New computer preperation, suggestions?

[Soliex]

I am expecting my new computer to arrive tomorrow, with that being said I am trying to get a bunch of programs that would help me diagnose any problems and make sure everything is working just fine. I only know of a few programs I would want to get in advance to help me with that.

So far the programs I am going to get are:

memtest86
everest home edition
cpu-z
coretemp

Is there anything else that I should get to ensure a working computer and that everything is smooth?

Thanks for any help.

[DMB2000uk]

ATITool's artifact scanner to test the graphics card, if it's an ATI card keep an eye on temps in the CCC and if it's nvidia use their ntune software.
Prime95's burn in benchmark thing for the CPU. Make sure to enable the option 'round off error checking' in one of the drop down menus.

Also, make sure you get the '+' version of memtest86 as it's updated for newer hardware etc.

If you are worried about stability a half hour of each test (one pass memtest) will let you know if everything is behaving properly, but I generally only run those sorts of things if something isn't playing as it should after having it up/installed and running for a bit.

Dan

[martini161]

you shuold use riva tuner instead of nTune, its better

[camaroguy1998]

I use Prime95 to stress test the system after I build one!
When you're ready for testing use the "Torture Test" feature!
The amount of time you let your system run the test is up to you but, most say a system is good if it can do 8hrs without an error. Although some insist 24hrs is what should be done!?!

[martini161]

if a system is trueley stable, it can run prime95 indefinatly without errors

[camaroguy1998]

if a system is trueley stable, it can run prime95 indefinatly without errors

This is true but, the average person's system is not truly stable. Most people dont OC or tweak their systems to the point of perfection!

[Soliex]

I plan to do some slight overclocking, only bringing my Q9550 to something about 3.2ghz or so. Do you guys suggest ensuring stability before OC'ing?

[martini161]

Yes

[vbironchef]

You don't say who did your build. If it comes preloaded with a bunch of programs that you don't want or ones that will slow your rig down than you should try http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/download I think another program that might help with your internet speed is pc pitstop optimize 2.

[Soliex]

Im building it myself, parts arrive tomorrow.

Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Yorkfield 2.83GHz 12MB L2 Cache
ASUS RAMPAGE FORMULA LGA 775 Intel X48 ATX
EVGA 01G-P3-1280-AR GeForce GTX 280 1GB 512-bit GDDR3
8GB OCZ Platinum 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V
2x Seagate Barracuda 7200.11 ST3500320AS 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB
2x SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB

[vbironchef]

Looks like a great rig! I think pcpitstop will help. I do have some questions on your build, I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions. Why not wait for the intel nehalem chips to come out? If you want to add another GTX280 don't you think you might need a larger power supply? Other than that I hope you enjoy your new rig!

[Soliex]

The new nehalem chips require new motherboards and ddr3 memory which isn't cheap. I'm sure the cost of my build with the new nehalem chips would be a lot higher than what I paid for this current build. I saved a bunch of money with instant savings, rebates, and combo deals that all seemed to expire on 11/16 which is one day before the supposed release for the i7's.

I also wouldn't be utilizing the full potential of the i7 by using more than one video card, I like to stick with one video card in my system for the time being. I still think SLI and Crossfire was a ploy to sell more video cards. My motherboard only supports crossfire and I do not plan to go crossfire or SLI anytime soon.

Plus on top of all that there is a few games that have already released that I want to play on full settings and my current computer, which is about three years old, is starting to show its age.

The next time I build a computer I'm sure the new i7 chips will be relatively cheap and well revised so that I wont run into any problems.