FRAFS Bench Viewer

FRAFS Bench Viewer is a specialized, lightweight software utility designed for gamers, hardware reviewers, and tech enthusiasts who use Fraps to benchmark video game performance. While Fraps is widely known for recording gameplay video and displaying real-time frame rates (FPS), it also generates detailed frame time data. FRAFS Bench Viewer serves as the dedicated visualizer for these raw files, transforming cryptic numbers into actionable performance insights.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of what FRAFS Bench Viewer does, how it works, and why it remains a valuable tool for performance analysis. What is FRAFS Bench Viewer?

When you run a benchmark in Fraps, the software generates a set of CSV files containing three primary metrics: FPS, frame times, and summary statistics. Out of these, the “frametimes.csv” file is the most valuable but the hardest to read manually. It lists the exact timestamp (in milliseconds) at which every single frame was rendered during the test.

FRAFS Bench Viewer is an open-source application built specifically to open these files. It automatically parses the raw data and instantly generates detailed charts and graphs, saving users from having to build manual spreadsheets in Excel. Key Features and Metrics

The tool exposes critical performance metrics that go far beyond standard “average FPS” numbers:

Frame Time Graphing: Plots every single frame on a timeline. This makes it incredibly easy to spot “stuttering”—moments where a frame took exceptionally long to render, causing a visible hitch on screen.

FPS Distribution: Shows a breakdown of how much time the system spent at specific frame rates, giving a clearer picture of overall fluidness.

1% and 0.1% Lows: Calculates the average of the worst-performing 1% and 0.1% of frames. These metrics are vital because a game can have a high average FPS (e.g., 90 FPS) but still feel choppy if the 1% lows drop into the teens.

Time Occupied by Stutter: Quantifies exactly how many seconds or milliseconds of the benchmark run were ruined by frame drops or rendering delays. Why Frame Times Matter Over Average FPS

For years, average FPS was the golden standard for measuring PC gaming performance. However, average FPS can be highly misleading.

For example, if a game runs at 100 FPS for 58 seconds of a minute-long test, but freezes completely for 2 seconds, the average FPS will still look excellent. However, the actual gameplay experience would feel terrible. By focusing on frame times—the rendering delivery speed of consecutive frames—FRAFS Bench Viewer reveals these hidden performance flaws, allowing users to diagnose optimization issues, driver bottlenecks, or hardware instabilities. How to Use It Using the software is a straightforward process:

Generate Data: Open Fraps, navigate to the “Benchmarks” tab, check the “Frametimes” option, and set your hotkey. Run your game and trigger the benchmark.

Load the File: Open FRAFS Bench Viewer and drag-and-drop the resulting FRAPS frametimes.csv file directly into the interface.

Analyze: Review the automatically generated line graphs to see exactly where performance dipped during your play session. The Modern Context

While FRAFS Bench Viewer is a classic and highly reliable tool, it is worth noting that Fraps itself has not received regular software updates in recent years. As a result, many modern reviewers pair FRAFS Bench Viewer with alternative data collection tools like OCAT (Open Capture and Analytics Tool) or PresentMon, which support newer graphics APIs like DirectX 12 and Vulkan. However, for classic benchmarking setups and legacy testing, FRAFS Bench Viewer remains a gold standard for quick, no-nonsense data visualization.

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