Along with the development of the numerical computational method and high performance computer technology and the improvement of atmospheric science theory, many high resolution global nonhydrostatic atmospheric numerical models have been developed abroad by many country communities. In order to make domestic model developers clearly understand the current status of global atmospheric numerical models, the properties of the 17 global nonhydrostatic atmospheric numerical models participating in the performance assessment at the National Center for Atmospheric Research of the United States in August 2012 are summarized and discussed, mainly from the aspects of the basic equations, spherical grid, discretization method, conservation and coupling strategy between the parameterized physical processes, and the dynamic frameworks and evaluation of global atmospheric models. The results have certain reference significance for domestic model developers.