How can i check if my hardware is working properly

[Count_Zero99uk]

Hi,

Ive been getting some BS crashes of late and it has resulted in my formating and reinstalling windows. This itself is now causing to be a nightmare.

Once i get it working what can i do to ensure that there are no underlying problems with the ram, cpu, mobo, or grfx card.

Is there any softwear i can run or checks that can be made?

Thanks in advance.

 

[RJC]

Mem test to check your ram, this can be run at during boot, also try Prime 95 and Furmark for CPU and gpu.

 

[Count_Zero99uk]

ive seen memtest mentioned before, how easy is it to use and analyse.

 

[TWiNKLeT0Es]

Simple if you can download and burn the image then boot from it?

Its very simple and a good start.

Drivers and other hardware would be tested after testing the RAM and CPU i assume.

 

[thegoonden]

You might want to consider making a backup with acronis or ghost or just a linux boot cd....rolling a backup in takes about a hundred times less time and blood pressure than reinstalling.

 

[King Damager]

Easiest way to check if the graphics card is causing any issues if your motherboard has on board graphics is to unplug it and see if the problems stop xD

But yeah,
Memtest for RAM,
Prime95 for stressing CPU,
and I guess Furmark for GPU - it's a slightly harder one to do,
also maybe check your HDD isn't failing, but can't remember the program to check it :S

kd