How we test
For each laptop in this month’s roundup, we measure performance using PC Pro’s standard suite of real-world benchmarks. These test how quickly each system can process a standard set of image and video files, and handle multiple workloads while simultaneously playing high-definition video.
These individual scores are then combined into an overall score that’s weighted towards multitasking. For an alternative view of both singlecore and multicore performance, we also run the Geekbench 5 suite of benchmarks.
Next we test 3D performance using a selection of games: Dirt: Showdown, Metro: Last Light and
F1 2020. If a laptop has discrete graphics, we test it in Metro: Exodus and Shadow of the Tomb Raider. All of these tests are at 1080p at High presets. Finally, we put them through their OpenGL paces in the GFXBench Car Chase test, both onscreen and off-screen at 1080p.
We test the performance of a laptop’s internal SSD using the AS SSD benchmarking tool, which determines maximum sequential read and write speeds.
We then move on to the screen, using X-Rite colorimeter hardware to establish the maximum brightness the screen is capable of, along with its effective contrast ratio, sRGB coverage and colour accuracy. The latter is expressed as a Delta E figure, with a score of one or below representing perfection as far as the human eye can discern.
Finally, we test each laptop’s battery life by setting the screen to a standard brightness of 170cd/m2, disabling the wireless radio and setting VLC to play a video file in fullscreen mode. We then time how long it takes the laptop to go from a fully charged state until the system shuts down. This provides a baseline for comparison between systems, although it goes without saying that heavier workloads and frequent Wi-Fi access will run the battery down more quickly.
The key figures from the above tests are shown in our graphs on p92. In addition, we factor in subjective judgments of design, features and usability, as discussed in our reviews on the following pages, to arrive at a final star rating out of five for each laptop.