I just want to make sure I do my testing right

[BigDan]

Hi all,

So it's been a few years since my last build. I have all of my components in except the case which is coming in today. Here's my build:

Edit: pc partpicker link:
http://pcpartpicker.com/list/Rj7V7h

My question to you all, is i'm about to do my build today. I'm all ready to go but since its been a long time I want to make sure i'm doing the correct testing afterwards.

What recommended bench test do you all have to do testing in a 64 bit environment? I am using Windows 10 professional as my OS.

What are your thoughts on Intel Burn Test software? or Prime 95?

I'm old school so Prime95 and memtest86 was what I used to do.

thank you for any and all help in this matter!

 

[UsandThem]

Prime95 and the like are not really necessary anymore. I know some people still use them if they are trying to wrangle every last mhz out of a CPU. People still use Memtest86 if they suspect their RAM is defective.

After I build a PC, I run the Intel XTU for a bit (30 minutes) to test stability and see CPU temps. You can also run Valley Benchmark to stress your GPU and further check your temps (1 hour tops for me).

If the PC is stable after using those two programs, I call it a day. I am not one to keep running them if I am not experiencing any system instability. I'd rather just play a game, listen to music, or do actual productivity work.

 

[WilliamM2]

I always run Memtest 86+ from the Ultimate boot CD overnight. Sometimes ram is incompatible, not just defective. I also run Prime 95 for an hour or two if overclocking, just to see how high temps get, and check stability. I've had machines pass the Intel test, but fail on Prime 95 when overclocked.

For builds at work that I am not overclocking, the only test I run is Memtest 86+. I also run HGST -Drive Fitness Test from the same UBCD on any new mechanical drives. That takes hours on these new 3-4 and 5 TB drives!

 

[UsandThem]

I always run Memtest 86+ from the Ultimate boot CD overnight. Sometimes ram is incompatible, not just defective.

True. But if people use RAM that's either on the motherboard manufacturer's QVL, or from the RAM manufacturer's 'memory finder' webpage tool, it eliminates that potential headache.

Nothing more irritating than have incompatible RAM that causes random instability.

 

[WilliamM2]

True. But if people use RAM that's either on the motherboard manufacturer's QVL, or from the RAM manufacturer's 'memory finder' webpage tool, it eliminates that potential headache.

If only that were true.

 

[UsandThem]

If only that were true.

The compatibility lists themselves or people actually using the lists?

 

[BigDan]

I did use from the list, so memory should be good. I did the intel burn test and everything passed, and have done many passes in heaven.

Everything seems stable, I OC'd to 4.0, memory to 2600, and havent touched the GPU since the evga FTW edition is pretty overclocked anyway (and to be honest on 1080p it really wont do anything for me).

All in all a very successful build!

 

[UsandThem]

I did use from the list, so memory should be good. I did the intel burn test and everything passed, and have done many passes in heaven.

Everything seems stable, I OC'd to 4.0, memory to 2600, and havent touched the GPU since the evga FTW edition is pretty overclocked anyway (and to be honest on 1080p it really wont do anything for me).

All in all a very successful build!

Good job. Compatible memory is always a good choice Nice choice on the card as well. If I was still a big gamer, I would have gone with that one as well. I just can't justify spending the money on it by only playing Civ5. Maybe I can justify it to the wife when Civ6 drops later this year

Yeah, unless you are chasing benchmarks, that card has a pretty good factory overclock on it, but has more headroom left to do so if you choose to. But at 1080p right now, like you said it's not going to make any difference to you gaming wise right now.

Enjoy the new build!

 

[BigDan]

Thanks!


Here's my completed build write up at http://pcpartpicker.com/b/FVhqqs

And a quick picture of the items (more picks over a pcpp)

 

[UsandThem]

Thanks!


Here's my completed build write up at http://pcpartpicker.com/b/FVhqqs

Very nice! That is one fancy looking case. My case is a little more on the bland side, or I like to call it "the old people case"

 

[rchunter]

Going by the QVL is especially important when building servers. Supermicro boards are Superpicky when it comes to compatible memory.... Best to just go by the list and avoid headaches.