System requirements

Novabench runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This page lists the minimum and recommended requirements for each platform, along with GPU compatibility notes and prerequisites for specific test types.

For installation instructions, see getting started.

Platform requirements

Windows

Novabench provides separate installers for x64 and Arm64 (Windows on Arm). The download page detects your architecture automatically.

Windows on Arm: Novabench runs natively on Arm64 processors, including Qualcomm Snapdragon X-series and other Copilot+ PC hardware. Download the Arm64-specific installer from the download page.

macOS

Novabench ships as a universal binary that runs natively on both Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. There is no separate download for each architecture.

Linux

Novabench is distributed as a tar archive. Separate builds are available for x64 and Arm64.

GPU requirements

GPU benchmarks require a compatible graphics card with up-to-date drivers. Novabench uses the following APIs:

GPU compatibility

• Dedicated GPUs: NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel Arc discrete GPUs are supported. Install the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website for the most representative benchmark scores.
• Integrated GPUs: Intel UHD/Iris and AMD Radeon integrated graphics are supported. Performance scores are lower than those of dedicated GPUs, which is expected.
• Apple Silicon GPUs: Novabench tests the GPU cores in Apple M-series chips using Metal. No separate driver installation is needed.

GPU driver notes

Outdated GPU drivers are one of the most common causes of lower-than-expected GPU scores. If your GPU score seems low:

1. Check your current driver version in the Novabench system information panel.
2. Visit the manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) to download the latest driver.
3. Re-run the benchmark after you update.

See troubleshooting if GPU tests fail or produce errors.

Test-specific requirements

Some tests have prerequisites beyond the base system requirements.

Stress test

• No additional requirements. Stress tests use the same CPU and GPU resources as the benchmarks.
• Make sure that cooling is adequate before you run long-duration stress tests (especially sessions over 30 minutes). Laptops must be on a hard, flat surface with clear airflow.

Battery test

• Requires a laptop with a battery. The test cannot run on desktop systems or when plugged in.
• Requires a Plus subscription.

Network tests

• Speed test: requires an active internet connection. Results depend on your ISP speed and network conditions. For the most accurate results, use a wired Ethernet connection and close bandwidth-heavy applications.
• Traceroute: requires an active internet connection. Some corporate firewalls or VPNs can block ICMP packets, which causes incomplete route data. UDP and TCP protocols (Plus) can work in environments where ICMP is blocked.
• DNS benchmark: requires an active internet connection. Custom resolvers and advanced protocols (DoT, DoH, DoQ) require Plus.
• WiFi sensor monitoring: requires a WiFi adapter. Wired connections do not produce WiFi signal data.

Application tests

• Application tests run real operations inside real software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Blender, or Microsoft Office. The application must be installed on the device.
• Novabench detects installed applications automatically and offers only the suites it finds. A few suites use software built into the operating system, so they are always available.
• Requires a Team plan. Application tests are not available on Free, Plus, or Pro.

NPU benchmark

• Requires a system with a supported neural processing unit. The NPU test appears automatically when Novabench detects compatible hardware.
• If your system has an NPU but the test does not appear, make sure that NPU drivers are installed and up to date.

Network and connectivity

Novabench requires an internet connection for:

• Submitting results to the Novabench database
• Downloading comparison data and percentile rankings
• Running network tests (speed test, traceroute, DNS benchmark)
• Authenticating your account (one-time email code)
• Checking for application updates
• Explain analysis (Plus)

The benchmark suite itself (CPU, GPU, Memory, Storage, NPU) runs entirely offline. You can run benchmarks without an internet connection and submit results later.

Firewall and proxy considerations

If your network uses a firewall or proxy, make sure that the following domains are accessible:

• novabench.com and subdomains (application updates, result submission, comparison data)
• auth.novabench.com (authentication)
• api.novabench.com (result submission and comparison API)
• Your identity provider's domain, if your organization signs in through SAML single sign-on

Portable mode requirements

Portable mode (Pro) runs from a USB drive or folder without installation. Requirements are the same as the standard installation for each platform. The USB drive or folder needs approximately 200 MB of free space.