TOP programs for computer diagnostics

Your computer has become faulty again, but you don't know what the problem is? Maybe you are thinking about selling your hardware, but collecting information with built-in applications takes a lot of time, and you would like to find a solution faster and easier? Then you can pay attention to computer diagnostic programs. We have compiled a small rating; all of them have already proven themselves to be reliable and fast help, so we can recommend them for work.

Pivot table

NamePurposeVersion/YearSpreadingWebsite
System utility allowing you to obtain information about all computer componentsv1.32.740Free / Paid PRO version DOWNLOAD
A system utility that allows you to obtain information about all computer components. As well as readings from the system’s temperature sensorsv5.86/2018Free DOWNLOAD
System utility, contains all necessary information about the computer. As well as a large number of PC performance and stability testsv5.97.4600/2018Shareware 30 days License ($39.95 for 3 PCs) DOWNLOAD
View characteristics of the processor, motherboard, memory (RAM), Benchmark and stress test of the processor.v1.85.0 / 2018Free DOWNLOAD

PerformanceTest

The system utility contains general information about the PC, as well as a large list of performance tests of both the system and individual elements v9.0 (Build 1025) / 2018 DOWNLOAD

HWMONITOR

Convenient utility for monitoring temperature sensors, fan speeds and system voltagev1.35/2018Free DOWNLOAD

SpeedFan

The utility monitors system temperature sensors and controls the speed of the PC's active cooling systemv4.52/2017Free DOWNLOAD
A comprehensive utility with great functionality. Contains information about system hardware, as well as installed softwarev8.3.0710/2018Shareware 30 days License ($19.00) DOWNLOAD

Memtest86+

Utility for testing the performance of random access memory (RAM)v5.01/2013Free DOWNLOAD

CrystalDiskInfo

Testing utility hard drives(HDD/SSD)v7.6.1/2018Free DOWNLOAD

Passmark Keyboard Test

Utility for testing the functionality of the data input device (keyboard)v3.2 (Build 1002) / 2017Shareware 30 days License ($29.00) DOWNLOAD

Monitor Test

Computer screen testing utilityv3.2 (Build 1006) / 2018Shareware 30 days License ($29.00) DOWNLOAD

Why is it necessary to monitor your PC system?

Any computer and laptop is a complex machine that every second performs many processes from displaying a picture on the screen to writing a letter pressed on the keyboard. That is why it is important to constantly monitor the condition of your device, noticing problems that arise in the operation in time, because one incorrectly functioning element can break the operation of the entire machine.

Programs that conduct a complete diagnostic of the entire PC help to track incorrect operation.. As an example, they can determine how much memory is installed on your laptop, as well as the type of memory and the number of slots. Why do you need this information?

The computer technician will tell you that this will help you find a new, more suitable RAM. With new data you will be able to understand whether you need to change motherboard, whether to add memory, whether to install a more powerful processor, whether to buy an additional hard drive. Some utilities will monitor the temperature of the processors to tell you if the thermal paste needs to be replaced to avoid overheating. In general, all diagnostic type applications will help you find out why your PC or a specific installed program is not working. To understand which utility to install for you, it remains to learn more about each of our ratings.

Diagnostic highlights

Inexperienced PC users are sure that they will not be able to cope with the problems that have arisen, and immediately run to computer specialists and service centers without trying to figure it out yourself. However, it is enough to find out what problems may occur with your computer in order to find out what the problem is and solve it on your own.

The following may interfere with the operation of your computer or laptop:

  • Overheating of chips and connectors due to dust
  • Severe oxidation of contacts
  • Incorrect grounding
  • Unstable operation of the power supply
  • Overheating of PC components due to excessive cooling
  • Burnout of components due to overvoltage or power surge

The reports that any utility will produce will tell you exactly where non-standard parameters are observed. Also, if the situation is clearly beyond your capabilities, you can take the diagnostic result to the specialist or send it by email.

If you are experiencing incorrect work only one element, then it’s worth downloading a utility whose work is aimed at analyzing its performance. For example, for graphics cards, it is important that the benchmark still evaluates the PC's performance. And to analyze the performance of hard drives, you will have to compare the results with the characteristics of drives on other devices.

Description of diagnostic programs: top 12 leaders

We've picked everything necessary tools presented on the Internet. The programs have different purposes and a variety of functionality, you just have to find the best option for you. Remember that sometimes it is necessary to install several programs at once in order to carry out not only a general scan of the computer, but testing and comparison with analogues.

AIDA64

Utility tariff plans

AIDA64

It is often found on the devices of specialists and computer technicians, because it provides comprehensive and reliable information about components, OS, other installed programs, network and external devices. This program conducts a complete diagnostic of the computer, collecting the necessary system data, but tests individual elements, including RAM, helping to configure parameters for optimal operation.

This utility will be very convenient for those who are not very versed in hardware: all the information provided is located on the right in a separate panel, and it is also intuitively structured according to the main parameters.

This utility is good because it performs the functions of a benchmark. that is, it determines the power of the processor and video card and compares it with data from other models. She can also determine installed drivers and even search for their latest versions if necessary.

AIDA64 makes it possible to monitor the system in real time to monitor the load on key system nodes. Review reports are issued as a document that can be saved in any format. The reports themselves, as well as the program interface, have been translated into Russian, which will allow even an amateur to work with the program. By the way, you can install AIDA64 not only on any version of Windows, but also on mobile gadgets on Android, iOS and Windows Phone. Unfortunately, the utility is not free, but it does have a demo version, albeit a rather limited one.

Speccy

Official site

Speccy

Now Speccy is the most effective program for obtaining detailed reports on the operation of the system, although it has not yet gained much popularity on the Internet. It is free and supported on all Windows models from XP to 10. This utility allows you to find out the necessary data about the processor, memory, video card, hard drive and installed operating system, and it provides complete information in an extremely convenient form, so that even a beginner can understand it. For example, with its help you can see the number of RAM slots and decide whether you need to upgrade your PC.

What is important, Speccy not only helps to obtain information from temperature measurement sensors, but also suggests ways to correct connection errors or easily install a ventilation system.

The program works in such a way that upon startup it scans the entire computer. It weighs very little, so we recommend downloading it, even if there is no need for it now: it will allow you to control the heating of your PC, quickly make a list of components, and even monitor the list of drivers needed for installation.

By the way, the data is saved in TXT formats and XML, so that in case of a breakdown you can show the report to the specialist. Don’t forget that the developers of Speccy are the creators of CCleaner and Defraggler, which in itself is a guarantee of quality and stable operation.

HWiNFO

Program website

HWiNFO

HWiNFO is a program used mainly by professionals and hardware experts. It is necessary for everyone who delves into the depths hardware, because it provides all the information about each important element. In addition to PC analysis, it is suitable for obtaining data about outdated equipment, old BIOSes, video cards, and so on. It also helps to compare the performance of hardware components not only with standard indicators, but also with the characteristics of popular analogues.

The main functionality of the utility includes:

  • Recognition of microprocessors with determination of their parameters
  • FSB frequency calculation
  • Testing processors, memory and disks
  • Obtaining data about the motherboard and BIOS
  • Reading information from SPD
  • Identification of a large variety of video accelerators

And this is not a complete list of possibilities. In general, HWiNFO allows you to obtain information about almost everything except, perhaps, drivers. She saves all received data in a log., so that in the future they can be obtained and used. By the way, you can constantly monitor parameters for some element by installing tray icons.

CPU-Z

Official site

CPU-Z

It's simple free program , allowing you to quickly receive important technical information about the basic elements of a computer. The utility is distributed in two versions, differing in the need for installation, but in terms of performance they are approximately the same.

CPU-Z can determine:

  • Model, number of cores, architecture and processor socket
  • Voltage, frequency, cache and processor multiplier
  • Motherboard brand and model
  • BIOS version and memory type
  • Volume, type and frequency of RAM
  • Name, type and capacity of the video card

The main advantage for Russian speakers is the ability to obtain accurate characteristics in Russian. Of course, the design of CPU-Z is quite sparse, but for applications of this type it is not important, and minimalism does not complicate the perception of information.

The only real disadvantage is the inability to determine the processor temperature. But in contrast they go good speed computer scanning and reliability of the utility.

HWMonitor

Program website

HWMonitor

Simple, clear and most importantly absolutely free utility.

With which you can monitor the readings of temperature sensors motherboard, CPU temperature, hard temperature disk, voltage in the circuit.

As well as the battery capacity and the degree of its wear. The program shows three columns: minimum, average and peak values.

PerformanceTest

Official site

PerformanceTest

This tool is slightly different from previous options - it is a set of tests for assessing PC performance. As a result of each testing, the program collects characteristics that it compares with those of similar devices. Latest version This utility contains 27 functions that differ in their association with a specific category. Several can be highlighted:

  • For the processor - compression, encryption and computation speed
  • For a video card that evaluates the quality of displaying two- and three-dimensional graphics and animation, as well as compatibility with DirectX and its analogues
  • For hard drive, where you can test writing, reading and speed of information retrieval
  • For disk drives
  • For RAM

There are many more functions, in addition, the user can create five of his own tests. By the way, the program saves test reports in many standard formats from HTML to Docx. They can be sent by email address, or paste into any text editor and print.

Very noteworthy is the ability to import tests into another application and insert them into the site code. It is important to note that PerformanceTest is only shareware, but it can be easily downloaded and activated on many file hosting services. It works on all versions of Windows from XP to 10.

CrystalDiskMark

Program website

CrystalDiskMark

Another program designed to conduct tests and analyze the read and write speed of a hard drive. CrystalDiskMark uses test files ranging in size from 50 MB to 32 GB, and by running them, the utility reveals the average disk speed. To identify accurate performance indicators, it performs several checks at once, the number of which you personally specify before starting testing. In the settings section, you can choose the data type, intervals between tests, queue sizes and number of threads.

The program is free, Russified and suitable for any Windows versions. It is very small in size, so it downloads quickly and takes up almost no space.

CrystalDiskMark provides results in a convenient format. Of course, data on the average speed of reading and writing “hard” is unlikely to be of interest to an amateur, but a professional can easily understand the reporting. By the way, the more tests the program runs, the more average results you will get.


Hard disk information

All Windows operating systems have a helper command msconfig , which launches System Setup. It is used to control the boot process of the computer, but it can be used to exclude individual drivers, services and programs from the boot process, which sometimes helps to start a computer that for some reason refuses to do so. In addition to troubleshooting problems in the settings of this program, you can also change the system configuration.

Utility for setting up your computer

Before changing any settings, create at least a point. Otherwise, it may happen that your system is simply . Of course, this shouldn’t happen, but you never know...

Built-in system configuration utility

The easiest way to run the program is from command line (StartExecute ). You can also simply press two keys on your keyboard at the same time to launch it. Win+R .

In field Open enter the program file name msconfig , and click the button below OK .


A program window will open System Setup .


  • To set a special boot mode, go to the tab Are common set switch Selective launch . This activates the checkboxes (below), with which you can enable or disable the use of separate files bootstrap. If you do not understand what this or that function is intended for, then it is better not to experiment (at least on your computer). Using a button Extract file you can select and restore an individual damaged system file. And with the help of a button Run System Restore you can restore system parameters before installing any driver, game or program;
  • Settings files system. ini And win.ini - this is a legacy of older versions Windows systems. They can be blocked.
  • Settings file boot. ini contains basic parameters bootstrap. They can be temporarily changed. You can return to the old version by setting the desired switch on the tab Are common .
  • On the tab Services here is a list of Windows XP services that can be started at startup operating system. You can prohibit or allow startup for each service individually. This setting does not affect the ability to start or stop the service at other times.


  • The tab lists the programs that are launched during bootup. Among them there are those that are included in the folder. Here you can enable or disable automatic start programs. All objects on different tabs of the window have checkboxes. If the checkbox is enabled, then the object participates in system loading; if not, then it is ignored. Disabling some programs from startup greatly increases the boot speed of the operating system.


The main task that a computer diagnostic program performs is to obtain as much information as possible about the software and hardware of the device.

It is used to determine whether there are enough resources to run a particular application, check system characteristics, components and their condition.

Such programs are especially important for a person who, for whatever reason, needs to know the parameters of someone else’s computer and to correct errors.

The need for system monitoring

Applications that can be used to diagnose the system are necessary to obtain important information which will help:

  1. Determine how much memory is installed on your computer, its type and number of slots. After this, it will be much easier to choose a new suitable RAM or conclude that it is worth replacing the entire motherboard or computer (laptop);
  2. Understand exactly how to prepare for the release of the expected game - add memory, install a more powerful processor, purchase additional HDD or video card;
  3. Determine GPU and CPU temperatures, revealing need to replace thermal paste ;
  4. Find out why they don't work installed programs and the computer freezes - due to incorrect drivers, insufficient video memory or hardware failure.

CPU-Z

The program, distributed free of charge, has an unpretentious interface and allows you to obtain technical information about almost all elements of the computer:

  • Processor (including its model, architecture, socket, voltage, frequency, multiplier, cache size and number of cores);
  • Motherboard (brand, model, BIOS version, supported memory types);
  • RAM (volume, type and frequency);

The main advantages of the application are the ability to obtain detailed and accurate information in Russian about all components of the system.

This can be useful for professional users and hobbyists.

Among the disadvantages is the inability to determine the temperature of the processors.

Speccy

Another free program makes it possible to obtain detailed information about all the main components and software, starting from the processor and board, ending RAM and optical discs.

In addition, using Speccy, you can obtain data from temperature measurement sensors, finding ways to correct connection errors or installation of the ventilation system.

Naturally, the application also determines the number of RAM slots, which can be an important factor in determining the need and possibilities for upgrading a computer.

And when preparing a device for sale, Speccy can be used to quickly compile a list of components.

After all, although built-in utilities allow you to do almost the same thing, it will take more time, and you won’t be able to find out some data.

It is worth noting that the program developers are the authors of such useful software as .

And among its advantages they note:

  • Clear and practical interface;
  • Quick access to important information;
  • No need to install an application, which may be necessary, for example, if you do not have access to account administrator;
  • Ability to monitor the selected parameter in real time by setting it as a tray icon;
  • Launch simultaneously with the system;
  • Free access.

HWiNFO

Thanks to system application HWiNFO, you can get maximum useful information about the system.

And also compare the performance of individual hardware components with standard parameters and indicators of popular analogues.

In addition, the program allows you to create reports that can be used to compare the performance of individual PC elements.

All the information is quite detailed, but only concerns the equipment - you won’t be able to find out about the drivers using it.

However, this drawback is practically the only one, since the application is capable of collecting data about any devices, including even outdated equipment (for example, IDE and dial-up modems), old BIOS and video cards of any type.

In addition, the application can also test processors, memory and disks. The data obtained as a result of the test can be stored in logs.

And you can control individual parameters using tray icons, which change periodically.

AIDA64 Extreme

Its name can be deciphered as System Info for Windows.

It has small size and a simplified interface that resembles standard Windows utilities and is capable of providing all the information most necessary for the user.

For example, using SIW you can find out about latest updates systems, obtain data about system files or folders, as well as about drivers, running processes and services.

Moreover, in a more detailed form than the “Task Manager” allows you to do.

For commercial or enterprise use, a license must be purchased.

conclusions

The number of programs for checking hardware and operating systems is quite large.

New applications are almost constantly being created to help monitor computer parameters and hardware faults.

But the programs presented in the list allow you to do this as efficiently as possible by installing only 2-3 applications, and not a whole dozen.

This saves time and avoids downloading. extra files from the network, risking accidentally introducing a virus onto your computer.

In addition, if there is no access to the network, Windows has a number of utilities that will also allow you to find out some parameters.

Video material: