How We Score Hardware
Every product on Hardwarepedia gets three scores. Here's exactly how we calculate them.
Benchmark Score (0–100)
The benchmark score measures overall synthetic performance. For GPUs, this is derived from compute throughput (TFLOPS), memory bandwidth, shader unit count, and architecture efficiency. For CPUs, it factors in multi-threaded performance, core/thread count, cache size, and IPC (instructions per clock).
We normalize scores so the fastest current-generation product scores 100. Older or lower-tier products are scored relative to that baseline. This makes it easy to compare across generations — an RTX 4090 that scored 95 at launch still scores 95 today, even after the RTX 5090 takes the 100 spot.
Gaming Score (0–100)
The gaming score reflects real-world gaming performance. For GPUs, this is based on average frame rates across a suite of modern AAA titles at the product's target resolution, with and without upscaling (DLSS/FSR/XeSS). VRAM capacity, memory bandwidth, and ray tracing capability are also weighted.
For CPUs, the gaming score emphasizes single-threaded performance, cache latency, and frame pacing. Products with 3D V-Cache technology get a significant boost because the extra L3 cache measurably improves gaming frame rates by 10–25%.
Value Score (0–100)
The value score is performance per dollar. We calculate it as a weighted average of the benchmark and gaming scores divided by the MSRP, then normalize to a 0–100 scale. Products that deliver disproportionately high performance for their price score highest.
A $200 GPU with a gaming score of 50 will outscore a $2,000 GPU with a gaming score of 100 on value. The formula intentionally rewards budget and mid-range products that punch above their price class.
Tier System
90-100
Best in class
75-89
Excellent
60-74
Good
45-59
Average
0-44
Below avg
Comparison Verdicts
When comparing two products, our verdict is based on the sum of all three scores (benchmark + gaming + value). The product with the higher total wins the head-to-head. We then explain why it wins — whether it's better raw performance, better value, or a combination of both.
The comparison pages also include a Price per Gaming Point metric (MSRP ÷ Gaming Score). Lower is better. This gives you a single number to evaluate performance-per-dollar across any two products.
Affiliate Independence
Our scores and recommendations are not influenced by affiliate relationships. We earn a commission when you buy through our links (Amazon Associates, Rakuten/Newegg), but this never affects which product we recommend. We recommend what we would buy with our own money.