Testing PC hardware has become complicated over the years. While it was all about FPS and performance in the past, these days, several other metrics need to be observed, such as latency, power efficiency, and hotspot temperatures. These require updates to existing testing methodologies, and at Wccftech, we are always keen on expanding and fitting our test environment with the proper suite to provide detailed reviews for every individual component. These reviews are conducted by our dedicated team of experienced gaming journalists, whose credentials and areas of expertise are available for all our readers to see. You can read our detailed ethics and editorial guidelines for more information.
We have spent years testing various PC hardware components, which include:
Our CPU testing goes a different route than GPUs. While the benchmarks might be the same, the overall test environment changes since CPUs can offer higher uplifts when tuned.
We first test each CPU at its default state. After that, we proceed with tuning, which isn't all about overclocking these days. Undervolting is just as important, and memory tuning also goes a long way in adding more performance. There are also BIOS-specific features from each motherboard vendor, and each memory vendor provides a set of OC profiles (XMP / EXPO).
Once again, our testing methodology, OC settings, and tuning profiles used during the review are clearly highlighted in our reviews. We use the fastest available GPU on the market to evaluate how well the CPU performs in gaming, and power numbers are also compiled using our idle/gaming/peak workload scenarios.
To evaluate CPU performance, we use various applications, synthetic and actual workloads to determine the capability of each new generation of processor, its architecture, and its latest features, such as new ISAs, hybrid core designs, etc. These include:
GPU testing comes in two parts: There are different SKUs (e.g., RTX 5090 and RTX 5080, etc), and then there are different variants for each SKU (MSI RTX 5090, ASUS RTX 5090, etc).
For testing different SKUs during a new product launch cycle, we compare performance, temperatures, power consumption, and a range of other metrics against previously released products (from the same company or the competition).
The new GPUs are tested using the latest software and drivers provided by the manufacturer. In certain instances, where drivers are not provided before launch, we use whatever "latest and official" driver is available through the driver support pages of each respective company.
Our testing setup is entirely mentioned in our reviews. This includes the CPU, motherboard, PSU, storage, and Windows version that was used for testing. We also list the drivers we used for each GPU used in the review. Our current testing environment includes: We generally update the performance numbers for older graphics cards once a significant driver is released. We don't rerun benchmarks for each driver since the differences are usually within the error margin (+- 3.5%).
Benchmarks & Settings
Our testing suite includes a range of games, synthetic benchmarks, and AI applications. For synthetic benchmarks, we run them by default. We do the best of 3 for each synthetic run, as in certain cases, a pre-heated run can deliver a better score versus an initial run where the app itself might be loading up its resources.
For games, we use various resolutions to test their performance, such as 1920x1080, 2560x1440, and 3840x2160. Settings for each game are explicitly mentioned. We also point out in our tests if any upscaling method (DLSS/FSR/XeSS) was used, and the same is true for frame-generation technologies.
A mix of old, recent, and new titles is used to provide a clear image of how well the GPUs perform across a wide spectrum rather than just focusing on newer titles. Currently (9/24/2025), our suite includes the following games:
As is the case with NVIDIA, where PhysX has been removed in recent GPUs, leading to far worse performance in older titles that supported the features, while at the same time, RT and AI integrations in new games lead to better utilization of hardware resources & provide better performance to end gamers.
To measure power and heat, we have three testing procedures: first is at idle, where only the power monitoring app is opened up, then we have the gaming test, where power is measured through a 2-hour run within a AAA title, and then we have the peak power/temp load, which is measured by running a GPU-burner app such as Kombuster.
Motherboards are compared either with the default BIOS they are shipped with or the latest one available if it's been out for a while. We provide a detailed analysis of each motherboard, highlighting its design, from VRMs to IO (you name it).
One of our specialities is that we love taking apart hardware; our teardowns provide users with an exclusive look at what lies inside their expensive PC component. Each motherboard is tested with a default memory kit, which we've used for other boards, and then we also list and use an OC-oriented kit to evaluate the maximum capabilities that current-gen motherboards have to offer.
Over the recent years, we have also amassed a large array of reviews on Mini PCs and the latest gen laptops. Our Mini PC tests follow a revised testing suite which includes CPU, GPU (both iGPU & dGPU), and NPU performance tests. For those platforms that don't support an onboard NPU, we still evaluate the AI capabilities, which are offset to the onboard GPUs.
The monitor segment has seen an explosion in terms of quality and features. Today, you can find monitors in VA, IPS, LCD, LED, OLED, QD-OLED, WOLED, and many more variations. Each has its own advantage and disadvantage; some offer great value despite not being OLED, while others go for the premium quality with stunning glossy finishes, anti-reflective coating, high-refresh-rate panels, and a variety of protection/OSD features.
Our test suite for monitors allows us to evaluate each monitor's display capabilities, such as brightness levels, HDR levels, how the panels perform under dim or bright lights, how burn-in affects each display under prolonged periods of use, their connectivity options (DP/HDMI/etc), and several other aspects.
All that said, we are always investing more time and effort in our testing suite to do better in our reviews, so that our readers get a clear picture of the hardware that they are reading about, what makes it tick, if it's worth the price, what new features and upgrades were made and how it stacks up against older and competing products. Our reviews will ensure that you make a better and informed decision in your PC & component purchases.