Hardware testing software

[meridius10]

Can anyone recommend any good free/open source hardware testing software that preferably does not install extra nasties as part of the download process? I am looking at testing all hardware components, but it would be good if the graphics test was comprehensive.

Many thanks for any suggestions, especially those which you might have tested yourself.

 

[Fixer1234]

I'll get the ball rolling. Hopefully, other members will add to the list or comment on these programs' effectiveness.

http://www.ehow.com/list_7191069_windows-stress-testing-tools.html
Prime95 and MemTest86+ are pretty well known programs. In fact, here is a little tutorial from 2010 on this forum on using Prime95:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100352-hardware-stress-test-prime95.html

http://www.thewindowsclub.com/pc-stress-test-free-software
Looks like a decent list, with some overlap. If I recall correctly, one of the listed programs, SiSoft Sandra Lite was a waste of time for me (never worked).

 

[clifford_cooley]

You could take a look at the utilities included in Ultimate BootCD or Hiren's BootCD. I personally use Hiren's BootCD. Both disk probably include Prime95 and MemTest86+, that Fixer1234 mentioned. I know Hiren's BootCD includes them.

 

[meridius10]

Thanks a lot for your recommendations. Prior to this post I downloaded Hiren's BootCD but for some reason it wouldn't extract properly. Then last night I downloaded the evaluation version of BurnIn Test Professional (from PassMark software) but yet have to go through a complete test with it.

This testing has been prompted by my previous post on screen dimming and although it is highly probable that it is unrelated to a hardware fault, it is a good idea to thoroughly test hardware, especially as this is a new laptop and I tend not to replace my laptops too often!

I'll have a look at the other options if BurnIn Test doesn't perform well.