About the PC World Test Center Chicago IL

Since its inception in August 1992, the Test Center has supplied PC World with invaluable information, based on tests developed and conducted by analysts at our San Francisco facility. The Test Center provides the results and data analysis for all major hardware categories, including desktops, laptops, digital cameras, printers, monitors, televisions, and more. These results are reported in our reviews and are a critical part of the scoring that determines a product's rating.

PC World's test methodologies are also distributed worldwide to our partner PC World magazines in over 80 countries. These publications are free to use and modify our test plans and scripts to evaluate products available in their own markets.

The PC World Test Center also developed WorldBench 5, the independent, industry-leading applications-based PC performance benchmark.

How We Test

The PC World Test Center uses a variety of rigorous performance tests and tools to conduct a fair and impartial analysis of major product categories under review.

Reviews & Rankings

Our experts review hot products and pick the best.

A Guide to PC World Ratings

Our ratings give readers a quick assessment of a product's overall quality, performance, features, and design.

Your Guide to the Top-Rated Products

Have questions about our reviews? We have answers.

WorldBench 5

WorldBench is a dynamic tool for measuring your computer's real-world system performance.

PC World's WorldBench 5: How It Works

Our industry-standard benchmarking application upgrades its choice of programs and adds more-rigorous testing.

How to Buy WorldBench 5

The tool that the PC World Test Center uses to benchmark desktop and notebook PCs is now available for purchase.

WorldBench 5: Frequently Asked Questions

We address the most common questions and issues concerning PC World's benchmarking tool.

Software Updates for WorldBench 5

Get downloadable updates for our testing application.

Publishing Guidelines

Read the rules for using WorldBench 5 for promotional and other purposes.