Where can I find research or benchmark performance metrics that
compare information like the examples below:

 - computer application load time (e.g., the research might answer the
question, How long does it take MSWord to open on a system with XYZ
configuration?)
 - system performance (e.g., the research might answer the question,
How long does it take a computer with XYZ configuration to boot up, to
process ABC bits of information, etc.?)

Ideally, I'd like to find a source that offers more "real-world"
insight rather than simple "manufacturer's performance data"-type
information.

To be clear, I'm mostly interested in finding a source of this
information, hopefully a free one, or even usability studies that
speak to people's interaction with software and what kinds of speeds
are "tolerated" by users.

Thanks in advance for pointing me in the right direction.  :]