Matt asks, "I've just built a new gaming computer, and I'd like to see how powerful it is. What is the best way to test out my gaming computer to see how well it can perform?"

There are a lot of performance testing programs out there that rate the performance of your machine on a number scale (there's also the "Vista Performance Index" but we won't give that a second thought).

Futurmark (formerly 3DMark) is a very popular tool used to rate the performance of your Windows-based machine. There are other tools like it, although Futuremark is the most popular.

While these tools are nice for generating large numbers based on how well your machine draws polygons, there's nothing like the "real world" test - load a graphically intensive game up, or a game that uses a lot of different effects (Assassin's creed, while not being as graphically intense, uses many effects that can slow down a modern gaming machine). Essentially, you take the the latest PC games and burn your new gaming computer in to see what she can do.

Really, the only thing programs like Futuremark are good for are bragging rights. As long as your machine plays the games you want to play (with narry a slowdown) then you don't need to worry about running tests.

Do you have a question you need answered? E-mail me! lordkat@gmail.com

Click here to check out How to Build a Gaming Computer for Under $1000.

Be safe,

Jason