STREAM
STREAM: A focused, free benchmark for comparing memory bandwidth and vector-kernel performance. Ranked #64 of 72 in PC Benchmark Software by our editors (3.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source memory bandwidth testing.
At a glance
- Editor score3.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source memory bandwidth testing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Workload areasmemory bandwidth; vector-kernel computation rate; COPY; SCALE; ADD; TRIAD
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Measures COPY, SCALE, ADD, and TRIAD kernel performance
- Supports C, Fortran, OpenMP, and MPI configurations
- Provides published comparison tables and raw benchmark data
Where it doesn't
- Focused on memory performance rather than broad PC benchmarking
- Requires source compilation for current benchmark use
- Self-hosted setup puts configuration and execution on the user
Our verdict on STREAM
STREAM is a free, open-source synthetic benchmark for measuring sustainable memory bandwidth and vector-kernel computation rates. It is designed for people comparing computer-system memory performance, from solo users and small teams to enterprise technical groups. Results cover COPY, SCALE, ADD, and TRIAD kernels, with implementations in C and Fortran. Runs can target single processors, multiprocessor systems through OpenMP, or clusters through MPI.
Its strongest feature is the depth of its memory-focused workload model. STREAM reports bandwidth in MB/s alongside vector-kernel computation rates, while configurable problem size and array offset allow users to define test profiles for different systems. The published standard, tuned, experimental, MPI, and historical comparison tables provide structured reference points, and comma-delimited raw data files support further analysis or command-line automation. This makes STREAM more useful for repeatable technical comparisons than for general-purpose PC scoring.
The trade-off is narrow scope and a source-oriented workflow. The benchmark is self-hosted on Windows and Linux, with C and Fortran source implementations and support for compiling multiprocessor runs. Current use may require compiling the source rather than relying on older precompiled binaries. Choose STREAM when the question is how a system handles sustainable memory bandwidth or vector kernels, including OpenMP and MPI configurations. Choose a broader PC benchmark when you need wider coverage across components or workloads beyond memory performance.
Your product? Our editors can test STREAM in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
STREAM pricing
STREAM fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Workload areas | memory bandwidth; vector-kernel computation rate; COPY; SCALE; ADD; TRIAD |
| Operating systems | Linux; Windows; DOS; Power Mac |
| Comparison database | Yes |
| Result export formats | comma-delimited raw data files |
| Custom test profiles | Yes |
| CLI or automation | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux |
| Support | Email, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | cs.virginia.edu |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to STREAM
- GeekbenchA broad benchmark suite for comparing CPU and GPU performance across five platforms.9.3
- PassMark PerformanceTestA broad benchmark suite with free standard tests and a $39 one-time advanced tier.9.1
- 3DMarkA broad benchmark suite for comparing GPU, CPU, storage, and gaming performance.9.1
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used STREAM for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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