Intel CPU - Diagnose

How to Diagnose an Intel CPU with Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool​

   Information

The Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool (IPDT) is a free application from Intel Corporation that runs several diagnostic and performance tests on a wide variety of Intel CPU's. The results are summarised in a simple text format file that can be useful in understanding the capability's of your CPU, seeking help with a hardware issue, or even dealing directly with Intel as supplementary information if you are considering an RMA of the CPU.

This tutorial will show you how to:

• Download and install IPDT to your computer
• Run the quick (default) tests
• Select & run full functional and burn-in tests
• Setup & run customised tests
• Review the IPDT test results

IPDT is a useful tool in your arsenal if you are troubleshooting a BSOD, or simply wanting to test the stability of a particular CPU overclock.

On an Intel Core i3-2330M 2.20GHz the quick tests take just over 4 minutes to complete. On faster or slower CPU's this time will vary, as will the time if the full functional, burn-in and custom tests are used instead.

   Note

IPDT supports the following family of Intel processors:
Intel® Atom™ Processor
Intel® Core™ Duo Processor
Intel® Core™ i3 Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™ i3 Mobile Processor
Intel® Core™ i5 Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™ i5 Mobile Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 Mobile Processor
Intel® Core™ i7 Mobile Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Core™ Solo Processor
Intel® Core™2 Duo Desktop Processor
Intel® Core™2 Duo Mobile Processor
Intel® Core™2 Extreme Mobile Processor
Intel® Core™2 Extreme Processor
Intel® Core™2 Quad Mobile Processor
Intel® Core™2 Quad Processor
Intel® Core™2 Solo Processor
Intel® Itanium® Processors
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processors
Intel® Pentium® D Processor
Intel® Pentium® M Processor
Intel® Pentium® Processor Extreme Edition
Intel® Pentium® Processor for Desktop
Intel® Pentium® Processor for Mobile
Intel® Xeon® Processor
Intel® Xeon® Processor 3000 Sequence
Intel® Xeon® Processor 5000 Sequence
Intel® Xeon® Processor 6000 Sequence
Intel® Xeon® Processor 7000 Sequence
Intel® Xeon® Processor E3-1200 Product Family
Mobile Intel® Celeron® Processors
Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processors - M

STEP ONE

Downloading IPDT

1. Download the IPDT executable file from this location:

For 32-bit versions of Windows:

Download




For 64-bit versions of Windows:

Download

STEP TWO

Installing IPDT

1. Locate and double-click the downloaded IPDT executable, and accept the UAC prompt. An information panel will be displayed showing the current version of IPDT - click OK to proceed with installation.

STEP THREE

Running IPDT

1. Locate the IPDT short-cut on your desktop, and double click it to run IPDT.

2. IPDT will open and immediately start a series of default tests (quick tests), as shown below. Alternate and custom user-defined tests can also be setup and run as explained later on.



3. As the tests are executed, the text in the centre window will continue to scroll and the progress bar will move along. If the CPU supports integrated graphics, the during the test, additional windows will open to test the graphics capability of the CPU, as shown below.

4. In addition, the video output will also flip orientation for a few seconds during the test : once upside down, and once on either side, and then finally return to the normal orientation. This is completely normal. If you use a dedicated video card, then the graphics tests will be skipped.

One of the tests that will be executed will place some load on/stress your CPU. During this test your cooling fans will increase in rotational speed and will be audibly louder. This is normal since the fans need to work a little harder to dissipate the heat generated by the CPU stress test.

5. Finally, the test will complete and be replaced by a confirmation window summarising the test results. If all the tests pass, then the confirmation box is green.


If any of the test fail, then the confirmation box is red.

6. The TestResults.txt file is saved in C:\Program Files\Intel Corporation\Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool 64Bit. I have attached the results from running IPDT on my system if you want to review the details of the test.

View attachment TestResults.txt

7. Some information that is immediately useful from the test is the temperature at which the CPU idles, and the temperature under load. In both cases, these are well below the maximum recommended temperature of the CPU and I can be confident that for these tests, the CPU cooling arrangement (thermal paste media and fan) is performing adequately.

Idle:

Temperature Test Passed!!!
Temperature = 34 degrees C below maximum.

Under load:

Temperature Test Passed!!!
Temperature = 19 degrees C below maximum.

STEP FOUR

Selecting and Running Alternate IPDT Tests

IPDT allows you to select from two additional predetermined tests, as well customising the tests that are executed. These might be useful for hardware enthusiasts that specialise in overclocking the CPU to maximise performance and want to test the stability of the overclock.
1. To select the predetermined tests, or to setup a custom test, locate the Configure IPDT option under the Windows start menu as shown below.

2. The IPDT configuration panel will open, as shown below.

3. To create a custom test, simply remove the check box from the item in the Configurable Features section that you do not wish to run. When you do this, the appropriate parameters in the Configurable Parameters section will be removed automatically. Those that are left, are the parameters that can be configured/modified for the tests you wish to run.

4. When you click Exit Saving Config, the new configuration is automatically saved and becomes the default test when you run IPDT. Clicking the Reset to Defaults button will undo any changes you made, and reset the options to that for the quick test. Below is an example of a custom test.

5. By selecting the Presets button, you can choose the options and parameters for the Full-Functional and Burn-In tests. When you click Exit Saving Config, the preset configuration you chose is automatically saved and becomes the default test when you run IPDT. These options are shown below.


Thats it. The Quick Tests are sufficient for the average computer user, whilst those troubleshooting BSOD's or overclocking will find the alternate and custom tests useful

   Information

You can find more detail about IPDT and the tests in the help manuals.

View attachment IntelProcessorDiagnosticToolHelp.pdf

Regards,
Golden

   Note

Thanks to Paul and Steve for testing the tutorial and supplying useful feedback and images to use here

Related Tutorials

---

• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220743-cpu-stress-test-using-intelburntest.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/100352-hardware-stress-test-prime95.html

 

[Garry06]

Hi MJF,
In the newly released version of IPDT there is a new method used for calculating the CPU Frequency. Previously we measured CPU frequency overs a 10 second period and reported. The new method reads CPU Frequency from the CPU registers and using baseclock ratio calculates the actual CPU running frequency. Obviously this can be affected by Turbo Boost, if it is enabled and running on your system.
You may download and use Intel Turbo Boost Technology Monitor to show the CPU Frequency dynamically on your system.
Download Intel Turbo Boost Technology Monitor here https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?DwnldID=19105

 

[mjf]

Thanks Gary,
I downloaded the monitor but I've got a bit of homework to do on Turbo Boost. My BIOS is generally set to "Normal mode" and I occasionally set it to the ASUS "Turbo mode" if running some number crunching. I'm guessing the Turbo Boost is different again.

 

[carwiz]

Keep in mind that the Turbo Monitor is for processors released prior to June, 2013 and does not include 4th Gen processors. I'm not sure of the differences but the release notes specifically mention the exclusion. If you're getting strange numbers, that could be the reason. Slick piece of software though.

 

[mjf]

Keep in mind that the Turbo Monitor is for processors released prior to June, 2013 and does not include 4th Gen processors.

I saw that and have run it with my i7 2600k. I get a bar chart graph that shows varying clock speeds but maybe I've missed something more significant.
In terms of a diagnostic tool the older IPDT seems more relevant to my 2nd gen CPU than the new one. The i7 2600k has been such a good strong performer and I plan to keep it awhile until it or the motherboard dies.

 

[carwiz]

I have a straight-up 2600 and feel the same way. Coming off a Pentium 2x2 with spinners to a i7 with an SSD was a huge jump. I haven't seen enough of a move in performance to make another jump. I gave a lot of thought to it when the quad channel memory came out but that seems to have died. What's up with that? Or is it just Intel boards? I may look again when new memory comes out but I'll need to see 4.5+ in native processor speed for a real motivator. The 100Mhz jumps just don't do it for me.

 

[Britton30]

Boards and CPUs that support Quad-Channel (LGA2011) are fairly expensive. I suppose the next "big" jump will be with the introduction of DDR4 RAM. As I understand it will be available in 16GB sticks. :shock:

 

[fireberd]

I have a suspect i7 3770. The Intel tests all pass. The CPU tests on the "UBCD" (Ultimate Boot CD) all pass.

I'm getting BCC 124 BSOD and WHEA errors (I have a thread in the BSOD section).

I know its the CPU as all the other hardware, including memory and motherboard have been changed.

Anyone know any other CPU diagnostics?

 

[Golden]

Have you tried IBT Fireberd?
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220743-cpu-stress-test-using-intelburntest.html

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Nice one Colin didn't know this one existed I only stumbled over the test in a Google for CPU tests now it is so much clearer what to do.

The Java stuff well I have to have it for my personal work info (payslips leave entitlements etc) and I have never had any problems - so far.

 

[Kaktussoft]

How to burn it to DVD as bootable dvd? I have a desktop computer that crashes with error WHEA... just before it is actually up and running. Reinstall win7 doesn't fix it.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

How to burn it to DVD as bootable dvd? I have a desktop computer that crashes with error WHEA... just before it is actually up and running. Reinstall win7 doesn't fix it.

Hmm odd the reinstall hasn't helped eh? any chance of using another machine to do that?

 

[Kaktussoft]

Hmm odd the reinstall hasn't helped eh? any chance of using another machine to do that?

You don't understand I think. I want to boot from a dvd with that software on it to determine if cpu is still working fine. But where is the ISO to burn? I can only find a USBflash iso to burn. But that old machine cannot boot from usb.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

You don't understand I think. I want to boot from a dvd with that software on it to determine if cpu is still working fine. But where is the ISO to burn? I can only find a USBflash iso to burn. But that old machine cannot boot from usb.

Sorry mate my bad I read that the wrong way I don't know why they are insisting on the USB drive. But still couldn't you just make the stick on another machine and then use it on your machine - basically what I was trying to get at?