What free benches to use to test new computer?

[AnotherGuy]

Hi all.
I know for memory i can test it using memtest86. I also heard prime95 is used to test ur cpu when u overclock it...
I am not sure if there are better or more recent programs that u guys use to test a new built computer... or just to check stability of a computer setup..
What benches u guys recommend... that are free?

 

[imported_NoGodForMe]

You've got them right there.

Memtest is the first line of defense. Run it for a couple passes. Then run Prime95 overnight. Some even want you to run Prime95 for 24 hours or so.

 

[AristoV300]

Sisoft Sandra, Aquamark, 3d Mark 05 are all good free benchmarking tools as well. Also never forget some good gaming never hurt either

 

[Jeff7]

Originally posted by: NoGodForMe
You've got them right there.

Memtest is the first line of defense. Run it for a couple passes. Then run Prime95 overnight. Some even want you to run Prime95 for 24 hours or so.

Be sure to go through the first three menus - have it run All tests, test all cache, and test all memory. Then let it go for a few hours - overnight preferably. If you get any errors, even just one, something's wrong - if you're overclocking, raise the voltage or relax the timings. If you're at stock speed, still try upping the voltage .1v above default; some RAM might not run at its quoted voltage. But even so, if it can't run at stock speed at stock voltage, you are still justified in getting a replacement.

 

[tk149]

Memtest86+ is an updated version of Memtest86.

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Originally posted by: AristoV300 ... Aquamark and 3d Mark 05 are good free benchmarking tools

The major problem with those two is that not everyone is on Broadband. Both Aquamark and 3Dmark are huge, would take many hours to d/l via Dial-Up, and thus are unusable by the less affluent of computer users.

 

[gsellis]

I will save you some time and effort... You made the right choice and built a great system!

Benchmarks are those tools we nerds use to resolve cognative dissonance.

Car guys go out and buy auto magazines with reviews of their new cars and we run benchmarks. Don
't believe me? Next time you see Car and Driver or Road and Track review a car, notice that they rarely say that "this car sucks, and if you bought one, you are an idiot."

BTW, go to 2CPU's main page and get the Ultimate Boot CD. It has some tools on it that you might want. I have even built the Windows version with Bart's PE and it is too cool. It has defrag, AV, adware fixes, pw reset, and more.

Oh, and me telling you it is good will not do anything to check OC stability.

Edit - added links - was from a HardOCP linked from 2CPU
http://ubcd.sourceforge.net/
http://ubcd4win.com/

 

[AnotherGuy]

thanks a lot guys...
Now looking on Msi forums to get my mobo ready for WAR