What is a Graphics Card Test? (with pictures)
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A graphics card test is a test run on a computer system, usually through a particular software program, that analyzes how well the graphics card on that system is working. There is a great deal of information that can be displayed from this type of test, though common results may indicate the temperature the card is running at, the frames per second (fps) being displayed by the card, and the memory and clock speed of the card. A graphics card test is usually performed to assess how effective a graphics card is for running games and other graphics-intensive programs.
Also referred to as benchmarking, a graphics card test typically uses software specially designed to test graphics cards. Some businesses also use actual computer games for testing graphics, though this is often done in addition to testing using specific testing software. This provides not only a general sense of the performance capabilities of a particular graphics card, but also information regarding how it runs various games available in the market. The results of a graphics card test are often referred to as the “benchmarks” for a particular card, and they can be displayed and compared in many different ways.
Software that is run during a graphics card test will typically use a scene or area, usually using three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics, and then evaluate how well the card is able to render that scene.
The fps for a card is one of the most important indicators of how well a card can handle different graphical needs. Many computer gamers prefer a card that can render about 45 to 60 fps while playing a game, and anything less than 30 fps can create noticeable slowdown for a player. A graphics card test can also evaluate the card for any problems, such as overheating and the clock speed of the card. This can be especially important for a card that has been overclocked, or made to run faster than intended.
There are a number of software programs that can be used for a graphics card test, and it is typically best to use a single program to test and compare different cards.
Numerous websites have been established for testing and comparing graphics cards, usually accompanied by benchmark numbers that indicate fps for a card for certain games, and provide numerical comparisons between card qualities. Many companies that perform a graphics card test on a card will use the most sophisticated computer games on the market, as this will typically ensure that the card can also handle older games.
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The 11 Best Tools to Stress Test Your PC (CPU, RAM, & GPU)
In this guide, we’ve given you a rundown on 11 of the best tools to use to stress test your CPU, RAM, and GPU.
If you’ve just built your computer, overclocked any of your components, or you are having problems with an aging system, stress testing your PC will give you a good idea of whether or not your computer is stable and, if it isn’t, where the problem might be coming from.
So, in this guide, we’re going to give you our choice for the 11 best tools to use to stress test your system’s components, including the best CPU stress tests, the best RAM stress tests, and the best GPU stress tests. We’ve also included a number of hardware monitoring tools that you can use to monitor how your system is behaving during the stress tests as well.
Table of Contents
1. Hardware Monitoring Tools
2. CPU Stress Test Tools
3. RAM Stress Test Tools
4. GPU Stress Test Tools
5. Which Stress Test Tool Should You Use?
Hardware Monitoring Tools to Use While Running Stress Tests
While running stress tests on your system, it’s a good idea to monitor your system’s temperature and load levels.
The following tools can be used in unison with the benchmarks listed below in order to give you more information while you benchmark your computer.
1. Core Temp
Core Temp is a nice lightweight CPU monitoring tool that will provide you with real-time CPU temperature readings and load percentages on your processor. If you have an Intel processor, Core Temp will also provide readings for the temperature and load on each individual core on your CPU. However, for AMD temperatures it just shows a single temperature for the entire CPU.
Core Temp also provides you with some basic info on your processor and tells you the voltage and frequency your CPU is running at as well. And, there are a few different handy plugins available for Core Temp that expand its capabilities, including an add-on that allows you to sync your RGB lights to the temperature of your processor or to its load, and a remote server plugin (for remote access),
Get Core Temp Here
2. GPU-Z
GPU-Z is similar to Core Temp, except that instead of monitoring your CPU, GPU-Z will, obviously, monitor your GPU.
With GPU-Z you can monitor the temperatures and load on your GPU, as well as your GPU’s clock speed, onboard memory clock speed, fan speed, and the amount of memory being used among other things. GPU-Z is also free to use.
Get GPU-Z Here
3. MSI Afterburner
MSI Afterburner is another graphics card hardware monitoring tool. However, it dubs itself as being a graphics card ‘utility tool’ because of all of the other features it comes with. Along with being able to provide you with much of the same information that GPU-Z offers you, MSI Afterburner will also let you overclock your GPU, set custom fan profiles, run in-game benchmarks, and even record gameplay video or take in-game screenshots. Like Core Temp and GPU-Z, MSI Afterburner is free to use.
Get MSI Afterburner Here
4. HWiNFO64
HWiNFO64 is one of the more advanced hardware monitoring tools out there as it allows you to monitor multiple core components in your system. With HWiNFO64 you can track temperatures and other information on your CPU, GPU, RAM, and motherboard, as well as track fan speeds, component loads, and plenty more.
Get HWiNFO64 Here
CPU Stress Test Tools
If you’re looking to stress test your CPU, whether to check how stable your processor is running after overclocking it or to check and see if there is a cooling issue on your CPU, the tools listed below will help you get the information you need.
1. Prime95
Prime95 was developed by GIMPS, a computing project aimed at finding new Mersenne prime numbers (any prime number that can be the result of the equation: 2n − 1). However, while Prime95 was originally intended to find Mersenne prime numbers, the torture test that is included in the program (which helps ensure correct operation when searching for Mersenne prime numbers) has been adopted by many hardware enthusiasts to help them stress test their processor (and memory)—especially after overclocking their CPU and memory.
Get Prime95 Here
2. Aida64
Aida64 is another CPU stress test tool that a lot of users prefer over Prime95.
Whereas Prime95’s torture test can push your processor to operate in an unrealistic manner, Aida64 takes a more practical approach by mimicking real-world processes that place a 100% load on your processor to test how it will hold up.
The only problem with Aida64 is that it isn’t free. For a basic license (that can be used on up to 3 computers), Aida64 costs $34.99 which, while not expensive, is probably not an ideal option for the majority of users who will only use the stress test a handful of times. There is a 30-day free trial, though, so if you only need to use it right now then you won’t have to pay for it.
Get Aida64 Here
3. IntelBurn Test
IntelBurn Test is another CPU stress testing tool that will help you push your CPU to the max in order to determine if it is stable. Like Prime95, IntelBurn Test also gets some flack for pushing the processor further than necessary. And, many feel that IntelBurn Test puts even more unnecessary stress on your processor than Prime95 does.
Get IntelBurn Test Here
4. CPU Intensive Games
Certain games require a ton of processing power and are good options to see how your new system’s CPU is handling its load. Games like the Civilization series, or Cities: Skylines can really push your CPU to the max. So, one way to put your CPU to the test is to load up one of these games and track how your CPU performs.
Also Read: CPU Intensive Games for Benchmarking Your Processor
RAM Stress Test Tools
For those of you that are looking to stress test your system’s memory, either to diagnose any issues that may be going on with your RAM or to check for stability after overclocking, the tools listed below will work for you.
1. MemTest86
PassMark Software’s MemTest86 will test your system’s memory to try and uncover any problems. There is also MemTest86+, which was an offshoot of MemTest86, but is no longer considered to be a viable option due to the fact that it hasn’t been updated since 2013—whereas the original MemTest86 continues to get updated.
Get MemTest86 Here
2. Prime95 (Blend Test)
We’ve discussed Prime95 as a popular CPU stress test tool, but its ‘Blend’ mode torture test also serves as a great RAM stress test as well. Unlike MemTest86, though, Prime95’s ‘Blend’ mode doesn’t check your RAM for errors. So, if you’re looking for a stress test tool that can also diagnose any issues your memory may be having, the MemTest86 is a better option. If you’re overclocking your RAM, though, and you want to check for stability, Prime95’s Blend test is a good option to use.
Get Prime95 Here
GPU Stress Test Tools
For GPU stress testing, the benchmarks listed below will give you a variety of options that will push your GPU to the max.
1. Heaven & Valley Benchmarks (Unigine)
Uningine’s Heaven & Valley benchmark tests are some of the more popular options to stress test your graphics card, either after overclocking it and testing for stability, or just as a synthetic benchmark to see how your graphics card performs.
Unigine’s newer Superposition benchmark is worth considering as well, especially if you’re looking for a GPU benchmark that has VR features included in it.
Get Unigine Benchmarks Here
2. 3DMark
3DMark is another commonly used GPU stress testing tool that can be used on a variety of devices (PCs, laptops, phones, tablets, etc.). 3DMark also monitors the clock speed, framerate, load, and temperatures during each benchmark as well. There is a basic edition of 3DMark that is free to use, but the full version will run you ~$30 on Steam.
Get 3DMark Here
3. FurMark
FurMark is another common GPU stress test option that is worth noting. However, FurMark doesn’t get a lot of love among hardware enthusiasts as it has been known to put an unrealistic amount of stress on your graphics card. FurMark can be used for short periods of times, but probably isn’t the best overall option for stress testing your graphics card.
Get FurMark Here
Which Stress Test Tool Should You Use?
While all of the stress test tools mentioned above can work for you, the reality is that your best bet for stress testing your system is to use multiple stress tests tools.
If you’re looking for the most information possible, running multiple stress tests will give you the best idea of how the components in your system will hold up in extreme real-world scenarios.
Programs for checking the Nvidia video card
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Greetings to all readers and subscribers of 3support.ru! In this article, we will talk about three free programs for checking the Nvidia video card, provide download links and teach you how to use them. With these tools, you can easily test your graphics card for performance, as well as get information about the temperature and performance of the GPU. So let’s go!
- FurMark
- Nvidia Inspector
FurMark
FurMark is a free graphics card performance test program that allows you to determine whether the installed video adapter is working properly without any special knowledge. The program has a simple interface, high functionality and relatively low weight.
Download, install and run the application.
http://geeks-3d.ru
The FurMark main menu looks like this:
The following utilities are integrated into this application — GPU-Z, GPU Shark and GPU burner. For testing, we need GPU-Z . With its help, we will monitor the status of the video adapter during testing. We click on the button of the same name to launch GPU-Z:
After which we will see the following:
We are interested in the “Sensors” tab:
In this tab, we can monitor the state of the video card during testing. Now we return to Furmark and run the test itself. To do this, click on the «GPU stress test» button:
Next, the program will warn us that in order to prevent unpleasant consequences (failure of the video card), our computer must meet the following requirements:
- The graphics adapter must have good cooling
- The system unit must have a powerful power supply
- The CPU and GPU must run at the frequency set by the manufacturer (no overclocking).
If your system meets all these requirements, then start the test by clicking the «Go» button. Then you will see the following:
This is the test of the video card for performance. This test should be carried out 15-20 minutes . During testing, monitor the temperature in the GPU-Z application. If the temperature for all this time has not exceeded the threshold of 80-85 ° C , then the video card is in order. If the temperature approached 90 ° C Celsius or even exceeded this mark, then we can say with certainty that the graphics adapter has problems. Also, during the scan, the computer may freeze or even restart. If this happens, then this means that the video card has a big malfunction.
Nvidia Inspector
Nvidia Inspector is a small free program created specifically for the Nvidia family of graphics cards. With its help, you can get the most necessary data about the video card in a matter of seconds, for example:
- Memory and chip characteristics
- BIOS version information
- Information about the installed driver
- Frequency
- Fan speed information
- GPU and memory usage information
This program can also be used to check the temperature of any Nvidia graphics card.
In addition to all this, with the help of Nvidia Inspector, you can overclock (overclock) the installed video card. Detailed information about overclocking a video card is available in this article. A nice feature of this utility is that there is no need to install it on your computer. It is enough to download the archive, unzip it into a separate folder and run the file called «nvidiaInspector».
Download Nvidia Inspector (256 kb)
So, above we have considered 3 programs for checking the Nvidia video card, with which you can get all the necessary data, as well as test the video card for performance. If you have any questions, ask them in the comments or join our VK group and chat with our technical specialists on any topic. Thank you so much for watching and liking this post!
Graphics card test via FurMark — Graphics card stress test
A used graphics editor must be checked before use. For this purpose, special software is used, such as FurMark .
The free utility determines the maximum performance, temperature, cooling level and GPU errors. Below is a detailed instruction on how to test a video card using FurMark.
| How to understand that the video card is faulty ↓ | Video Card Test Instructions ↓ | |
How to tell if the video card is defective
When the graphics adapter is damaged, squares and colored lines will appear on the screen. If the drivers are working, but artifacts are present, then this indicates hardware errors:
- capacitor swelling;
- dump of memory chips or video chip.
PC overload during analysis reports the activation of GPU protection that reacts to high temperatures. This indicates that the video chamber is damaged or the heat dissipation is not working properly.
Is stress testing dangerous for a graphics adapter
Any load, especially prolonged, can potentially harm the video card.
There is always a risk that stress testing will break the operation of a used device that already has electronic problems. Therefore, during the analysis process, it is important to control the heating, which will make it possible to quickly interrupt the test so as not to destroy the GPU.
When the temperature of the device rises above 85 degrees, immediately stop the analysis. For security reasons, you can also set an acceptable temperature level in the settings, upon reaching which the study will be interrupted automatically.
Instructions for checking the payment type using FurMark
There are three options for how to check the video card using FurMark. The first is a stress test, the second is a standard analysis, and the third is a custom test.
Stress test
If you need to analyze the performance of the board in extreme conditions, then do the following:
1. Open the main window of the utility, select the option Resolution and set the screen resolution to the same as your computer.
2. If you want to make full screen mode, then check the box next to Fullscreen .
3. Use GPU stress test to run the test.
4. Agree with the warning that the graphics card will be under heavy load and click GO .
5. Next, the testing and monitoring window will open. Here you need to monitor the main parameter — temperature (located at the bottom of the window).
Take readings at the moment when the scale does not rise and levels off. In this case, small jumps up to 1 degree are permissible.
Standard test
This method is suitable for you if you need to get general information about the performance of the adapter in different conditions. Follow the instructions:
1. Select one of the four research methods in the GPU benchmark section by resolution options.
2. After reading the rules, click on the word GO .
3. Follow the progress of the analysis using the percentage bar at the top of the screen. Below is additional information (time, parameters, frame rate per second).
4. When the test is completed, the results window will open. Here you will see the characteristics of the video card, hardware and software, system.
If desired, test results can be compared with test results from other users. The data is stored on the utility’s developer portal.
Custom Analysis
FurMark allows you to set your own video adapter test settings. To do this, do the following:
1. Open the main window and determine the desired screen resolution.
2. Also adjust the smoothing characteristics.
0030 GPU temperature alarm , to know when the peak time will come, set the benchmark time, check the box Log GPU data to save the results.
4. To save the changes and close the window, click OK .