SUMMARY: Versatile software tool for serious PC hardware trouble shooting and burn-in.

UXD was nice enough to send a sample of their Quick Tech Personal system diagnostic software suite. This is a software version that contains some of the test routines found in Quick Tech Pro. It does not have all of the features that are built into QuickTech Pro, such as the ability to save results, network testing and SCSI support. Similar to Quick Tech Pro, you can boot-up the test routines directly without the OS, although you can run tests also from the OS (running DOS). The test suite has multiple uses - it's not only for debugging.

If you mention Overclockers.com when you call-in, you can purchase QuickTech Personal for only $79.00 - a saving of 38%. Also included is a free QuickTech Personal CDROM version of the software.

Package Contents:

• QuickTech Personal Bootable Diskette
• QuickTech Personal Bootable CDROM
• 2 - 9 pin Serial Loopback
• 1 - 25 pin LPT/COM Loopback
• Technician Certified Labels
• Resource CDROM

QuickTech Personal performs the following:

• System Configuration Information: On screen details about a systems configuration including CPU, math coprocessor, video, parallel and serial ports, floppy drive and hard drive specifications.

• RTC/CMOS RAM Tests: Performs a memory data and address test on the systems Real-Time Clock/CMOS RAM; plus tests all CMOS functions and Interrupt generation.

• Base and Extended RAM Tests: Tests base RAM up to 640 kb and extended RAM up to two gigabytes using up to 9 multiple pattern testing algorithms.

• External Cache RAM Tests: Performs cache detection, sizing and a low-level memory data and address test on the systems external cache.

• Hard Drive Tests: Provides a series of non-destructive tests including controller, seek and read tests to check a drive's overall condition. All IDE drive types are tested.

• Floppy Drive Tests: Provides a series of tests to verify a system's floppy drives are functioning properly including read and write tests and rotation speed test.

• CD-ROMs: Complete testing and benchmarking of EIDE CD-ROMs; direct testing without the need for drivers etc.

• Video Tests: Tests various color and alignment attributes of a SVGA /EGA video card, color monitor, plus tests graphics and text modes supported by a VESA-compliant video card.

• Parallel and Serial Port Test: Performs internal and external loop-back tests on active LPT and COM ports.

• Printer Test: Tests one or more printers connected to the system under test at the active LPT ports.

• I/O Port Monitor: Byte-level display utility that provides quick address identification for all active ports. Helps troubleshoot address conflicts and locate unused addresses when installing option cards.

Basically, whatever you want to know about a system or to test any component can most likely be handled by Quick Tech Personal. In addition, the rigorous test routines are perfect for a full system burn-in. Running something like Prime95 only exercises a portion of the system; Quick Tech Pro's test suite stress tests just about everything that can be tested (note that tests are sequential). As a burn-in tool, it can run for as long as you wish - I've run full system tests for 24 hours; it it's going to blow, it should show up by then.