Setting computer up

[Gabb]

So before I actually get to setting my computer up, besides 3dmark benchmarks to test my gfx card, are there any tests I should know about to test the ram and possibly the HD? I know about memtest for the ram, but looking over there site it seems kind of confusing ( I don't have a floppy drive btw for my new system, but I do have a USB key, but have the Vista OS ). Anyone recommend any other programs? Or maybe a walkthrough for friggin memtest

 

[Hefemeister]

memtest has iso images to create a bootable cd rom. check the free download page of Memtest86.com - Memory Diagnostic

 

[Gabb]

memtest has iso images to create a bootable cd rom. check the free download page of Memtest86.com - Memory Diagnostic

yeah I went to that website...doesn't really provide a lot of info, will the bootable cd work with the start up of vista?

 

[Hefemeister]

memtest boots and runs without windows. Once you have run it for a long enough time to confirm your RAM is good you will pull out the disk resart the computer and go into windows. It does not run inside windows. Just download the ISO. use a program i.e. Nero to burn it to a cd. pop the cd in making sure the cd is set higher in the boot order than you hd and watch the magic.

 

[Gabb]

any other hardware tests I need to know about?