Volume Shader BM is a free, WebGL-based GPU benchmark tool that tests volumetric rendering performance by running complex fractal and ray marching scenarios in the browser.
What is Volume Shader BM?
Volume Shader BM is a professional GPU benchmark that specializes in testing volumetric rendering performance using WebGL technology. It requires no user input (GPU auto-detection), processes complex volumetric shader calculations in real-time, and outputs detailed performance metrics including FPS, frame times, and a benchmark score. The tool runs entirely in a browser without downloads and is developed by the team behind volume-shader.net.
Key Features
- Real-time performance testing — live FPS counters and metrics during benchmark execution.
- WebGL-based — no downloads or installation required; works on any browser with WebGL 2.0 support.
- Comprehensive metrics — measures frame rates, frame time consistency, shader execution time, and thermal throttling effects.
- Cross-platform — works on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices with WebGL support.
- Advanced volumetric tests — includes fractal volume rendering and ray marching performance scenarios.
- Shader compilation speed measurement — evaluates how quickly the system compiles and optimizes volume shader programs.
Who is it for?
- Game developers — to optimize volumetric effects like fog, clouds, and atmospheric rendering.
- Graphics programmers — to test WebGL implementations and benchmark different GPU architectures.
- Hardware enthusiasts — to compare GPU performance for volumetric workloads across different systems.
- Scientific researchers — to assess GPU suitability for visualization tasks such as medical imaging, fluid dynamics, and astronomical data.
What can you do with Volume Shader BM?
- Benchmark your GPU — run the test to get a detailed performance score for volumetric shaders.
- Compare systems — use the results to compare with other users' scores from the Volume Shader BM community.
- Monitor thermal performance — the detailed graphs show performance over time, helping identify thermal throttling.
How does Volume Shader BM work?
- Navigate to the test page at https://volume-shader.net/benchmarks using a WebGL 2.0 compatible browser.
- Click 'Start Volume Shader BM Test' to begin. The benchmark auto-detects GPU capabilities and configures optimal rendering parameters.
- The test runs through multiple scenarios including fractal volume rendering and ray marching. Real-time metrics are collected as the GPU processes complex volume shader calculations.
- Results are compiled into comprehensive performance data including FPS, frame times, and a benchmark score. Detailed graphs show performance over time.
You can also launch the test directly at https://volume-shader.net/benchmarks/vsbm.
FAQ
Is Volume Shader BM free?
Yes, Volume Shader BM is completely free to use. No registration or payment required.
What are the system requirements?
A WebGL 2.0 compatible browser and a dedicated GPU with at least 2 GB VRAM for optimal performance.
Can I use Volume Shader BM on mobile devices?
Yes, it works on any device with WebGL support, including modern smartphones and tablets. Performance will vary due to power constraints.
How long does the benchmark take?
The benchmark runs through multiple rendering scenarios automatically; total time is typically under a minute.
Does Volume Shader BM require a download?
No, it runs entirely in the browser using WebGL technology. No software installation needed.
