Testing computers

[stevo1210]

How do you guys test computers and laptops for stability issues etc? As in what method or burn in software do you use?
I personally just pop memtest86+ overnight and if it doesn't crash I'll call it a day... Open to suggestions.

[Koda]

Re: Testing computers

If system is suspected to have stability issues or a mobo is recapped I usually run prime95 for 36 hours, if memory is suspected memtest for 36 hours and if gpu is suspected furmark for 6-10 hours. That's only for extreme cases. If other non critical work is being done on the system 5 hours of testing.

[ratdude747]

Re: Testing computers

memtest86.

[c_hegge]

Re: Testing computers

Memtest86+ for 24 hours, followed by IntelBurnTest for 24 hours.

[Topcat]

Re: Testing computers

a program called 'the troubleshooter' and/or memtest

[stevo1210]

Re: Testing computers

a program called 'the troubleshooter' and/or memtest

I use the troubleshooter sometimes. Only issue is that it doesn't work on laptops like IBM Thinkpads? or did I get a screwed up CD?

[Th3_uN1Qu3]

Re: Testing computers

The Troubleshooter is an old piece of software, it won't work with everything nowadays. IntelBurnTest and Furmark, and Victoria (a russian software, from Hiren's Boot CD) for the HDD.

[lti]

Re: Testing computers

Toshiba tests computers by starting Windows, opening Internet Explorer, and then shutting the computer off as soon as the home page loads.

[ncovert]

Re: Testing computers

Toshiba tests computers by starting Windows, opening Internet Explorer, and then shutting the computer off as soon as the home page loads.

LOL. How do you know that, or did you make it up?

As for testing, usually Memtest86+ or Prime95. I also test the PSU voltages with a DMM and make sure everything else works.

[lti]

Re: Testing computers

I saw the event logs and browser history on my laptop after it was returned from its first two warranty repairs. They actually do run testing software when they first receive the computer, but I don't think they perform any tests to see if the part they replaced fixed the problem.

[c_hegge]

Re: Testing computers

Toshiba tests computers by starting Windows, opening Internet Explorer, and then shutting the computer off as soon as the home page loads.

Really? I've had nothing but good experiences with Toshiba support.

[larrymoencurly]

Re: Testing computers

I saw the event logs and browser history on my laptop after it was returned from its first two warranty repairs. They actually do run testing software when they first receive the computer, but I don't think they perform any tests to see if the part they replaced fixed the problem.

Was that Toshiba factory service or a local independent authorized repair center? Because I've heard the latter vary widely in quality, but the one in NW Phoenix, AZ is decent. Also Toshiba factory tech support for software seems good, but hardware tech support is among the worst I've experienced:

1st level tech: knows nothing about computers (What's the maximum memory capacity of model XYZ? "One-six-zero-G.B."), just types your inquiries into the same Ask Iris search engine that the public has to use.

2nd level tech: knows the very basics of computers in general, still has no access to non-public information.

3rd level tech: may understand specifics of Toshiba computers, can access non-public information. May be crabby and not let you speak to a supervisor or manager ("I'm the top of the top, baby!").

[Krendoshazin]

Re: Testing computers

1. Memtest86 is good for testing the stability of the CPU, RAM, and any components related to that system.
2. I use a DOS version of Hard Disk Sentinel for testing hard drives in a system; this allows me to see if there are any problems with the disk itself, or with communication between the disk and the controller.
3. I have a device for testing power supplies that checks all of the voltage rails and tells me if any of them are out of spec. However, this doesn't test the supply under stress and I'll figure out how to test it under a load at some point.
4. I have Slax on a USB drive with a few tools loaded on it. One of these is 'System Stability Tester' which makes the system run at 100% by calculating pi to a specified amount of places (the more digits, the more resource intensive). If it can handle a full load for several hours, then I consider it stable.

That pretty much covers my toolkit.

[lti]

Re: Testing computers

Was that Toshiba factory service or a local independent authorized repair center? Because I've heard the latter vary widely in quality, but the one in NW Phoenix, AZ is decent.

This computer went to Louisville, Kentucky.