CPU Test: Benchmark Your Processor Online
Run a short processor benchmark on one core and then on every thread, and see your scores, scaling and history of past runs.
Close other heavy apps and plug laptops into power. The test runs the same work on one thread, then on every thread at once.
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Your processor does almost everything on your computer: running games and apps, decoding video, compiling code and keeping the operating system responsive. When a computer feels slow, the first question is often whether the CPU is performing as it should. A benchmark gives you a number you can compare before and after a change, such as a fresh install, a new cooler, a power setting or a BIOS update.
This CPU test runs a benchmark directly in your browser. It first runs a fixed workload on a single thread to measure single-core speed, then runs the same work on every thread your processor offers to measure multi-core speed. You get both scores, how well your processor scaled across its threads, and a history of your recent runs.
How to run the CPU test
- Close heavy apps and extra browser tabs, and plug laptops into power.
- Choose Quick, Standard or Long. Longer runs are steadier and show the effect of heat.
- Press Start CPU test and leave the tab in front until it finishes.
- Read your single-core and multi-core scores, threads used and scaling.
- Run it two or three times; your recent runs are listed so you can compare.
How the benchmark works
The workload
Each thread repeats the same mix of integer hashing and floating point maths on a small block of memory for a fixed amount of time and counts how many blocks it completes. That mix exercises the parts of the processor used by everyday software rather than one narrow feature.
Single-core and multi-core
The single-core run uses one Web Worker, a background thread in the browser. The multi-core run starts one worker for every logical processor your browser reports and runs them together. Many games and everyday apps depend mostly on single-core speed, while video export, compiling and rendering scale with more cores.
Scaling
Scaling divides multi-core work by single-core work. With perfect scaling, eight threads would do eight times the work. Real processors score lower because threads share caches, memory and power limits, and because hyper-threads share a physical core. Efficiency above about 45 percent of the thread count is healthy.
Understanding your scores
| Score | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| Under 500 | Older, low-power or throttled processor |
| 500 to 1000 | Typical recent laptop |
| 1000 to 1600 | Fast desktop or performance laptop |
| Over 1600 | High-end processor running at full speed |
Scores are relative to a fixed RigLab baseline, so they are useful for comparing runs and devices on this site, not for comparing with desktop benchmark suites that use different workloads.
Why your score might be low
- Power saving: battery saver and balanced power plans limit clock speed.
- Heat: a dusty cooler or blocked vents make the processor slow itself down.
- Background load: updates, antivirus scans and sync tools compete for the same cores.
- Browser limits: some browsers cap the number of threads they report or run workers at lower priority.
- Thermal paste: on older desktops, dried paste can raise temperatures and reduce boost clocks.
Using the CPU test for troubleshooting
Run the Long test and compare it with a Quick run. If the Long score is much lower, your processor is probably throttling from heat. Run once on battery and once plugged in to see how much your power settings matter. After cleaning a laptop fan or changing a power plan, run the test again and compare it with your saved history.
Is it safe?
Yes. The test runs ordinary calculations at full speed for a few seconds, similar to a demanding game or a video export. Your fans may spin up and the device may get warm, which is normal.
Cores, threads and clock speed
A core is an independent processing unit. Many processors run two threads on each core, so an eight-core chip may report sixteen threads. Some modern chips mix large performance cores with smaller efficiency cores, which is why doubling the thread count never doubles the score. Clock speed matters too: processors boost to a high frequency for short bursts and settle lower when they warm up or when power is limited. That is why a quick run on a cool laptop can score higher than a long run, and why a desktop with strong cooling holds its speed for longer. Watching how your score changes between Quick and Long runs tells you a lot about your cooling and power limits.
Complete your performance check
The PC benchmark combines CPU, memory and graphics in one run with an overall score. The GPU test focuses on graphics, the RAM test measures memory speed, and the system information tool shows how many threads and how much memory your system reports. To see how processor load affects smoothness, try the FPS test with its heavier object counts.
Frequently asked questions
Can a browser really benchmark my CPU?
Yes. It runs real work on your processor through background threads. Scores reflect browser workloads and are best for comparing runs on this site.
What is the difference between single-core and multi-core?
Single-core measures one thread; multi-core runs the same work on every thread. Games lean on single-core, while rendering uses many cores.
What is a good CPU score?
Around 500 to 1000 is typical for recent laptops. Over 1600 suggests a high-end processor at full speed.
What does scaling mean?
How many times more work all threads did compared with one. Higher is better, but it is always below the thread count.
Why is my laptop score lower on battery?
Power saving limits clock speed. Plug in and use a performance power mode for full results.
Why did my score drop on the long test?
The processor probably heated up and slowed down. Clean the cooler and check airflow.
Can the CPU test damage my computer?
No. It is similar to running a demanding game for a few seconds.
Why are scores different in another browser?
Browsers run JavaScript and workers differently. Compare results in the same browser.
Are my results saved?
Your last eight runs are stored in your browser so you can compare them.
Related tools
See the whole picture in one run
Benchmark CPU, memory and graphics together and get an overall score with a breakdown.