Is there a lite method of testing new builds?

[YoungMan]

Normally I would install Windows to run prime95 after memtest. But is there a way to skip that Windows part? Looking for something that could boot off a USB or not require an OS installation to stress the CPU.

 

[_dangtx_]

Ultimate Boot CD - Overview

you can prime it from there, or run a livecd or wprime it at boot.

still, its not as good as prime+3dmark or such looping. but better than nothing i guess.

 

[YoungMan]

Ah, yes. Can't believe I forgot about UBCD. Thanks bro

 

[ilya]

Probably never heard of this, but if you're good with Linux, this is even better than UBCD. Not very user friendly for non Linux users though.
Stresslinux

 

[sswilson]

I've spent years looking for a good full featured Linux distro for stress testing, and looked at stresslinux (pretty sure that was the distro) a few years back. The biggest issue linux neophytes (like myself) run into aren't the stress testing programs, it's the monitoring software for temps. Maybe it's improved over the years, but Im_Sensors was a major PITA to get working.

If you're not OCing, and aren't overly concerned with temps, I'd go with UBCD.

 

[_dangtx_]

nice refind. havent checked that one in a while, getting the newest version. as for temps, take a look in bios at idle, add up to 30-35c for load and be good