The computer system’s central processing unit(CPU) is an integral part of any digital computer system that processes the input given to the PC(Personal Computer). So the CPU stress test is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of the PC, for knowing their performance and breaking point and the stability of the CPU.
Several programs are freely available to diagnose system stability by testing the system and, thereby, the overclock level. Running an overclocked PC is fine as long as it is in a stable working condition. And the temperature of its components does not exceed their acceptable range.
Why Should I Do a CPU Stress Test?
A computer system cannot be claimed stable just because you can boot into its operating system and browse the web. It would be best to verify your computer’s stability by placing an additional load on pc components like motherboard, ram, graphics card, and power supply through overclocking.
The CPU stress test will ensure your computer system doesn’t randomly crash while under intensive processing load, potentially losing your user data.
See Also: 5 of the Best Virtual Assistant Software Tools
Can a Stress Test Damage the CPU?
Also known as the CPU torture test is designed to simulate real-world conditions such as gaming and heavy multitasking.
CPU benchmark to measure the performance of a CPU under various conditions to determine the type of processor. It is to best suit the requirements or purchase a new one or improve the performance of your current one.
Sadly, yes, there is a possibility that a CPU stress test causes damage to system components and the CPU as a whole. But this is only feasible if cooling standards arent maintained and the system components heat above the normal range of above seventy degrees Celsius.
What is Overclocking?
Running computer software at a higher speed than is designed initially to run is known as overclocking. An action of increasing a component’s clock rate to bring on more operations per second, but it also produces additional heat.
Increasing the CPU’s speed by setting a higher clock rate or multiplier in the computer’s BIOS(basic input/output system) to perform more operations per second may cause damage to the hardware of the system; hence extensive cooling and care are required.
Monitoring
Monitoring the system’s parameters continuously while doing a CPU stress test is essential. Some monitoring tools can always keep track of the parameters like load, temperature, etc., by doing a CPU stress test. Some methods are as follows-
See Also: How to Prevent Project Creep in Software Projects
HWiNFO64
The HWiNFO64 is a user-friendly application to monitor multi-core components quickly and keep track of the temperature of the central processing unit. Also, to facilitate tracking fan speeds and times of load with it.
CPUID HWMonitor software
The CPUID HWMonitor is an easy-to-use software to monitor clock speed, temperature, and power usage in real-time. A great application to identify various temperatures in all components.
Core Temp Tool
The Core Temp tool is a simple tool that monitors temperature and the percentage of load in the CPU. Also, to monitor voltage, frequency, and the overall temperature of the system.
Pretest: 3DMark
3DMark benchmark helps ensure the system is warmed up and gives a rough idea about the stability of the computer system. Before committing oneself to a 12-hour Prime95 torture test which is still the ultimate test of an overclock stability.
Thereby saving a tremendous amount of time if this shorter initial CPU stress test fails by running a faster benchmark first.
See Also: Atolia Workplace Software Review 2022
CPU Stress Test Methods
First, turn on the monitoring system to keep track of the critical parameters like load, voltage, speed of the fan, and temperature. At least have a single program open while performing the CPU stress tests. And in case CPU temperature starts to increase to 70 degrees Celsius, you have to abort the test. It’s advisable to add much cooling to the PC.
Close all the programs and applications unnecessary, without which PC batteries will end.
Tools are necessary to run a CPU stress test. With software like Intel Burn Test and OCCT, the program would stress test at least four hours. Amongst which the Prime95 device is considered popular. The following steps below enlist working with this tool-
- Head over to the Prime95 website and have the application downloaded.
- Open Prime95 by clicking on it and selecting the options menu.
- Then select Torture Test.
- A list of options will appear.
- You can select the Blend Test among them.
- The CPU stress test process would start by then.
- Select Large FFT and small FFT tests instead of the Blend test.
- If there is no box appearing or a warning on the screen for four hours, your PC will be completely stable.
- A 24 hours CPU stress test to scan more components to get an elaborate confirmation about the stability of the PC.
- Information about the hardware condition and can be sure whether an update is necessary.
See Also: Best Accounting Software for Bookkeeping
Conclusion
A CPU stress test is crucial for knowing the stability of the PC, and this easy process should aid you in gaining a better understanding of overall system performance. After which, you’d be able to work more carefully on the computer system in determining its breaking point and specifications with the process.
Stay connected