Bought a new computer, upgraded components or just want to fine-tune your PC? Start by selecting the right overclocking software and configuration. In this article we will review the most popular and convenient tools for monitoring temperatures, voltages and power consumption, as well as software for testing the stability of settings and benchmarks.

Part 1: Computer information

CPU-Z – shows all the necessary information, firstly, about the CPU (stepping, frequency, multiplier), secondly, about the motherboard, the version of the bios and even knows how to compare the power of the CPU with the built-in benchmark.

GPU-Z is the same thing, only about the graphics card. In addition to data on the graphics chip and memory chips, the utility can show data from temperature sensors, voltages and power consumption. There is also a built-in overclocking test to check the graphics card.

HWInfo is the only adequate tool in capable hands to simultaneously monitor any PC data. Processor frequency, all voltages, fan speeds, RAM timings, all graphics card information in one window. It has a fully customizable interface.

AIDA64 is also one of the most powerful tools for iron monitoring, but not as convenient as the above mentioned utilities. However, overclockers love this program for a few exclusive tests. Namely, RAM tests and system stability tests.

Part 2. Stability testing

LinX is the most demanding test for components. Literally roasting for PC. However, it shows well the weaknesses in cooling, the lack of voltage, not only on the CPU, but also on RAM.

Prime95 is an excellent stability test, less demanding on iron reliability, but it also tests longer than LinX.

OCCT is an equally high quality utility for checking CPU overclocking for stability. It is able to test and monitor simultaneously.

FurMark – the oldest tool, but still relevant. It tests the graphics card on a par with LinX for the processor. Heats it up to the max, use it only with good cooling.

TestMem5 is one of the best tools for RAM acceleration testing so far. Of course, if you use popular profiles from anta777, which can be found in the RAM acceleration topic.

Part 3. Benchmarks

Cinebench R20 – basic benchmark for CPU overclockers. It sets a real task for CPU to draw virtual models. The utility is used by CPU manufacturers to visually compare products in tasks close to real ones.

3DMark is the main benchmark for checking the performance of the entire platform, but with a focus on graphics. It also knows how to test for stability and many interesting things.

Geekbench 5 is a new version of the well-known complex benchmark for PC. It also has a set of tasks similar to the real ones.

CrystalDiskMark is testing tool of the speed of disks. The interface is very clear, no comments are needed.

Such a set of utilities is enough to configure the basic components of a PC “turnkey” and test the performance of the overclocked system.