Consistently Low Geekbench Scores

[CE3]

I occasionally run Geekbench on my 2017 iMac and my CPU scores always seem to be lower than they should be. I just ran the test linked below, which reflects the average single and multicore scores my iMac gets.

https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/6077846

To be clear, as of right now this is a minor / non-issue since my iMac is performing just fine. I'll be working on some relatively light 4K video editing projects for work this month, and we'll see how that goes. It's just slightly annoying to be seeing other iMacs with the exact same configuration getting scores like this, when I've only received a multicore score above 18K one time.

I set up this iMac from my MacBook Pro time machine backup, and I'm wondering if this could possibly be impacting cpu performance? I already reset PRAM & SMC.

 

[sputnikBA]

The scores can also be affected by background processes you may not realise are running, ambient temperature in your room affecting cooling and a few other factors beyond your control.

Benchmark scores are a trap that is very easy to fall into — try not worry too much about it, and only be concerned if its limiting your ability to do what you need it to do.

 

[Precursor]

I occasionally run Geekbench on my 2017 iMac and my CPU scores always seem to be lower than they should be. I just ran the test linked below, which reflects the average single and multicore scores my iMac gets.

https://browser.geekbench.com/v4/cpu/6077846

To be clear, as of right now this is a minor / non-issue since my iMac is performing just fine. I'll be working on some relatively light 4K video editing projects for work this month, and we'll see how that goes. It's just slightly annoying to be seeing other iMacs with the exact same configuration getting scores like this, when I've only received a multicore score above 18K one time.

I set up this iMac from my MacBook Pro time machine backup, and I'm wondering if this could possibly be impacting cpu performance? I already reset PRAM & SMC.

I get the exact same scores as you and 've been wondering the same (same CPU)

 

[Brookzy]

I've been suspicious that Geekbench conflicts with the power management features. For example, on a 2016 MacBook Pro with 460 graphics I would get 40,000 on the GPU test, but if I attached a 5K monitor I would get more than 60,000.

 

[maflynn]

This is why I don't like benchmarks. As long as the computer is doing what you expect it too, will you really notice that performance difference? If you think something is wrong, wipe the drive, install a fresh copy of OS X and then retest, that will give you the best option to getting a clean benchmark.

 

[h9826790]

You can't compare your score to the average score. There are lots of Hackintosh upload their score with a seriously overclocked 7700K. If you suspect your computer is significantly slower than other identical iMac. You better upload your score to here and let the other iMac users to tell you if your score is normal.

Also, for running benchmark, you have to make sure the computer is pretty much idle, otherwise, this kind of benchmark won't be accurate at all.

 

[EugW]

You should be getting north of 19000 multicore with an i7-7700K iMac. I’ve gotten over 20000 but usually was in the high 19000s.

But to get those scores you need to turn off background processes and anti-virus.

 

[Precursor]

You should be getting north of 19000 multicore with an i7-7700K iMac. I’ve gotten over 20000 but usually was in the high 19000s.

But to get those scores you need to turn off background processes and anti-virus.

I have no anti-virus and iMac came with clean MacOS installed, only installed the updates
Ran the benchmark several times (7700k) and still getting 17500-17800 multicore scores (RAM is 32 GB 2666 Kingston)

 

[Fried Chicken]

Maybe you need to replace the battery;


I kid I kid,

What do the thermals look like? Could dust already be an issue?

 

[06tb06]

I occasionally run Geekbench on my 2017 iMac and my CPU scores always seem to be lower than they should be. I just ran the test linked below, which reflects the average single and multicore scores my iMac gets.

I wouldn't worry about it much. It could be the bining process at the Intel fab or the fact that 91-watt SKUs on the 27-inch iMacs throttle badly. My 21.5" iMac i5 posts a higher CPU score than other iMacs of the same model and configuration.

 

[TGB]

I have no anti-virus and iMac came with clean MacOS installed, only installed the updates
Ran the benchmark several times (7700k) and still getting 17500-17800 multicore scores (RAM is 32 GB 2666 Kingston)

There are a lot of processes running in the background; specially on a newly installed computer (or one just updated). Indexing etc. Backup also affects benchmark results.

 

[Precursor]

There are a lot of processes running in the background; specially on a newly installed computer (or one just updated). Indexing etc. Backup also affects benchmark results.

It's been 2 months now though, there shouldn't be any more indexing
The difference in multicore is still 2000 points

 

[TGB]

Then check if you see any processes running in activity monitor before starting benchmark.

For example I had a process starting, crashing, starting, crashing.... in the background which affected my score. This was connected to a service for the software of i1 Display Pro screen calibration.

 

[CE3]

A quick update: I ran another Geekbench test a few weeks ago after closing down a bunch of background processes and my scores were quite a bit higher. I think I need to look into some of these unnecessary things running in the background, but right now none of this seems to be negatively impacting performance.

I recently completed my first video project with FCPX on the iMac since switching from MacBook Pro (plus a little work in Motion). On one hand the project was fairly basic, but it was still 4K, multi-cam, I used no proxy clips, and the iMac handled everything flawlessly.

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Don't place too much emphasis on Geekbench scores as they can vary quite a lot depending on what you are and have been running. Just enjoy your iMac and give all the technical ins and outs a miss. It will drive you batty!