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Getting started with Novabench

Novabench measures your computer's performance across CPU, GPU, memory, storage, and (where available) NPU (neural processing unit). This guide walks you through installing the app, running your first benchmark, and understanding what comes next.

Download and install

Novabench runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download the installer from the Novabench website and follow the standard install process for your platform.

Novabench requires Windows 10 or higher, macOS 12 or higher, or most recent (2024+) Linux distros.

Tip

Novabench also supports portable mode , which lets you run from a USB drive without installing (Pro feature).

Run your first benchmark

Launch Novabench and click Start Tests to begin. The benchmark takes 3 to 4 minutes and tests five core components:

  1. CPU: single-core and multi-core performance using integer and floating-point workloads
  2. GPU: 3D rendering, GPGPU compute, and VRAM throughput
  3. Memory: read and write bandwidth plus access latency
  4. Storage: sequential and random read/write speeds
  5. NPU: neural processing unit throughput, when supported hardware is detected

Each component produces a sub-score. Novabench combines the sub-scores into an overall Novabench Score that you can compare against other systems worldwide.

Note

Close other applications before running benchmarks for more consistent results. Background processes compete for CPU, GPU, and memory resources, which can lower your scores.

Understand your results

After the benchmark finishes, you see a results screen with your overall Novabench Score and a breakdown by component. Higher scores indicate better performance.

  • Novabench Score: your overall system rating, comparable across all Novabench users
  • Component scores: individual scores for CPU, GPU, Memory, Storage, and (if available) NPU
  • Histograms and comparisons: see where your score falls relative to similar hardware

For a deeper explanation of what scores mean and how to interpret them, see understanding your scores.

Beyond benchmarks

Performance benchmarks are just the starting point. Novabench includes several other test types and tools:

  • Stress test: push your CPU, GPU, or VRAM to their limits to validate cooling, stability, and sustained performance
  • Network tests: measure internet speed, trace network routes, and benchmark DNS resolver performance
  • Sensor monitoring: track temperature, power draw, and clock speeds in real time and over time (Plus)
  • Explain: get plain-English explanations and recommendations based on your results (Plus)

Next steps

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