First thing to do with a new PC

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Ericburnard

Bronze Level Poster
So, after many months of research and waiting my shiny new PC will be arriving tomorrow. This is my first new desktop in over 16 years so I am a bit behind with benchmarks and checks, so, my question. What would you recommend to do with the computer before I start using it day to day, are there and specific tests I should do or things that may need "switching on"?
 
ubuysa

ubuysa

The BSOD Doctor
1. Plug everything in.
2. Switch it on.
3. Run through the initial Windows setup (language, region, userid, etc.).
4. Run Windows Update repeatedly until no more updates are found (if you have to reboot run Windows Update again as soon as it boots).
5. Have fun!
:)
 
Last edited:
ubuysa

ubuysa

The BSOD Doctor
Free word processing can be had via OpenOffice or LibreOffice - never ever have both installed at the same time though!

Macrium Reflect (free) for taking drive images.

KeePass for password protection and organisation.
 
SpyderTracks

SpyderTracks

We love you Ukraine
Ericburnard said:
So, after many months of research and waiting my shiny new PC will be arriving tomorrow. This is my first new desktop in over 16 years so I am a bit behind with benchmarks and checks, so, my question. What would you recommend to do with the computer before I start using it day to day, are there and specific tests I should do or things that may need "switching on"?
Click to expand...
I understand this as wanting benchmarking tools to determine if components are performing the way they should?

This is a very important topic, especially for gamers. This would be something we should create a sticky on.

For me, there are 4 main areas to test:

1. CPU - Aida 64 or Prime95. Each of these will stress slightly different instruction sets so worth running both.

2. GPU - First run Furmark, this is a torture test to make sure there’s no errors in the card, if the computer reboots or bsods, you know there’s an issue. Then there are a few decent tools that combine cpu and gpu such as Heaven, Firestrike.

3. SSD / HDD - CrystalDiskMark is a great tool to check drive speed throughput. Also, if you have an HDD, always run a chkdsk /r on it just to make sure there are no bad sectors (if there are it needs replacing).

4. RAM - MemTest86 will do a pass of the RAM to check for any failures. If any failures are found the RAM needs to be replaced.

Whilst performing any of these tests, monitor thermals of both GPU and CPU with HWMonitor or HWInfo (HWInfo is much more in depth). This ensures the overall cooling is optimal.

If you have a Corsair water cooler, well worth installing iCue which will allow you to see pumps and fans and set warning thresholds on the cooler.
 
AgentCooper

AgentCooper

At Least I Have Chicken
Moderator
SpyderTracks said:
I understand this as wanting benchmarking tools to determine if components are performing the way they should?

This is a very important topic, especially for gamers. This would be something we should create a sticky on.

For me, there are 4 main areas to test:

1. CPU - Aida 64 or Prime95. Each of these will stress slightly different instruction sets so worth running both.

2. GPU - First run Furmark, this is a torture test to make sure there’s no errors in the card, if the computer reboots or bsods, you know there’s an issue. Then there are a few decent tools that combine cpu and gpu such as Heaven, Firestrike.

3. SSD / HDD - CrystalDiskMark is a great tool to check drive speed throughput. Also, if you have an HDD, always run a chkdsk /r on it just to make sure there are no bad sectors (if there are it needs replacing).

4. RAM - MemTest86 will do a pass of the RAM to check for any failures. If any failures are found the RAM needs to be replaced.

Whilst performing any of these tests, monitor thermals of both GPU and CPU with HWMonitor or HWInfo (HWInfo is much more in depth). This ensures the overall cooling is optimal.

If you have a Corsair water cooler, well worth installing iCue which will allow you to see pumps and fans and set warning thresholds on the cooler.
Click to expand...


Yes yes yes, I think a sticky on this whole subject would be much appreciated. A 'what to do when your PC arrives' thread that gives some basic pointers to ensure they've got things set up adequately and some handy tips and tricks.
 
SpyderTracks

SpyderTracks

We love you Ukraine
AgentCooper said:
Yes yes yes, I think a sticky on this whole subject would be much appreciated. A 'what to do when your PC arrives' thread that gives some basic pointers to ensure they've got things set up adequately and some handy tips and tricks.
Click to expand...
Yeah, think that’s a really good idea. I’m still seeing double and reaching out for thin air when trying to grasp my coffee mug, when I’m more alive I’ll draw one up including links.
 
SpyderTracks

SpyderTracks

We love you Ukraine
SpyderTracks said:
I understand this as wanting benchmarking tools to determine if components are performing the way they should?

This is a very important topic, especially for gamers. This would be something we should create a sticky on.

For me, there are 4 main areas to test:

1. CPU - Aida 64 or Prime95. Each of these will stress slightly different instruction sets so worth running both.

2. GPU - First run Furmark, this is a torture test to make sure there’s no errors in the card, if the computer reboots or bsods, you know there’s an issue. Then there are a few decent tools that combine cpu and gpu such as Heaven, Firestrike.

3. SSD / HDD - CrystalDiskMark is a great tool to check drive speed throughput. Also, if you have an HDD, always run a chkdsk /r on it just to make sure there are no bad sectors (if there are it needs replacing).

4. RAM - MemTest86 will do a pass of the RAM to check for any failures. If any failures are found the RAM needs to be replaced.

Whilst performing any of these tests, monitor thermals of both GPU and CPU with HWMonitor or HWInfo (HWInfo is much more in depth). This ensures the overall cooling is optimal.

If you have a Corsair water cooler, well worth installing iCue which will allow you to see pumps and fans and set warning thresholds on the cooler.
Click to expand...
Thread with links created here: https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/foru...nd-tools-for-troubleshooting-new-build.71577/
 
E

Ericburnard

Bronze Level Poster
Legend. That is exactly what I was looking for :) Didn't want to get the computer set up with everything installed just to have a component not work how it should or then fail!

Thank you!
 
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