What is basemark.exe?
basemark.exe is the executable for the Basemark Benchmark Tool, designed to evaluate system performance across CPU, GPU, memory, and stability. It orchestrates tests, collects metrics, and produces standardized results for hardware comparisons.
Basemark uses a modular, multi-test harness that runs workloads across CPU cores, GPU shaders, and memory subsystems. It profiles execution, gathers timing, and returns scores used to compare devices or configurations.
Quick Fact: Basemark pioneered cross-platform benchmarking, providing reproducible workloads and score normalization for fair hardware comparisons.
Types of Basemark Processes
- Launcher Process: Starts the benchmark session and coordinates tests
- CPU Test Process: Runs CPU-bound workloads across cores
- GPU Test Process: Executes shader and compute workloads on GPU
- Memory Test Process: Measures memory bandwidth and latency
- IO Benchmark Process: Evaluates storage and cache performance
- Telemetry/Reporter: Sends results to a local or remote report hub
Is basemark.exe Safe?
Yes, basemark.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Basemark benchmark executable distributed by Basemark Oy and run from a trusted installation directory.
Is basemark.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real basemark.exe is NOT a virus, but malware may imitate names. Always verify the file location and digital signature.
How to Tell if basemark.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\Basemark\\basemark.exe or within a Basemark subfolder. Any basemark.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click basemark.exe in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "Basemark Oy".
- Resource Usage: During a benchmark, CPU/memory usage is elevated but stable and consistent with test load; persistent high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Basemark should launch tests upon user action. If it auto-runs without consent, investigate.
Red Flags: If basemark.exe is found outside Program Files\\Basemark or lacks a valid signature, or runs arbitrary background tasks without user input, scan with a reputable antivirus and verify the vendor.
Why Is basemark.exe Running on My PC?
basemark.exe runs to perform a configured benchmark or to collect stability data as part of a benchmarking session. It may also run helper services during tests.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Benchmark Session: You started a Basemark benchmark; the executable orchestrates CPU, GPU, and memory tests.
- Background Telemetry: If enabled, the tool may collect and store results locally as part of a report file or send to Basemark servers.
- Auto-Update/Validation: During a run, the app may check for updates or validate test scripts to ensure consistency.
- Helper Processes: Basemark may spawn dedicated processes for GPU drivers, storage IO tests, or telemetry agents.
- Startup/Service Mode: If configured, Basemark launches at Windows startup or runs as a service to queue benchmarks.
Can I Disable or Remove basemark.exe?
Yes, you can disable basemark.exe. You can stop benchmarks and uninstall Basemark if you no longer need it.
How to Stop basemark.exe
- End Benchmark Session: In the Basemark UI, click Stop/Abort to end the current test.
- Terminate Processes: Open Task Manager, locate basemark.exe and any helper processes, and End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Basemark Launcher if present.
- Close Background Tasks: In Basemark, disable telemetry or background data collection in settings.
- Uninstall: Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall Basemark Benchmark.
How to Uninstall Basemark
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Basemark Benchmark -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Basemark Benchmark -> Uninstall
- ✔ Remove remaining Basemark folders under C:\\Program Files\\Basemark and AppData if present
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If basemark.exe is using excessive resources during a test or idle state:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Unconfigured Benchmark: Ensure you run a defined benchmark suite; avoid running multiple tests simultaneously.
- Background Telemetry Enabled: Disable telemetry in Basemark settings or set data collection to manual.
- GPU Driver Conflicts: Update GPU drivers to the latest version and ensure Basemark has permission to access GPU APIs.
- Insufficient System Resources: Close other heavy apps, ensure adequate RAM and CPU cores are available for testing.
- Outdated Basemark Version: Update Basemark to the latest release; run a clean benchmark after updating.
- Malfunctioning Extensions or Plugins: Disable any non-essential software that might hook into graphics or IO paths during tests.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Basemark UI and stop any running benchmark
2. Update Basemark to latest release
3. Check Task Manager for basemark.exe and end heavy processes
4. Disable telemetry or background tasks in Basemark settings
5. Ensure GPU drivers are up-to-date
Frequently Asked Questions
Is basemark.exe a virus?
No, basemark.exe is the legitimate Basemark Benchmark executable when located in C:\\Program Files\\Basemark and signed by Basemark Oy.
Why is basemark.exe using so much CPU during a benchmark?
During a run, Basemark stresses CPU cores with workloads; high CPU usage is expected. Check the Basemark UI to identify which test is active.
Can I delete basemark.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Basemark Benchmark from Windows Settings or Control Panel. Data from benchmarks may be removed unless you back up results.
Can I disable basemark.exe?
Yes, stop the benchmark in the UI or End Task in Task Manager. Disable startup in Task Manager if you don't want automatic launches.
Why is Basemark showing as running at startup?
Basemark can be configured to start at login to queue bench jobs. Disable it in Task Manager's Startup tab or Basemark settings.
How do I interpret Basemark results?
Basemark provides scores for CPU, GPU, memory, and combined metrics. Compare results against baseline configurations and other devices to gauge performance.