Benchmarks are usually programs that run various tests that determines how well your computer can handle certain things like lightning, graphical fedelity, shadows, numerous character models on screen, etc. In laymen's terms, the benchmark people are talking about for FF14 contains DirectX11, which is a major improvement over the game's current use of DirectX9 (better textures, renders water better, and other small features) and said benchmark will help people determine whether or not their PCs can handle the features that DirectX11 will use. The benchmark is also going to contain a character creation feature, similar to what you went through in your first character, except it will also contain the new Au Ra race so that people can see for themselves if they want to play as one or not.