← ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8

Benchmarks and up-to-date reviews

A standard test that gives a score so you can compare real performance of parts like a CPU or GPU. Hardware changes yearly, so check current, trusted reviews, not just spec numbers.

Part of: ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8 — Hardware and Performance — Module 32

Understanding Benchmarks and up-to-date reviews in ACARA Digital Technologies Years 7–8

What it does: A trusted review is independent, recent and uses the same test on every part, so its results are fair and current. Hardware changes quickly, so older specs can be beaten by newer parts. Students should check current reviews and benchmarks. A benchmark runs the same test on different parts, so the scores can be compared fairly. Trustworthy reviews show how they tested and give real results. Adverts want to sell you something. Cores, cache and design also matter, so a benchmark shows real performance, not just one spec number. Last year's specs and scores go out of date as new parts are released.

Common mistakes: CPU A has the higher benchmark score (12400 vs 9800), so it is faster. The message should say "CPU A is faster". A list must open with [ and close with ]. The line ends with ) instead of ], which is a syntax error.

Class: _____________________ · Name: _____________________ · Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 13–40) and word search (Modules 13–68).

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Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning

Duo

What is a benchmark?

A number printed on the box that the seller makes upA standard test that gives a score so you can compare performance

Matches

Buy it: 4.5 GHz means it is the fastest CPU

↓

Spec numbers alone do not show real performance. A CPU with a lower GHz can still beat it on a benchmark.

Applying

Meanings

Term

benchmark

Meaning

A standard test that gives a score so you can compare real performance of parts like a CPU or GPU. Hardware changes yearly, so check current, trusted reviews, not just spec numbers.

Practice

cpuA ← 15200

Testing

Gaps

score = ("CPU-A")

Check Answer

Spots

3if cpu_a > cpu_b:

4 print("CPU A is slower")

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Quick Questions

1. What is a benchmark?

A. A standard test that gives a score so you can compare performance ✓

B. A number printed on the box that the seller makes up

A benchmark runs the same test on different parts, so the scores can be compared fairly.

2. Two GPUs are both tested with the same game scene. Which is the better comparison?

A. Compare the colour of their cases

B. Compare their benchmark scores from that same test ✓

Benchmarks are only fair when every part runs the same test.

3. Which review source is more trustworthy for choosing a CPU?

A. An independent review site that tests parts and shows its benchmark results ✓

B. An advert that says 'the fastest ever!' with no test results

Trustworthy reviews show how they tested and give real results. Adverts want to sell you something.

4. A CPU has a higher GHz number than another CPU. What does a benchmark tell you?

A. How fast each CPU really performs in a test, which may not match the GHz order ✓

B. The CPU with the higher GHz always wins, so no test is needed

Cores, cache and design also matter, so a benchmark shows real performance, not just one spec number.

5. You find a review of a graphics card from six years ago. How should you treat it?

A. Trust it fully, because hardware never really changes

B. Be careful: hardware changes every year, so look for a current review too ✓

Last year's specs and scores go out of date as new parts are released.

Match the Pairs

CPU benchmark score: 18,500 → A standard test result that shows how fast a processor really performs, so you can compare it with other CPUs

GPU benchmark: 95 fps in Test Game → A measured result from running the same game scene on a graphics card, showing real gaming performance

Trustworthy review sources test parts themselves and are updated recently → Review: tested 2025, same test, independent lab

Last year's specs go out of date because newer parts are released every year → 2022 GPU: 8 GB | 2025 GPU: 16 GB faster

Buy it: 4.5 GHz means it is the fastest CPU → Spec numbers alone do not show real performance. A CPU with a lower GHz can still beat it on a benchmark.

Use a 2019 review to pick a 2025 laptop → The review is out of date. Hardware changes every year, so you need current reviews from trusted sources.

Key Term

benchmark

A standard test that gives a score so you can compare real performance of parts like a CPU or GPU. Hardware changes yearly, so check current, trusted reviews, not just spec numbers.

Fill in the Blanks

1. score = benchmark("CPU-A")

Hint: Type the function name for a standard test that returns a performance score for a part.

2. cpuA = 14500 cpuB = 12800 print(cpuA > cpuB)

Hint: Type the comparison operator that checks whether the first benchmark score is higher than the second.

3. specYear = 2022 if specYear < 2025: print("Out of date")

Hint: Type the comparison operator that flags specs from a year earlier than the current year.

4. trusted = ["TechLab", "BenchHub"] print("TechLab" in trusted)

Hint: Type the keyword that checks whether a review source is a member of the trusted list.

5. gpuScores = [8200, 9100] print(max(gpuScores))

Hint: Type the built-in function that finds the highest GPU benchmark score in the list.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A cpu_a = 12400

B cpu_b = 9800

C if cpu_a > cpu_b:

D print("CPU A is slower")

Line D — CPU A has the higher benchmark score (12400 vs 9800), so it is faster. The message should say "CPU A is faster".

Question 2

A scores = [9800, 12400, 11000)

B best = max(scores)

C print("Top score:", best)

Line A — A list must open with [ and close with ]. The line ends with ) instead of ], which is a syntax error.

Question 3

A year = 2025

B review_year == 2021

C if review_year < year:

D print("Review is old")

Line B — A single = stores a value in a variable. == only compares, so review_year is never created. It should be review_year = 2021.

Question 4

A gpu_score = 15000

B old_score = 11000

C gain = gpu_score + old_score

D print("Gain:", gain)

Line C — To find how much the benchmark score improved you subtract the old score from the new one. It should use - not +.

Question 5

A site = "TechLab Reviews"

B trusted = ["TechLab Reviews"]

C if site in trusted

D print("Use this review")

Line C — An if statement must end with a colon. It should be: if site in trusted:

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