Is there an equivalent of Memtest86 for CPUs?
As it was said, ubcd4win with the integrated prime95 is a good solution.
For a lighter solution you could use this linux distribution: stresslinux
- stresslinux is a minimal linux distribution running from a bootable cdrom, usb, vmware or via PXE (wip).
- stresslinux makes use of some utitlities available on the net like: stress, cpuburn, hddtemp, lm_sensors, memtest386+ ...
- stresslinux is dedicated to users who want to test their system(s) entirely on high load and monitoring the health.
But you should be familiar with command line (& linux console) because it comes without a graphical user interface.
Update:You could also add .Net framework to ubcd4win to use IntelBurnTest (works with amd too) - I don't have it properly tested yet, but it should work
- Add the cab file for the .net framework:
plugins > add - Just uncompress IntelBurnTest in a directory like C:\My_UBCD4Win_Custom_Files and add this directory in
"Custom: (include files or folders from this directory)". If it doesn't work or you want to create shortcuts: you could find instructions & tools here "Robvdb how plugin" and "royalbox's barts pe plugin creator" here
You could use Ultimate Boot CD.
Download and burn the ISO into a CD or put the contents into a bootable thumb drive. Boot from the CD/thumb drive.
From the options which has several tools, you could select mainboard tools and then StressCPU test from there to stress test your CPU.
Check this, for the list of tools available in this ISO.
You can run something like BartPe. There is even a version that has the plugins already installed called UBCD4Win. Sure enough, they have Prime95 in there as well. And it can run from a USB stick. (Based on info here it appears the second method is the better/easier one. YMMV)
Enjoy, and happy computing!