP and click the Run Again icon to repeat the benchmark test.
Stress Test
This may require the paid version to use. From the Home screen, click on the Stress Test icon at the top.
Check the Steel Nomad Light Stress Test has been selected. Confirm that you are using the correct GPU for the test. This would normally be the internal GPU found inside the handheld unless you are testing external GPU cards performance. Click on the Run Stress Test icon to begin the stress test. This process will generally take around 20 minutes.
Once the stress test has completed, you will be presented with the results screen. Make a note of the Frame rate stability, Best loop score and Worst loop score. Alternatively you can take a photo on your phone or a screeenshot (Print Screen key) to keep a copy of it.
You can then make any changes such as changes to the TDP and click the Run Again icon to repeat the stress test.
Other Benchmarks
If you would like to benchmark an individual part of your Windows device such as the SSD speed, please check our How to Benchmark Your Windows Device guide here.
Android 3DMARK Benchmark
Load the 3DMARK software. You may be prompted to download a benchmark or stress test as they are downloaded on demand to save space on your device.
One Time Benchmark
By sliding your fingers on the indicated area in the image below, you can scroll through the available benchmarks and stress tests.
Locate the Wild Life Extreme benchmark test and click on it.
Click on the Download (if not already downloaded) and/or the Run icon to begin the benchmark test. This process will take around one minute to complete.
Once completed you will be presented with the results.
You can then make any changes such as changes to the performance profile and click the Run Again icon to repeat the benchmark test.
Stress Test
By sliding your fingers on the indicated area in the image below, you can scroll through the available benchmarks and stress tests.
Locate the Steel Nomad Light Stress Test and click on it.
Click on the Download (if not already downloaded) and/or the Run icon to begin the benchmark test. This process will take around 20 minutes to complete.
Once the stress test has completed, you will be presented with the results screen. Make a note of the Best loop score, Worst loop score and Stability. Alternatively you can take a photo on your phone or a screeenshot (varies between device) to keep a copy of it.
You can then make any changes such as changes to the performance profile and click the Run Again icon to repeat the stress test.
