Is benchmark software recommendable?

[KaterineL]

So I am getting a gaming laptop and because of my curiosity about benchmark, I have developed several questions.

1. Is it recommendable to be use when purchasing new computer component?

2. Should a brand new laptop (buying from a reseller) be put through the stress test and the benchmark software

3. However, are there any top free benchmark software that you will recommend to me. ( I am a newbie, please forgive my lack of computer knowledge.

I have done a little research and found 3dmark11, pcmark7 and unigine heaven.
I have also found a pretty neat forum at http/www.tomshardware.com/forum/351605-28-best-benchmark-software-performance .
However with my limited knowledge of benchmark software, the list of that was presented seems overwhelming.

The laptop i owned have such specs

4th Generation Intel® Haswell Core™ i7-4700MQ
8GB - DDR3 1600MHz Dual Channel Memory
NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 765M 2,048MB PCI-Express GDDR5 DX11 w/ Optimus™ Technology

and soon to be samsung 840 pro but 128gb only.

 

[Tradesman1]

There's tons of them out there, take a look at Guru3D for a good selection:

http/www.guru3d.com/files_categories/benchmarks_demos.html

and running a stress test or 2 like Prime95 is a good idea, and do it before the return period runs out, so you can RMA/return to vendor during the period, otherwise if a problem have to go through the manufacturer which is a real pain, and if there is a problem you often get a used/refurbished one in return

 

[KaterineL]

Is there a few that you think will cover most specs of the laptop?

I have check the links and it seems like most of them are for gpu only.

Well I plan to run prime95, unigine heaven, and 3dmark 11 is there anything else I am missing? Is there any advice you will like to pass down to me before I start to test my new laptop tonight?

 

[Tradesman1]

It's up to you, Prime is a good one, because it stresses the system and let's you know if it's stable, most others will give more of a performance indication

 

[KaterineL]

Okay, I am going to start it this week; I am new to doing this so if there is any advice or recommendation, it will be appreciated; I want to stress test and benchmark my laptop right away when I get my laptop so i can take advantage of the return policy, if anything fails. Is there any steps I should do to allow the software to properly tested the machine?

 

[Tradesman1]

To run Prime, I make sure the laptop is slightly elevated or on a laptop cooling pad and the grid air paths of the laptop are clear, maybe run it for an hour or two, if it fails I'd take it back and exchange.

 

[KaterineL]

Thanks for the advice tradesman1

 

[Tradesman1]

No problem, have fun!