How can I test for hardware failures in my computer?

Question:

How can I test for hardware failures in my computer?
Answer:

Click on one of the below links for the hardware device you're wanting to test. Or browse through the complete document if you're trying to diagnose if the computer has bad hardware.

Tip: Although hardware failures can occur with your computer, if it's encountering errors make sure you've exhausted all software troubleshooting. The majority of errors encountered on a computer are caused by software and/or hardware drivers and not a failing hardware device. See our basic troubleshooting section for a good starting point in troubleshooting your computer.

Computer hard drive (HDD)
Computer memory (RAM)
Computer motherboard & processor (CPU)
Computer power supply (PSU)
Computer CD/DVD disc drives

Computer hard drive (HDD)

Information and additional help with testing the computer hard disk drive can be found on document CH001091.

Computer memory (RAM)

Additional information and help with testing the computer memory in a computer can be found on document CH000708.

Computer motherboard & Processor (CPU)

Additional information on software programs capable of testing the computer motherboard can be found on document CH001089.

Computer power supply (PSU)

Although there are programs such as speedfan mentioned on document CH000100 to help monitor the voltage and power supplied to the fans in the computer there is no software utility to test the integrity of computer power supplies.

There are methods of testing the power connectors on a power supply using a multimeter. However, because of the potential damage that can be caused to the power supply, potentially the motherboard and other components connected to it, this information is not posted on Computer Hope. We suggest users who believe their power supply is failing or already bad simply replace it.

Computer CD/DVD disc drives

See document CH001090 for additional information about programs and methods of testing your CD-ROM, DVD, and other disc drives for hardware failures.
Additional information:

* See our CD, CPU, DVD, HDD, Motherboard, PSU, and RAM definition pages for additional information about each of these devices as well as related links.