3DMark.exe

3DMark GPU & CPU Benchmark Tool

Application ProcessSafeBenchmarking

CPU Usage

0-100% (during tests)

Memory

500 MB - 4 GB

Location

Program Files (x86)

Publisher

UL Solutions (Futuremark)

Quick Answer

3DMark.exe is safe. It's the industry-standard GPU and CPU benchmarking software from UL Solutions (formerly Futuremark), used to test graphics card performance and system stability.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Official from UL Solutions/Steam

Purpose

Performance Testing

Stresses GPU/CPU to measure capabilities

High Resource Use

⚠ NORMAL During Tests

Designed to max out GPU/CPU - expected behavior

What is 3DMark.exe?

3DMark.exe is the main executable for 3DMark, the world's most popular GPU benchmarking software developed by UL Solutions (formerly Futuremark). It runs intensive graphics and physics tests to measure your computer's gaming performance and compare it with other systems.

3DMark is used by gamers, overclockers, and PC hardware reviewers to test graphics card performance, CPU capabilities, and system stability under load. When running benchmarks, it deliberately maxes out your GPU and CPU to push them to their limits - this is intentional and expected behavior, not a sign of problems.

Quick Fact: 3DMark scores are the universal language of PC gaming performance. When people say "I got 15,000 in Time Spy," they're referring to their 3DMark score - a standardized way to compare gaming PCs worldwide, from budget builds to extreme overclocked rigs.

3DMark Test Types

Time Spy (DirectX 12): Modern gaming benchmark for DirectX 12 graphics cards
Fire Strike (DirectX 11): Popular benchmark for DirectX 11 gaming performance
Port Royal (Ray Tracing): Tests real-time ray tracing performance on RTX/RDNA 2+ cards
CPU Profile: Multi-threaded CPU benchmark testing 1-16 threads
Stress Test: Extended stability test for overclocked systems

Is 3DMark.exe Safe?

Yes, 3DMark.exe is completely safe when downloaded from Steam, the official UL Benchmarks website (benchmarks.ul.com), or Microsoft Store. It's trusted by professional reviewers and millions of PC enthusiasts worldwide.

Is 3DMark.exe a Virus or Malware?

The legitimate 3DMark.exe is NOT a virus. However, fake versions exist on torrent sites, so always download from official sources only.

How to Verify 3DMark.exe is Legitimate

File Location: Should be in C:\Program Files (x86)\UL\3DMark\ (standalone) or C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\3DMark\ (Steam version).
Digital Signature: Right-click in Task Manager → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "UL Solutions Oy" or "Futuremark Corporation" as signer.
Installation Source: Must be from Steam, benchmarks.ul.com, or Microsoft Store. NEVER download cracked/pirated versions - they often contain malware.
High Resource Usage is Normal: 100% GPU/CPU usage during benchmarks is expected and safe - that's the entire purpose of the software. It won't damage your hardware.

Red Flags: If 3DMark.exe is running when you haven't launched it, is located in unusual folders like Temp or System32, lacks a valid UL Solutions digital signature, or was downloaded from torrent/warez sites, it's likely malware disguised as 3DMark. Legitimate 3DMark only runs when you manually start it and won't mine cryptocurrency or run in background.

Why Is 3DMark.exe Running on My PC?

3DMark.exe should only run when you manually launch it to test your system. It doesn't run in the background.

Reasons it's running:

Active Benchmark Test: You're currently running a 3DMark benchmark (Time Spy, Fire Strike, etc.)
Stress Test Running: Performing extended stability testing for overclocked GPU or system
Demo/Benchmark Loop: Running the demo mode or benchmark in loop mode for testing
Background Updates: Steam version may briefly appear when checking for benchmark updates
Malware (If Not User-Initiated): If 3DMark runs without you starting it, verify it's legitimate - may be malware using the name

Can I Disable or Remove 3DMark.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall 3DMark anytime. It's benchmarking software you run manually when needed - there's no background service or startup program to disable.

How to Stop 3DMark.exe

Exit Benchmark: Press ESC during a benchmark to cancel and exit 3DMark
Close Application: Click X to close 3DMark window when not running tests
End Process (If Frozen): If 3DMark hangs, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find 3DMark.exe → End Task

How to Uninstall 3DMark

✔ Steam version: Right-click 3DMark in Steam Library → Manage → Uninstall
✔ Standalone: Windows Settings → Apps → 3DMark → Uninstall
✔ Keep your benchmark scores: They're saved to your UL account (if logged in)
✔ Alternative benchmarks: Heaven Benchmark, Cinebench R23, Geekbench, UserBenchmark

Common Problems: Crashes, High Temperatures, and Errors

Common issues when running 3DMark benchmarks:

Common Causes & Solutions

100% GPU/CPU Usage: This is NORMAL and expected. 3DMark pushes hardware to maximum load to test performance. Not a problem.
High GPU Temperature: Normal during stress testing. If temps exceed 85°C, improve case cooling, clean dust, or adjust fan curves. Stop test if over 90°C.
Benchmark Crashes or Freezes: Often indicates unstable overclock, insufficient power supply, or driver issues. Reset GPU overclock to stock and update graphics drivers.
Low Benchmark Scores: Check if power plan is set to High Performance, GPU drivers are updated, and background apps are closed. Compare with similar hardware online.
DirectX or Graphics Driver Errors: Update to latest GPU drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Install latest DirectX runtime from Microsoft.
System Reboot During Test: Indicates power supply insufficient for peak load or severe instability. Check PSU wattage, test with stock clocks, verify temps.

Quick Fixes:
1. Update graphics drivers to latest version (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel)
2. Reset any GPU/CPU overclocks to stock speeds
3. Close all background applications before benchmarking
4. Set Windows Power Plan to High Performance
5. Monitor temperatures with MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor
6. Verify benchmark results at 3dmark.com leaderboards

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3DMark.exe safe for my GPU?

Yes, 3DMark is completely safe. While it pushes your GPU to 100% usage and high temperatures, this is within design specifications. Modern GPUs have thermal protection and will throttle or shut down before damage occurs. Millions use it safely to test hardware.

Why is 3DMark using 100% of my GPU?

This is intentional and expected. 3DMark is a stress test designed to push your GPU to maximum capacity to measure its performance limits. This is not a problem - it's the entire purpose of benchmarking software.

Can 3DMark damage my computer?

No. 3DMark cannot damage your computer. It may reveal existing instability (like a bad overclock or insufficient cooling), but the software itself is safe. If your system crashes during 3DMark, it indicates an underlying hardware or stability issue that needs addressing.

What is a good 3DMark score?

Depends on your hardware. Compare your score with similar systems on 3dmark.com. For reference: RTX 4090 gets ~36,000 in Time Spy, RTX 4070 ~18,000, RTX 3060 ~11,000. Scores within 10% of similar hardware are normal.

Do I need 3DMark if I'm not a gamer?

Not necessary for regular users. 3DMark is primarily for gamers, overclockers, and hardware enthusiasts who want to test GPU performance, verify overclocks, or compare system capabilities. You can safely uninstall if you don't benchmark hardware.

Why is my 3DMark score lower than expected?

Common causes: outdated drivers, thermal throttling due to high temps, background applications consuming resources, power saving mode enabled, or bottleneck from other components (CPU, RAM, storage). Run with High Performance power plan and latest drivers.

Is 3DMark free?

Basic version with Time Spy and Fire Strike benchmarks is free on Steam. Advanced Edition ($30) includes additional tests, stress tests, and features. Free version is sufficient for most users to test GPU performance.