Set of test utilities for DIY computer builders:
Note: If you are OverClocking or use any automatic overclocking BIOS features, Intel EIST or Turbo Mode (Disable it),
then drop back to the stock speed as a starting point.
Device Drivers: Did you install the motherboard manufacture's latest device drivers? Check their support site for the latest drivers as the CD that came with the motherboard may have older less stable drivers.
First try running Memtest86+, this runs from a boot disk or CD and should eliminate or
confirm if your one or more of your memory sticks are bad or the SPD values in the BIOS are correct.
Let it run for as long as you can: 2,4,6,8 or more hours, if no errors by then your ram is OK.
http://www.memtest.org/
Hard drive Testing - Bootable CD:
If you have a new Seagate hard drive the very next thing would be to download Seagate's Seatools (the bootable CD) and check for bad sectors:http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?locale=en-US&name=SeaTools&vgnextoid=720bd20cacdec010VgnVCM100000dd04090aRCRD
For Western Digital drives use WdDiag: http://support.wdc.com/product/download.asp?lang=en
If you have a copy of Windows XP around try installing it temporary (if not Windows 7 will work as well)
"No need to activate as you get a 30 day grace period which is perfect for testing"
and then use the following tools (this assumes the memtest shows no failures)
Prime 95:http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft/
It's a stand alone .exe file contained in a .zip archive.
Just choose to run the "stress test" option for 3 hours or more.
If your PC can pass this test both your memory and CPU
are fine (close the case cover to maintain proper ventilation)
Core Temp:
Monitor the temperature of each core of your processor.
For non overclockers using the stock Intel/AMD heatsink and cooling fan
you can expect a temperature of 35 to 40C at idle and up 60C to 65C when running Prime95.
http://www.alcpu.com/CoreTemp/
CPU-ID (CPUZ):
Shows the clock speed of the CPU under various load conditions
(when using Intel's EIST speed step technology).
Also has two tabs (Memory and SPD) which show the actual memory speed
and 'SPD' tab shows the rated speeds for each memory slot that is populated.
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
CPUID HWMonitor is a hardware monitoring program that reads PC systems main health sensors:
voltages, temperatures, fans speed.
http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php
PassMarks burn in test: http://www.passmark.com/
The Burnin test and their benchmark test both give a good workout of all the major parts of Windows.
HD Tune:
Provides drive info and has an option to test your drive.
http://www.hdtune.com/
SpeedFan:
Monitors internal temperatures and has an online drive health analysis feature
(SMART tab) for hard drives. It will show how your drives
compares with other drives of the same make and model.
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php
GPU-Z:
A lightweight utility designed to give you all information about your video card and GPU.
http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/
Check the Graphics card manufacture's download site for the most recent Windows 7 drivers for your card.
Also check out Nvidia's "Smoke" test or ATI equivalent.
ATI: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx
NVIDIA: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index5.aspx?lang=en-us
PC WIZARD:
A powerful utility designed especially for detection of hardware, also some more analysis.
It's able to identify a large scale of system components and supports the latest technologies
and standards.
http://www.cpuid.com/pcwizard.php
Partition Wizard Home Edition:
http://www.partitionwizard.com/free-partition-manager.html
Some of the features and Functions include: Resizing and Move partitions,
Restore Partition after accidental deletion, Create partition, Delete partition,
Format partition, Convert partition, Explore partition, Hide partition,
Change drive letter, Set active partition.
UBCD4Win:
http://www.ubcd4win.com/index.htm
UBCD4Win is a bootable recovery CD that contains software used for repairing,
restoring, or diagnosing almost any computer problem.
JS
http://www.pagestart.com
Never be afraid to ask. This forum has some of the best people in the world available to help.