PC monitoring tools

[crazyeyeschase]

so before I start OCing and such I would like to install some software that can easily monitor the temps and such I would also like to get a benchmarking software so I can compare the before and after any suggestions on free software I can use out there?

 

[Francis93]

Hi crazyeyeschase!

• CPUID - System & hardware benchmark, monitoring, reporting
• Computer Diagnostics & Network Audit Software | Lavalys.com

 

[thehappyman]

so before I start OCing and such I would like to install some software that can easily monitor the temps and such I would also like to get a benchmarking software so I can compare the before and after any suggestions on free software I can use out there?

Some of the most useful - most are freeware


CPU-Z (CPUID's) for Processor and clock info
CPUID HwMonitor for checking Temps
Intel Processor Identification Utility for Processor and clock info
TechPower GPU-Z for Graphics card info
CrystalDiskMark for Disk Drive Speeds
HDTune for Disk Drive Speeds
Super Pi for Processor and Ram Speed
3D Mark06 - Graphics tests
3D Mark Vantage - Graphics and System tests

 

[DefCon420]

I use aida64 (formerly lavalys everest ultimate).
It is trialware, but if you know how to look on the net, there are registered versions available for download.
aida64 will do almost everything the products in the post above this one, save the 3dmark benchmarks.

http://www.aida64.com/

@Francis93: that lavalys product is a dead product now. It is now called aida64 by FinalWire

 

[Francis93]

I use aida64 (formerly lavalys everest ultimate).
It is trialware, but if you know how to look on the net, there are registered versions available for download.
aida64 will do almost everything the products in the post above this one, save the 3dmark benchmarks.

[URL="http://www.aida64.com/"]AIDA64 | PC Benchmark | System Diagnostics | Network Inventory[/URL]

@Francis93: that lavalys product is a dead product now. It is now called aida64 by FinalWire

I know. There's nothing wrong with the Lavalys URL, because once you visit the website, you'll get notified on the front page that Lavalys has been acquired by FinalWire and that Everest is now AIDA64.

 

[dsperber]

I use aida64 (formerly lavalys everest ultimate).
It is trialware, but if you know how to look on the net, there are registered versions available for download.

Is this genuinely sanctioned as Forum policy... recommending this method of acquiring non-free licensed for-money software from other than legit means?

I hardly think this qualifies as "free software", as OP requested.

Software vendors deserve to make a buck from the fruits of their labors, if they want to.

 

[pparks1]

I benchmark with a stopwatch. Because unless the things that I actually do get faster, I don't see where overclocking really helps me.

For temps, I use CoreTemps64.

 

[crazyeyeschase]

pparks I like the coretemp64.

Right now I'm at about 32C which I guess is pretty good. I think the max for the 955 is 66C not 100% though.

 

[symp]

coretemp64 is the best out there, with all the extra options..
overheat protection etc..

 

[linnemeyerhere]

Try SIW. Personally it kicks as_.
SIW | System Information for Windows by Gabriel Topala

 

[mitchell64]

I use Core Temp, i like the ability to display my highest temp & load in the task bar which means it is always visible at a glance as you can see in the picture.
There is also the added ability to set up overheat protection if you run marginal temps.

Core Temp

Yours being a Phenom II you may wish to read this first

Core Temp - How it works

AMD processors report the temperature via a special register in the CPU's northbridge. Core Temp reads the value from the register and uses a formula provided by AMD to calculate the current temperature.
The formula for the Athlon 64 series, early Opterons and Semprons (K8 architecture) is: 'Core Temp = Value - 49'.
For the newer generation of AMD processors like Phenom, Phenom II, newew Athlons, Semprons and Opterons (K10 architecture), and their derivatives, there is a differnt formula: 'CPU Temp* = Value / 8'.

The sensor in AMD CPUs can report temperatures between -49C and 206C.

*CPU Temp is because the Phenom\Opteron (K10) have only one sensor per package, meaning there is only one reading per processor.