Something i don't get, is prime95 really stressing my pc?

[fatbaby]

I'm running a p4 1.8a, 256 ddr ram...

When i run prime 95, i can websurf, load winamp, wordproccessing, and other basic things quickly!

And i'm getting 53c on my non-oc 1.8a with stock hsf...is that normal?

also, my pc isn't hooked up to the internet, so it can't reach the prime server, would that be the problem? do i have to customize it? I just installed it, and ran tests, didn't access the options menu or anything

 

[Duvie]

So...The reason you can do other things is by default the program is set to run normal or low priority...for many it runs in background 24/7...Prime95 is not just a stress tester!!!

The main goal whether it gives up 5-10percent cpu usage so you can websurf is that the cpu is taxed at 100% percent continuously.....Whatever you are doing in conjunction with prime95 will still be maxed at 100 perecent usage.

Prime is stressing by going balls out with the cpu to raise heat and draw maximum power and see if the system would fail uinder similar circumstances. Some systems may not fail until 1 hour, 3 hour, or even 8 hours. Heat and power drain not only effects cpu but could cause the ram to fail and therefore prime is stressing that as well....

I like it better then 3dmark for the simple reason of....display drivers.....There are so many little glitches that could cause problem with video in 3dmark and has nothing to do with stressing....


test cpu/ sytem with any ocing with prime95 first and foremost...then after it passes run the 3dmark orwhatever demo to see if the vidcard is stable, but keep in mind it may be more about software then hardware.