Best Hardware level diagnostic?

[TangleWeb]

I'm looking for input on the best hardware level diagnostic available. I am a small computer consultant and can not afford $300 for one of the big guns.

I would like it to check CMOS Ram & Cache memory, in adition to hard drives, etc.

I've used trouble shooter, but it is pricey! My version doesn't detect newer Pentiums, etc.

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Dave

[radio89]

try sandra this is a great diagnostic program
go to alstalavisa and do your serch

[TangleWeb]

Thanks Radio! I'll give Sandra a try.

I've had several inexpensive socket 7 Motherboards that had bad CMOS RAM. Took a while to troubleshoot. It would be nice if it accurately checked Serial & Parallel ports with a loop back plug also.

While I'm making a wish list, how about a memory diagnostic that tests ram the way Windows uses it. I've used Troubleshooter and Ram Exam, by Qualitas. Both passed memory that Windows didn't like, as proven by the old substitution method. (like chip, by the way. I didn't replace EDO with Fast Page, or anything)

It would be great if it tested the integrated components of the Motherboard too, like drive controllers, clock chip, etc.

POSTSCRIPT: I found a Diagnostic on CNET (www.download.com) called BCM Diagnostic. It's shareware and looks pretty thorough. It's put out by motherboard mfg. BCM, they use it to test and develop motherboards. May be just what I've been looking for! Now to find out if it works from a boot floppy... I'll post more on this later.


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Dave

[pcshark]

I'm always trying new things, mostly utes I've found around here (-:
I like the BCM diagnostic suite. It's pretty comprehensive, and gives a fairly accurate diagnostic in a GUI environment. However, you cannot run it from a boot diskette. It's strictly a Windows GUI and comes in four diskettes that you have to install on the machine. I prefer diags you can run from a boot diskette myself. After all, what good is the best diagnostic in the world if it runs in Windows only and if you can't even get Windows to boot?
The good boot diagnostics are a little pricey. My favorite, the one I won't leave the shop without, is the MicroScope from Micro2000. It comes with a little diagnostic kit, and the deluxe edition even comes with a PCI POST code and IRQ LED display. (http://www.micro2000.com)

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R. Bret Walker, CNE

[TangleWeb]

Thanks Bret!

I was afraid that was the case. Like everything else, you get what you pay for. Being in the business full time, I guess I just need to buy a full version and be done. The post reader card would be really helpful.

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Dave

[CyberTech]

I've tried several shareware/trial versions of various diagnostic utilities. The one I now use regularly (Diags95) isn't a commercial program. You can download it from the authors homepage at: http://members.hyperlink.net.au/~chart/

It does almost everything that the expensive commercial utes do, and is completely free!

[TangleWeb]

Thanks CyberTech!

I downloaded all of his free utilities. These are just what the Dr. ordered! Now all I need is a Post Card Reader.

Now that I'm working as a Systems Support Analyst, administering & supporting Windows NT I have less occasion to do hardware level support. (We buy support contracts for our Compaq PC's) I still do independant consulting, so I'm still inside the case of PC's frequently.

Again, thanks for the link! I hope others read this. I think this is a great resource.

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Dave Sparks,
Systems Support Analyst