After a computer is assembled..

[Devilishy]

Been reading threads and they seem to mention Memtest and SiSandra stuff.

Does anybody have a definitive list of what should be run and for how long?

Thanks much.

 

[myocardia]

Just about everything you'll need to know: http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=28&threadid=1901991&enterthread=y

 

[Le Québécois]

Prime95(it's listed in the link provided by myocardia) is the best way to test a computer. If you pass 48h of a stresstest from Prime95 your computer is 99% garanti to be stable all the time. The only problem with prime95 is that it won't tell you what caused an error if it fails...it will just stop working and say error.

Normally after a 30 minutes runs without problem most system will be ok. But to be on the safe side it's recommanded you let it run for a day..or if you're like me, 48h.

If your computer doesn't fail it's a rock solid build. If it does then the others programs provided in the link of Myocardia will help you find what is the problem.

One last thing. Be ready and sure your computer can handle the HEAT because prime will really put it down on it's knees. Lucky me my OCed AMD 3200+ @ 2.4ghz doesnt go more than 45C under prime, but i've seen computers burns with it(going highter than 80C)( temperature fail safe didn't have time to respond or were defectives.)

 

[akshayt]

1)If you don't overclock and you are not getting any problems.
YOU DON'T NEED TO TEST ANYTHING.


2)If you don't overclock and are getting problems.
SOLVE THE PROBLEM MANUALLY IN THE FORUMS. 70-80% CHANCE YOUR PROBLEM WILL GET SOLVED AND YOU DON'T NEED TO TEST ANYTHING. IN CASE YOU NEED TO TEST ANYTHING IT WILL PROBABLY BE EITHER YOUR RAM OR YOUR PSU.
RAM: MEMTEST OR MEMTEST86
PSU: EVEREST RATINGS


3)In case you overclock, the following should be enough

OCCT, your wish
Super Pi 32M, 1M test

3D Mark 2006/05/01SE/03

Few CPU stressful games

 

[Blain]

The very first utility I install is ZoneAlarm.
It doesn't test stability, but it does its job well. :thumbsup:

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: akshayt
1)If you don't overclock and you are not getting any problems.
YOU DON'T NEED TO TEST ANYTHING.

False.

Testing could help you identify problems that may occur in the future but that you may not notice through regular, or even semi-strenuous usage. I know this from experience.

 

[j00fek]

Originally posted by: Blain
The very first utility I install is ZoneAlarm.
It doesn't test stability, but it does its job well. :thumbsup:

i like to use a router w/nat 😉

 

[bwatson283]

I would be more concerned about system security first, then test stability.

 

[Devilishy]

Thanks myocardia for the excellent links. I'll start running those tests.

akshayt - I am using things stock, no OC.

I'll run the tests just to be safe before my CPU return period expires 🙂

 

[John P]

I just built a rig for my bro and wanted to make sure it's 100% stable before I send it halfway across the country so I used:

Prime 95 and Memtest86+ used seperately.

Prime95 and Right Mark Multithreaded memory test concurrently.

Sisoft, N-Bench, Aquamark3, PC-Mark05, and 3DMark06 just to be sure.

 

[modestninja]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent

Originally posted by: akshayt
1)If you don't overclock and you are not getting any problems.
YOU DON'T NEED TO TEST ANYTHING.

False.

Testing could help you identify problems that may occur in the future but that you may not notice through regular, or even semi-strenuous usage. I know this from experience.

Exactly, if you stress test first to make sure everything performs under stress, it will work or die trying. If it dies (or errors) you are still within the warranty period and can get it replaced.

 

[Devilishy]

My CPU is showing as 57 C Running prime 95.

What is the max I can let it go without ruining or damaging my core 2 duo?

Should I get some arctic silver just to be safe?

Thanks!

 

[John P]

My CPU is showing as 57 C Running prime 95.

What is the max I can let it go without ruining or damaging my core 2 duo?

Should I get some arctic silver just to be safe?

Googled for you and found this:

Intel Core 2 Temperature Issues

 

[Devilishy]

Thanks John. When i replaced the stock thermal goo with arctic silver, my temps went down quite a bit.

All good now - thanks!

Back to running all the tests...