New system testing - M17x-r2

I finally received my R2 after waiting for 14 weeks. I have a small window of time before I will be leaving home for a few weeks. I would like to know if there are software programs out there that will push it to its limits to see if something is going to fail before I leave.

I have heard of Furmark and Prime95...what else should I be looking at to get a good idea of its capabilities as well as check to see if anything isn't working properly? All I have done is boot it up at this point. I want to fully run it through its paces before I go so if something isn't right, I can have it fixed before leaving. I am not much of a gamer, so just playing something isn't really going to stress the system.

 

That checks the CPU and GPUs. The other major things to check are USB ports (make sure they all recognize a device such as a memory stick if you plug it in) and you will want to check system memory. The diagnostic disc that comes with the system should be able to test that. I'd also do a dead pixel test (also available on the diagnostic disc).

 

Should I use the memory test that came with the computer or Memtest? I not only want to test to make sure everything works, but also want to work them under a good load so if something is going to give issue, it will happen before I leave.

I have heard there are different versions of Furmark, which do I use? I have the dual ATI 4870's. (I have no experience with this program, never heard of it until coming here. I have used 3dmark06...)

 

Furmark installs 2 executables. You want FurMark Multi-GPU. The memory test on the diagnostic disc is pretty thorough, but you could also check out Memtest86.

 

Anything else you would recommend? I have followed your other thread on the R1 so I trust you know what your doing.

 

Might want to do a full run on battery and make sure it has the correct life on a charge and make sure it fully recharges. Obviously the physical inspection that nothing is loose or broken on the body or the screen hinge. Other than that.. think I've pretty much covered it other than using it to break it in.

 

I ran Furmark Multi-GPU and got the following...

FurMark - OpenGL benchmark and graphics card stability test - Score | oZone3D.Net

Does that seem right? The summary shows that only 1 GPU was active... In the CCC, Crossfire was enabled. As I am typing this, with each keystroke, the screen is blipping...that is new.

 

Screen blipping gone, might have happened when I confirmed CF enabled (turned it off, then back on). 3DMark06 downloading.

Funny you mentioned doing a battery drain... So far, the computer is in a perpetual state of charging. I assume you just unplug it and let the computer run to drain the battery? I almost always run with the AC adapter, but when I am gone, there will be times when I will be on battery...

 

I haven't benchmarked with FurMark - it's part of the stuttering problem with the R1 that I'm in contact with Dell about.

Yes, just let the computer run down on battery doing normal usage and make sure it's not shutting down after a very short period of time. I use mine on battery at all times, too, but it's good to know that it does work before you get out of warranty. Dell only warranties batteries for 1 year, regardless of your system warranty length.

 

You have been a great help Elkay, thank you. Running 3dmark06 now...hope I can at least out-score my 4 year old desktop...my R1 couldn't...

 

Hmm... This seems low to me. 11358 3DMark06. Going to run Vantage next.

My config...
CF 4870
4g RAM 1333
i7-820
7200rpm 500g RAID 0
W7 Ultimate 64bit

 

Make sure you're not in stealth mode.

 

I am not. Have Wattos' little app...definitely not in SM. Vantage is running now, very slow going.

(I am on my desktop writing all this as the laptop works)

 

Got P6185 (CPU 12485, GPU 5294) for Vantage. Any ideas why I am this low?

 

Crossfire isn't working. You can expect about P11,300 in Vantage and 15,000+ in 3dMark06 with your configuration in normal operations.

 

So, what is my next step? In CCC, CFX is enabled. Device manager see's two 4870's. I have tried to update to the most recent drivers, but it won't do it. Will have to try the old school way and manually do that. (I have the same experience that The Revelator has helped in a few different threads, uninstall using the software, reboot and install and for whatever reason, the 11/2009 Dell drivers come back).

 

I've only dealt with SLI, so I'm not much help here. Sorry. :-(

EDIT: Actually - and I'm not 100% certain how you could test this without opening it up and looking, but it's possible your crossfire cable is missing, loose or faulty. I don't know if the ATI control panel will still allow you to set Crossfire enabled without that bridge, but if it does then that's a possibility. That's the only thing I can think of.

 

One easy check -- be sure AI is enabled in CCC; otherwise CF won't work. If it is enabled, I agree with Elkay. You probably need to go inside.

 

I was afraid of that. I am going to do a reinstall of everything and see if it works that way. If it does not, then I know I need to go and pull it apart. Thanks for the help folks. This is my first ATI system, so I feel like I am in the dark half the time.

 

lol ME2 im waiting for my R2 replacment, not use to ATI at all! ill probs be making posts about checking Crossfire! as when i got my 280's the sli wasnt working from day one!! and had to get replacement 2 days later. so I Pray to GOD that i got no issues when i recieve it! i just hope my replacement isnt being built with old 'fixed' hardware

 

If you load up catalyst control center and use the Advanced settings..click on Graphics tab (top left) and then select Crossfire X...is there a tick in Enable Crossfire?

 

You could also confirm Crossfire is running (according to the drivers) by using GPU-Z.

 

Crossfire is enabled in CCC and it shows it as enabled according to GPU-Z. It begs the question, with two cards in the system, would it show as enabled with a faulty CF ribbon cable? Won't get to do any work on it until tonight. I will try any and all suggestions though.