SPECviewperf 2020: The Industry Standard for Professional Graphics Benchmarking

In the realm of professional graphics performance evaluation, SPECviewperf 2020 stands as the benchmark of choice. Released in October 2020, this updated version provides a comprehensive assessment of 3D graphics capabilities within systems utilizing OpenGL and Direct X application programming interfaces. It’s a crucial tool for gauging performance in demanding professional applications, from CAD and CAM to media and entertainment.

What is SPECviewperf?

Developed by the SPEC Graphics Performance Characterization Group (SPECgpc), SPECviewperf doesn’t rely on installing large, complex professional applications. Instead, it employs “viewsets”—workloads that replicate the graphics content and behavior found within these applications. This allows for standardized, repeatable testing without the overhead of full software installations.

Key Applications Represented in SPECviewperf 2020

The 2020 version of SPECviewperf incorporates viewsets derived from a wide range of industry-leading software, including:

• Media and Entertainment: Autodesk 3ds Max and Maya
• CAD/CAM: Dassault Systèmes Catia and Solidworks, PTC Creo, and Siemens NX
• Energy and Medical: Two dedicated datasets representing professional applications in these fields.

Major Updates in SPECviewperf 2020

This release represents a significant overhaul of the benchmark, building upon the foundation of SPECviewperf 13. Key improvements include:

• New Viewsets: Updated viewsets based on the latest versions of 3ds Max, Catia, Maya, and Solidworks.
• Updated Models: Refreshed models within the viewsets, incorporating data from 3ds Max, Catia, Creo, Solidworks, and real-world medical applications.
• Resolution Support: Support for both 2K and 4K display resolutions.
• Improved Management: Enhanced setup and results management capabilities.

Licensing and Availability

SPECviewperf 2020 is freely available for download to all users except for commercial vendors of computers and related products who are not members of the SPEC/GWPG. Non-member vendors can purchase a license for $2,500. Current SPEC/GWPG members include AMD, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, Hypertec, Intel, Lenovo, and Nvidia.

System Requirements

According to Microsoft documentation, to run SPECviewperf 2020, systems should meet the following minimum requirements:

• Microsoft Windows 10 Version 1709 (Fall Creators Update / RS3) or Windows 11
• 16GB of system RAM
• 80GB of available disk space
• A minimum screen resolution of 1920×1080
• OpenGL 4.5 support (for specific viewsets)
• DirectX 12 API support (for 3dsmax-07)
• A GPU with 2GB or greater dedicated memory

The Importance of Benchmarking

Benchmarks like SPECviewperf 2020 are essential for professionals who rely on high-performance graphics workstations. By providing a standardized measure of performance, they enable informed purchasing decisions and ensure that systems can handle the demands of complex workloads. The benchmark’s ability to reflect real-world performance makes it a valuable tool for both hardware manufacturers and end-users.