The suite aims to simulate normal use by automating processes, such as working with Microsoft Office® and Adobe® products, playing games, browsing the web, and editing and converting video. My favourite tool for this is PCMark (downloaded the trial version here). Then it measures to the millisecond how long it takes to complete each task and the collection of tasks.
Rather, it requires software that repeats specific tasks at specific intervals. It’s something most people can’t do and get accurate and reproducible results. Measuring real-world performance (such as browsing the web, word processing, multimedia editing) is a tough one. (To get a sense of how I test battery life in the lab, have a look at our AVG performance test center.) All of the reported battery tests were repeated multiple times to improve the accuracy of the results.) Real-world PC usage tests Most have a “Battery Test” mode, which repeats tasks until the battery runs dry.įor correctly measuring battery life, a simple stopwatch is generally enough, as you don’t need to measure it down to the millisecond. Work: To measure battery life for working productively with your PC, you’ll need to use productivity testing software (such as PCMark, discussed below).
Just start a movie or any video and set your player to loop until your battery runs dry. Perfect for simulating a high load on your laptop! (I’ve posted below a list of popular games a benchmark mode.) In the screen above, I started No Man’s Sky and let it sit at a section with lots of moving animals and grass waving in a virtual breeze. If the game doesn’t include such a mode, just leave the game running at a busy section. Many games, such as GTA V or Gears of War 4, include a benchmark mode once set, it repeats the game demo until your battery runs dry. Gaming: To test battery life, my advice is to fully charge your laptop and then let the game run on loop. By contrast, you can often watch movies or do light text editing for an entire workday before the battery dies.
For example, playing 3D games at maximum brightness will drain most new laptop batteries in 45 to 90 minutes. Your laptop battery life varies greatly depending on what you do with it.