Burn-in testing a pc [closed]

Question

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What is the best computer “burn-in” or stability testing software?

I've just built a new HTPC and need to make sure it'll cope with playing all my different media formats and not get too hot. So I'm looking to burn test (is that the right term?) the CPU to make sure I've got the heatsink correctly installed and all my components are working as best they can.

Is there some software I can put on to a boot CD which I can run before installing the operating system?

Or, is it a case of loading up windows and then installing some other software?

Recommendations please :)

Answer 1

Jeff Atwood had this to say:

Burn your new settings in with Prime95. Assuming you booted and logged into your operating system without crashing, hanging, or bluescreening*, your next job is to run torture tests to see if things are really working. Prime95 is your new best friend. You'll run one instance for every core in your CPU-- create a copy of the Prime95 folder for each core, and run the executables from those folders. Use Options, Torture Test, "In place large FFTs" to start. If you can run Prime95 this way for an hour, it's very likely your system is stable. If you can run Prime95 this way overnight, your system is guaranteed stable.

It seems Prime95 is the way to go.

(Quote from http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/2006/10/building-and-overclocking-a-core-2-duo-system.html)

Answer 2

Whenever someone builds a new computer, the very first thing (after the sort out their voltages, clock speeds, RAM timings, etc...) I suggest they run is Memtest86+. Your computer will randomly crash and it will be difficult to troubleshoot if you're unaware that your RAM is corrupted (it is possible for this to happen with a new stick of RAM). As a plus, you can also run the tool off of a USB key. If you choose to overclock your memory or change the timings, run the test at stock settings first. If it passes, then go to overclock (and re-test it afterwards).

Once that's done, you can use some tools off of the Ultimate Boot CD (which you can coincidentally also run off of a USB key). These include burn-in tests, although I would highly recommend you install an operating system with the appropriate hardware monitoring tools and then burn in your CPU.

As for burning in the CPU, you can use Prime95 on all CPUs, or you can also use Linpack (used in the IntelBurnTest program). Both programs will definitely give your CPU a run for it's money. Ensure that your computer passes both tests (iterate the test enough times for you to find your system stable).