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How to test for bad processor

K

KuJaX

[H]F Junkie
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Jan 8, 2001
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How does one test a processor to deem it as "bad"?

There is memtest for memory.

Hard drive utility disks provided by hard drive manufacturers to test memory.

How does one test a processor?

I am aware of programs like prime95, but arent they used primarily for stability and not actually testing to see if the processor is good/bad?

How does Intel/AMD, when they receive an RMA back, test the processor?
 
I myself am not aware of any specific tests, but if your computer is very unstable, and you've looked at the common causes (Ram, Hard Drive, Drivers), then I guess the next logical step would be CPU. Another possibility of a bad processor might be too much heat? If im wrong here, let me know, I have never actually gotten a bad processor (Lucky).

What is yours doing that makes you think it is bad?
 
KuJaX said:
I am aware of programs like prime95, but arent they used primarily for stability and not actually testing to see if the processor is good/bad?
Click to expand...
If a CPU fails a stress test at stock speeds and the other components are confirmed to be working fine, then the CPU is at fault. That's how you can test for a bad CPU using software.

The chances of a shipped CPU actually being faulty are so minuscule that there is really no need for a dedicated test to detect a dead chip. I've gone through many CPUs over the years and I've never seen one die that I myself didn't kill (accidentally or otherwise ;)).
KuJaX said:
How does Intel/AMD, when they receive an RMA back, test the processor?
Click to expand...
They probably have specialized testing hardware for that purpose. They might even just run the chips through the same equipment they use to test them before they leave the factory.
 
The only failed cpus I've ever seen resulted in a no-POST condition, and most of those were exposed die chips that eventually got a cracked corner
 
Stability checks are underrated. There are lots of people happily running with faulty memory, hard drives and error prone overclocked CPU's (etc.) and convincing themselves that their hardware is fine because they can usually play a 3D FPS game without crashing.

I would also like to know better ways of checking the CPU - but for now all I do is stress the CPU using Prime95 on all threads, occationally calculating using superpi, and check for calculation errors. Not looking for obvious BSOD disasters - I want the make sure the CPU and memory work properly. It's really to ensure the overclock is stable, but putting the system through a torture test and ensuring the calculations are correct gives me some confidence that the CPU is working. If I get calculation errors at stock, and it's not the memory, it's a bad CPU, regardless of whether it "appears" stable.
 
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