Hello all,

I will be receiving the final pieces to my new build puzzle early this week and need some help finding the best programs to test/stress test it. This will be my first build and though I am new to it, I am fairly confident I can assemble the rig properly. Having said that, I have no idea really what programs to use to test it. So, can anyone supply me with recommendations as to what programs I need to acquire and/or link me to info I can read up on? I have read some of the names and even tracked down the "memtest" program but I would really appreciate a list of "must have" and/or recommended testing programs if you all have the time. Thanks in advance for any responses.

Oh and just for reference, the following will be my new build. Feel free to make comments or critiques. I will be attempting to reach at least 3 ghz at some point. Here it is:

CPU: C2D E4400
HSF: Stock Intel (for now, considering AC Freezer 7 Pro)
Mobo: Asus P5B-Plus
RAM: Geil, 2GB DDR2 800 C4
HDD: WD 250 gig (SATA)
OptD: Samsung 18X DVD burner (SATA)
VC: EVGA 7900GS (will be upgrading to an 8800GTS at some point)
PSU: Corsair 520HX
Case: Cooler Master Centurion 5

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Here is a link to some free benchmark software, I pulled out of an old thread in the overclock section about 3-4 months ago. Lots to choose from and some for specific components. I ran some mem test, vid card test and the burn in test.

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Benchmarks/

enjoy

http://akhilles.ifastnet.com/m2n32sli/index.html#tests

Unless you have a problem or just curious how the machine is running, you really don't need any software to "break in" the machine. Just start it up and if it starts and runs the way you expect, you got it right.

Thanks for the replies so far.

G-paw,

Yes, I wasn't really worried about "burning in" so much as monitoring temps, doing memory checks and stress testing an overclocked CPU in order to find and ensure system stability. I have not had a chance to follow the links provided yet but I will first thing tomorrow. Thanks again everyone and if anyone else has anything else to add I would appreciate it.

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There is nothing better to stress and test the stability of your PC than Folding@Home, see my sig.