Post build, what tests do you subject a PC to?


Recommended Posts

Usually, I just throw a build together and demand my friends pay me in beer. If POST is successful, I install the OS/ update it, install drivers/updates & I don't see smoke billowing from the case I am satisfied.

 

Are there any tests you think someone should do after a build? Conversely, are there any tests you think are pointless and really offer no insight into a systems capabilities or stability?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I usually do a stress test for a little while.. make sure the RAM is actually good, doesn't overheat under pressure, that sort of thing.. some failures aren't as obvious as blue smoke and won't show up right away.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A couple of hours using prime95 is still my go-to stress test. You can certainly find faults in your build with that, and you'll keep your house warm in winter too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

memtest86+

 

If it turns on, installs an OS, reboots, runs the OS and passes the memtest I conclude it's probably fine. And it usually is.

 

...Then I kick it, to establish dominance early on.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

 

...Then I kick it, to establish dominance early on.

 

 

I understand this approach also works in child rearing.  :rofl:

 

 

prime is such a waste IMO, just play some games, use it and if it doesn't BSOD or lock up it is good to go.

 

 

I kind of agree. I don't really understand a lot of these tests. Aren't you essentially subjecting your system to unrealistic stresses that it will never endure for long periods of time simply to see if it can?

 

If you're building a gaming rig, any hardware problems will become apparent pretty quickly. If you are building a rig that is only going to be used for "light duties" (e.g. browsing, email, music, video playback, mobile syncing, etc.) stress testing is pointless.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like to pour water on the CPU to see how good the water cooling system is.

 

You're joking, right?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You're joking, right?

 

 

Of course he is. Everyone knows you don't pour water over your CPU, you submerge your CPU in water to test it before setting up your water cooling system.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Of course he is. Everyone knows you don't pour water over your CPU, you submerge your CPU in water to test it before setting up your water cooling system.

 

You Sir, are correct in your surmise!

 

giphy.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I like to pour water on the CPU to see how good the water cooling system is.

 

That doesn't even make sense. Isn't that like saying, "I like to poor Gasoline on my Engine to make sure my Gas Tank works"?

 

I shouldn't question the logic of jokes...

 

You're joking, right?

 

You're joking, right?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

That doesn't even make sense. Isn't that like saying, "I like to poor Gasoline on my Engine to make sure my Gas Tank works"?

 

 

 

I literally lol'd.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

That doesn't even make sense. Isn't that like saying, "I like to poor Gasoline on my Engine to make sure my Gas Tank works"?

 

I shouldn't question the logic of jokes...

 

 

You're joking, right?

 

No, this is a very real method of testing. Let's say the CPU is 37C with the water cooling. If my water pouring cools it further, then I know my water cooling could be better. The ultimate cooling is total submersion.

 

Another test I like to perform on my computer is to plug a hair dryer into the power supply to make sure it is able to provide enough power to the GPU.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If the PC lets me into the BIOS, then boots to Windows, that's good enuff for me.

 

 

Are you sure you don't perform an exorcism or wrap it in tin foil to stop aliens stealing your data. Ya know, just in case?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One thing I liked about the latest build I did was that that the MB bios was updatable even without a CPU/Memory installed. The MB I had wouldn't have worked with Haswell without a BIOS update.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

memtest86+

 

If it turns on, installs an OS, reboots, runs the OS and passes the memtest I conclude it's probably fine. And it usually is.

 

...Then I kick it, to establish dominance early on.

Pretty much this.

 

Maybe or maybe not without the kicking :P

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Built it and use it normally. If it runs, it's fine.

 

People still stress test? LOL what a waste of time. Just like piecing together the machine out of the case on one of those stands or whatever they are.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.