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Thread ID: 75922 2007-01-14 21:34:00 Stability testing a newly built machine The_End_Of_Reality (334) Press F1
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515937 2007-01-14 21:34:00 Hey Peeps :D

After building a new rig, do you test it for stability? if so, what components do you test? what software do you run? for how long? and why?

I have just built a new rig for a friend and I am running Prime 95 (CPU intensive option) for 24hrs then Memtest 86 for 24hrs and then back to Prime 95 again, but to stress all components and probably run something on the inbuild GFX, not sure as yet... :cool:

Some might say that the extent I am stessing this to is overkill... but atleast I can truely say that it is stable... oh and the heat factor, I got the room up to a rather hot (on an already hot day!) 30°C :eek: so the heat factor causing something in regular use to fail is covered :D
The_End_Of_Reality (334)
515938 2007-01-14 21:41:00 Nope, when I used to build one I just installed Windows / updates on it, and left it on for so many hours and hoped it didn't crash :D

Didn't use memtest or anything. Just as long as it turned on and fans went, I was happy.
Speedy Gonzales (78)
515939 2007-01-14 22:08:00 Nor me either, life's too short.

Besides, if it aint broke, don't try to fix it.

Most warrenties are for 12 months, which is generally plenty of time for problems to show up.
dchip (1426)
515940 2007-01-14 22:15:00 Just use 3dmark06. Get the demo version from www.futuremark.com qazwsxokmijn (102)
515941 2007-01-15 00:03:00 Hey Peeps :D

After building a new rig, do you test it for stability? if so, what components do you test? what software do you run? for how long? and why?


Not really. Its usually running for a good 24hrs before the customer gets it but not any special test software. I trust the parts I use and they get a full warranty anyway.
pctek (84)
515942 2007-01-15 00:14:00 Hmm... I thought more people would stress test them...

Because from what I have learnt (via bath tub curve of component reliability) a component is going to break during the burn in period ie first few months of use and the period after the components useful life period... ie the time where the component is actually 'in it's prime'. which is why get them stressed now and the likely of them faulting down the track is low...

I guess I am just old styled... :stare:
The_End_Of_Reality (334)
515943 2007-01-15 01:12:00 Installing Windows XP is a pretty good stress test.
I always run a stress test on a new build overnight just to make sure it's fine.

I got a stress test program from one of my suppliers a while back.
It's just a script that runs a few programs.
It runs through DirectX tests then opens a video in windows media player and sets itself to replay until you stop it, plays an MP3, runs a hdd speed and surface test. Also runs memory and video card tests using another program. It also plays an audio CD if you want.
CYaBro (73)
515944 2007-01-15 05:41:00 Hmm... I thought more people would stress test them...

Because from what I have learnt (via bath tub curve of component reliability) a component is going to break during the burn in period ie first few months of use and the period after the components useful life period...

I guess I am just old styled... :stare:

Well from what I've seen if its a dodgy component it will fail during normal use during the first install and configuring period.

Later on there may be a problem, but again stress testing isn't going to tell you that.
pctek (84)
515945 2007-01-15 11:23:00 best stress test i've seen is the latest game from crytek lol (eg FarCry, Call of Juarez, Crysis)
and BF2 is a good test too (it's so un-optimised it's not funny)

alternatively, get bf1942, get the desert combat mod, then run a dedicated server in co-op mode with 64 bots. Then join said game using the client. :D
motorbyclist (188)
515946 2007-01-15 13:58:00 I simply install XP and all needed software - if there are no failures during install or 24h after that - computer seems to be OK. cy27 (8689)
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