Stress Test | GPU | The common things to do

[fohrums]

Now waiting for the arrival of my XFX-R9-390 (model: R9-390P-8DF6).

When it does come I want to perform a stresstest to ensure it's stability (which is something i've never done before). I've had experienced a couple of bad video cards that crapped out eventually, but this time I paired my purchase order with SquareTrade's warranty protection plan to prepare for any bad case scenario.

Basically what are the Do's & Don't Do's of stresstesting your components?

• Should you install the card and run the stresstest immediately?
• Should you let the card idle overnight after a fresh install?
• How often do you run the stresstest and for how long?
• What to look out for when stresstesting a GPU/Video Card?
• What are the ways of stresstesting a GPU & what is the best way?

 

[LTC8K6]

I'm not in favor of stress testing components at all, unless I suspect a problem.

Install the card, and play your games, or do whatever you do.

If you have good performance and no problems, then there's no need to stress test anything.

If a problem shows up, then stress test to try to pinpoint the problem.

XFX cards already have a 2 year warranty.

 

[fohrums]

Hmm, but wouldn't you think it's wise to find out if the product your stress-testing would be able to manage the workload so you can assure it'll last for at least 4-years :\ (The 2-year cutoff is probably when the product begins to show problems)?

Also would stress-testing void warranty? Because according to the protection plan I received from Square Trade (3-year protection), it states:

[B] [U]WHAT WE COVER:[/U][/B]
[I]Our standard Protection Plan covers Mechanical and Electrical  Failures that [COLOR=Red][U]occur during normal use[/U][/COLOR]. Examples include hard drive  failures, stuck cell phone keypads, and digital camera sensor failures.  Your item is covered for up to its full replacement cost, excluding tax  & shipping.[/I]

 

[bononos]

......
[*]What are the ways of stresstesting a GPU & what is the best way?
[/LIST]

Theres a sticky about testing the cpu/gpu/memory in the cpu subforum.
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2195063

I wouldn't bother running occt-gpu for a long time, just around 20mins and not for hours. 3dmark has free downloads for benchmarking/stress testing.

 

[Ken g6]

I wouldn't do any stress testing with the current Crimson drivers. http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2456038