PCMark Vantage version 1.2.0 released

March 4, 2013

PCMark Vantage has been updated to version 1.2.0 and is now compatible with Windows 8, with some limitations. Benchmark scores are not affected and scores from this new version are comparable with PCMark Vantage v1.0.2.

PCMark Vantage TV and Movie suite uses the MPEG2 codec. As DVD playback functionality is not included in Windows 8 by default, we recommend using PCMark 7 for benchmarking Windows 8 systems.

To get the update, download PCMark Vantage version 1.2.0 installer.

The major changes in PCMark Vantage 1.2.0 include: 

Improvements

  • Trial edition removed. PCMark Vantage Basic Edition is now free and can be run an unlimited number of times without registration or restrictions.
  • The benchmark no longer tracks application focus, which helps avoid unintentionally ending the benchmark run. Using the PC for other tasks while running the benchmark will influence the benchmark score and should still be avoided.

Compatibility

  • Now compatible with Windows 8, however, the TV and Movies suite requires DVD playback capability (MPEG2) which is not available in Windows 8 by default. The missing functionality can be added by purchasing the Windows 8 Media Center Pack from Microsoft. Without the Media Center Pack the TV and Movies suite is skipped with a score of 0.
  • Windows Mail test now works in Windows 8.
  • SystemInfo updated to version 4.15 for Windows 8 compatibility.

Advanced and Professional Editions

  • Fixed issues with opening saved benchmark result files.