Computer Tests - Stress/Torture Tests

A widely used "torture test" for the CPU is Prime95. The primary use for Prime95 has something to do with finding prime numbers, which may be interesting in its own right. However, you can skip all that. Once you download and install Prime95, go to the options pull-down window and there will be an option for "Torture Test". This runs forever until you close the window. It's recommended to run the test for 24 hours. I'd suggest letting it run for one hour anyway. The Readme file that comes with Prime95 acknowledges it's use as a torture test and provides suggestions for its use in that manner.

Another worthwhile torture test used to verify the quality of the RAM is MemTest86. MemTest86 installs to a floppy disk. It's run by re-starting the computer with the MemTest86 floppy in the floppy drive and letting the computer boot from the floppy drive. This is excellent because Windows based memory test utilities frequently give false negatives (incorrectly concluding the RAM is bad) due to conflicts with the already installed operating system and software. There is a lot of good information that comes in the ReadMe file in the MemTest86 download package (it downloads as a single zip file which unzips into multiple files) explaining exactly what tests it performs and what failure results mean. Let MemTest86 run overnight, say at least 10 hours. If MemTest86 reports any errors then it's very likely the RAM is bad and should be replaced.

If the computer you've built passes all the tests I've mentioned on this and previous pages then you can say with a measure of confidence - "It works!".

Congratulations! You've done it! You've built your own computer!

Next: Computer Assembly - Connect Front Panel Ports For Audio, Firewire and USB 2.0

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How To Build A Computer. Step By Step Instructions To Assemble. Skip To Any Assembly Step.

	Parts List [go]
	Tools [go]
	Antistatic Wrist Strap [go]
	Computer Case and Power Supply [go]
	Motherboard [go]
	Processor, CPU Cooler and Thermal Compound [go]
	RAM - System Memory [go]
	Video Card [go]
	Monitor [go]
	Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	Floppy Drive [go]
	Hard Drive [go]
	CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW [go]
	Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Modem [go]
	Install the Processor onto the Motherboard [go]
	Install the CPU Cooler [go]
	Install the RAM - System Memory [go]
	Install the Motherboard into the Computer Case [go]
	Install the Video Card [go]
	Connect the Power Supply to the Motherboard [20-pin Connector  or  24-pin Connector]
	Connect the PN1 and PN2 Indicators to the Motherboard [KS-282 to EPoX 8RDA+  or  Sonata to MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Ready the Monitor [go]
	Ready the Keyboard and Mouse [go]
	First Boot [go]
	First Boot Common Problems [go]
	Install the CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD RW Drives [go]
	Install the Hard Drive and Floppy Drive [PATA Hard Drive  or  SATA Hard Drive]
	Connect the Speakers (if using built-in sound) [go]
	Second Boot [PATA  or  SATA]
	Configure the BIOS Parameter Settings [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Test The Hard Drive [PATA  or  SATA]
	Install a Second SATA Hard Drive For RAID (optional) [go]
	Install the Operating System - Windows XP [on PATA hard drive  or  on SATA hard drive]
	Driver Installation [go]
	How To Copy Big Files From Another Computer Using Just a Floppy Drive [go]
	Install the Modem [go]
	Install the Motherboard Chipset Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Monitor Driver [go]
	Install the Video Card Drivers [EPoX 8RDA+  or  MSI K8N Neo Platinum]
	Install the Sound Card and Speakers [go]
	Install System Information Utility - EVEREST [go]
	Diagnostic Test - DirectX [go]
	Speed Test - System Memory (RAM) Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Hard Drive Performance [PATA and SATA results]
	Speed Test - CD Performance [go]
	Speed Test - Total System Performance [go]
	Stress/Torture Tests [go]
	Connect Front Panel Ports For Audio, Firewire and USB 2.0 [go]
	Install Rear Panel Ports For Firewire And USB 2.0 [go]
	Install The Computer Case Fans [go]
	Post Assembly Needs [go]
	Graduation [go]
	Video Card Driver Settings [go]
	BIOS Flash Update [go]
	BIOS Settings [go]

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