How to stress test?

chuckcintron · 08-20-2008, 08:18 PM

Hi, first time posting here.

I'm the family 'computer tech' (unfortunately :-) )

I recently 'fixed' a computer by doing no more than completely disassembling it, cleaning it really well, and reassembling. I'm concerned that the issue (wouldn't boot) will come back, since I didn't really find any root cause.

Can anyone recommend a good overall "stress test" type of program or application that would really exercise the system? Something with a 'free' license, ideally. I've been using the computer now for a couple of days, doing Vista updates, removing unneeded programs, updating drivers, playing DVDs, etc. Seems solid.

BUT, I'd really like to stress the heck out of it before I claim victory. Any ideas would be appreciated!

-Chuck

ScOuT · 08-20-2008, 09:00 PM

Here is a couple easy ones.....Majorgeeks.com is a great place to get all kinds of software, they have a ton of tests and stress programs. Pick through them and try a couple.

Prime95 tests the processor and RAM. It will max the processor and almost all the RAM. When I do an overclock or tweak a RAM setting, I let this run for at least 3 hours. If it passes all tests after 3 hours....I consider it stable, that's me though.

http://majorgeeks.com/Prime95_d4363.html

Case : XION II w/12” green cold cathode
Motherboard : Asus P5N-E 650i @ 1532 FSB
CPU : Intel Q9300 @ 2.875 GHz
CPU Cooler : Cooler Master Hyper TX2
RAM : Corsair XMS2 Pro/pc6400/ 4x1GB/ @800 MHz
Graphics : Evga 9800 GTX @ 760 MHz
PSU : Antec Neo Power 650w / modular cables
OP: Vista Home Pre 64 bit

chuckcintron · 08-20-2008, 09:18 PM

Excellent, thanks.

Do those stress programs (like Prime95) run under Windows typically, or do I have to boot to DOS?

Also, any concerns of picking up a virus from downloads featured at that website?

Thanks,
Chuck

Seth · 08-21-2008, 06:22 AM

All downloads off that website are clean. Most should also just run under windows, and all stress testers will because of often they use drivers that windows does not load when you boot into safe mode.

ScOuT · 08-21-2008, 10:38 AM

I have used the web site for years, they keep it really clean. I have never heard of any problems from Majorgeeks.com

I have downloaded a file or two that won't install right, you have to look at the thing you are downloading and it will tell you what versions of windows it is compatible with.

I trust everything that comes from that site

08-20-2008, 08:18 PM	#1 (permalink)
chuckcintron New Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3	How to stress test? Hi, first time posting here. I'm the family 'computer tech' (unfortunately :-) ) I recently 'fixed' a computer by doing no more than completely disassembling it, cleaning it really well, and reassembling. I'm concerned that the issue (wouldn't boot) will come back, since I didn't really find any root cause. Can anyone recommend a good overall "stress test" type of program or application that would really exercise the system? Something with a 'free' license, ideally. I've been using the computer now for a couple of days, doing Vista updates, removing unneeded programs, updating drivers, playing DVDs, etc. Seems solid. BUT, I'd really like to stress the heck out of it before I claim victory. Any ideas would be appreciated! -Chuck

08-21-2008, 06:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
Seth Gold Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 338	All downloads off that website are clean. Most should also just run under windows, and all stress testers will because of often they use drivers that windows does not load when you boot into safe mode. __________________ Desktop - Custom Build CPU: Intel E8200 @ 3.4Ghz Mobo: Gigabyte GA-P35-DS4 RAM: 2GB Corsair TwinX6400C4DHX GRAPHICS: eVGA 8800GT 512MB HDD: X2 Samsung 500GB & X1 Seagate 1TB = 2.0TB CASE & Cooling: Antec 900 & Zalman 9700NT Laptop - Asus F3E-AP183C CPU: Core2 Duo T7250 @ 2.2Ghz RAM: 2GB Kingston 667 HDD: 160GB Seagate

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08-20-2008, 09:00 PM	#2 (permalink)
ScOuT VIP Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Germany Age: 29 Posts: 2,176	Here is a couple easy ones.....Majorgeeks.com is a great place to get all kinds of software, they have a ton of tests and stress programs. Pick through them and try a couple. Prime95 tests the processor and RAM. It will max the processor and almost all the RAM. When I do an overclock or tweak a RAM setting, I let this run for at least 3 hours. If it passes all tests after 3 hours....I consider it stable, that's me though. http://majorgeeks.com/Prime95_d4363.html Case : XION II w/12” green cold cathode Motherboard : Asus P5N-E 650i @ 1532 FSB CPU : Intel Q9300 @ 2.875 GHz CPU Cooler : Cooler Master Hyper TX2 RAM : Corsair XMS2 Pro/pc6400/ 4x1GB/ @800 MHz Graphics : Evga 9800 GTX @ 760 MHz PSU : Antec Neo Power 650w / modular cables OP: Vista Home Pre 64 bit

08-20-2008, 09:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
chuckcintron New Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3	Excellent, thanks. Do those stress programs (like Prime95) run under Windows typically, or do I have to boot to DOS? Also, any concerns of picking up a virus from downloads featured at that website? Thanks, Chuck

08-21-2008, 10:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
ScOuT VIP Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Germany Age: 29 Posts: 2,176	I have used the web site for years, they keep it really clean. I have never heard of any problems from Majorgeeks.com I have downloaded a file or two that won't install right, you have to look at the thing you are downloading and it will tell you what versions of windows it is compatible with. I trust everything that comes from that site