Yes, Cinebench has been available on the Microsoft Store for years, providing a convenient and simple installation method for users.
The software can also be downloaded directly from the official Maxon website, and users often have the option of choosing between the two depending on their preference.
An in-depth look at Cinebench and its availability
Cinebench is a long-standing, industry-standard benchmarking tool developed by Maxon, a company also known for its 3D animation software, Cinema 4D. It evaluates a computer's CPU and, in recent versions, GPU rendering performance. The benchmark is a "real-world" test, using a complex scene file that mirrors tasks within Maxon's professional 3D suite, making the results a reliable indicator of performance for demanding, creative workloads.
History with the Microsoft Store
Maxon's decision to offer Cinebench through the Microsoft Store was a significant step toward broader accessibility for the benchmarking tool. For a time, with the release of Cinebench R20 in 2019, Maxon made the benchmark an exclusive download via the Microsoft Store. However, this decision faced a backlash from the enthusiast community, who preferred the traditional standalone installer. Maxon eventually reversed this exclusivity, offering both the Microsoft Store and a direct download option from their website. This gave users the best of both worlds, and that model continues to be the standard today.
Advantages of downloading Cinebench from the Microsoft Store
For many Windows users, downloading from the Microsoft Store is the preferred method for several reasons:
- Simplified installation: The process is a simple one-click "Get" and "Install," without navigating file downloads, extracting archives, or manually running installers.
- Automatic updates: Apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store are often updated automatically in the background, ensuring you always have the latest version of the benchmark without manual intervention.
- Increased security: The Microsoft Store's validation process ensures that apps are free of malicious software and meet certain security standards, offering peace of mind to users concerned about downloading from third-party sites.
- Convenience: For users who prefer a centralized app management system, having Cinebench alongside other productivity and entertainment apps is convenient.
The Maxon website download: The alternative method
For users who prefer a more traditional approach, downloading the benchmark directly from the official Maxon website is still a perfectly valid and popular option. This method typically involves downloading a zip archive that contains the executable file and all necessary components.
Key differences when downloading from Maxon's website:
- Portable version: The Maxon website provides a portable version of the app, meaning it doesn't need to be formally installed. You can simply unzip the folder and run the executable file, which is excellent for system administrators or users who want to run the benchmark without changing their system's registry or file structure.
- Version control: The Maxon download page often hosts older versions of the benchmark, such as R23 or R20, alongside the latest one (Cinebench 2024). This is crucial for users who need to compare their hardware against older benchmarks for historical data or specific testing requirements.
Which version of Cinebench is available on the Microsoft Store?
The Microsoft Store generally hosts the latest stable version of Cinebench. For example, after the release of Cinebench 2024, that version became available on the store. The store's page for Cinebench also provides details on previous versions, such as R23, explaining the improvements and differences in benchmarking methodology. Maxon periodically updates the benchmark to reflect the evolution of hardware technology, so using the version available on the store ensures you are using the most relevant and up-to-date test.
Choosing your download source: A summary
Ultimately, the choice between the Microsoft Store and the Maxon website depends on your personal preference and needs.
| Feature | Microsoft Store Download | Maxon Website Download |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Installation | Simple, one-click install | Involves downloading and unzipping a file |
| Updates | Automatic updates via the Store | Requires manual downloading of new versions |
| Portability | Not portable; installs as a standard app | Highly portable; runs from unzipped folder |
| Version Access | Typically offers only the latest version | May offer access to older versions for comparison |
| Security | Verified by Microsoft's store process | Secure, as long as it's from the official Maxon site |
In conclusion, Cinebench is a prime example of a professional-grade application embracing modern distribution channels while maintaining traditional download methods. The presence of Cinebench on the Microsoft Store provides a seamless, secure, and user-friendly experience, making a powerful benchmarking tool more accessible than ever before.