OCCT

OCCT (OverClock Checking Tool), developed by OCBASE, is a versatile and powerful utility designed to stress-test and monitor PC components, particularly in overclocking scenarios.



Initially conceived for overclockers, it has become a go-to tool for gamers, hardware enthusiasts, and IT professionals looking to diagnose stability and thermal issues in their systems. The software supports testing of CPUs, GPUs, power supplies, and memory, providing real-time monitoring and detailed reports on system performance.

It stands out with its user-friendly interface and efficient performance analysis. It is available in both a free version and a premium version with extended features. The tool is popular for its robust capabilities and consistent updates, making it a reliable option for users seeking to optimize or troubleshoot their hardware.

OCCT is a free stability checking tool that was created back in 2003 and was regularly updated since. It enables you to fully test your computer's stability, using 4 different tests: CPU:OCCT and CPU:Linpack aimed at testing the CPU, GPU:3D for the GPU stability, and Power Supply, a combination of CPU:Linpack and GPU:3D to fully load your Power Supply. Benchmark your Windows Computer's CPU now!



What`s New in Version 13

Get ready for the new Combined Test, enabling you to run multiple tests simultaneously, generating thousands of variations to determine if your settings are perfectly stable.

Experience the revolutionary Latency & Bandwidth benchmark—and the best part? It’s completely free!

Each test can be run indefinitely, or for a fixed amount of time. You can even include an idle period at the beginning or at the end of a test, to better see how your computer's temperature rise from an IDLE state to fully loaded, and the other way round.

OCCT benchmark tool also embeds a monitoring engine, giving you complete readings of the computers inner temperatures, voltages, and fan speed, and displays them both in graphs plotted in real-time and at the end of a test. If you are worried about performance with the real-time graphs, don't: even if they are really light, just hiding the graph panel will stop them from refreshing.

The app even protects your computer from overheating or damage by including alarms you can customize for every sensor: once you go above (or below) the alarm value for temperature, voltage, or fan speed, the test will stop to protect your computer.

Highlights

• Up to 16-core support (for instance, up to a Quad-Kentsfield or an Octo-Conroe )
• Customizable tests ( Duration, Priority, CPU, or RAM, ... )
• CPU and Motherboard detection
• Monitoring support through 3rd party application ( i.e. MBM5, Speedfan and Everest Ultimate Edition 3.50 or above )
• Can produce graphs showing temperature and voltages during the test
• Multi-language support

Key Features

CPU Stress Testing: It can put your processor through intensive workloads, helping you evaluate its stability at stock or overclocked speeds.

GPU Stress Testing: For gamers and content creators, testing the limits of the graphics card is crucial. It includes options to stress test both DirectX and OpenGL environments.

Power Supply Testing: It helps users identify potential issues with their PSU (Power Supply Unit) by running specific tests designed to stress the PSU, ensuring it can handle the load under intense conditions.

Memory Stress Testing: By running intensive read/write operations, it can verify if your RAM is functioning correctly under heavy usage.

Monitoring & Reporting: Real-time monitoring of all components, with the ability to track temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, and other performance metrics. It provides detailed charts and logs for deeper analysis.

Customizable Test Scenarios: Users can configure tests to meet their specific needs, adjusting the duration, intensity, and which components to test.

Error Detection: The software detects errors during stress tests, helping users pinpoint faulty components or configurations.

Multi-Platform Support: The tool is compatible with both Intel and AMD processors, as well as NVIDIA and AMD GPUs.

User Interface

It offers a sleek, intuitive interface that is well-organized and easy to navigate. The main dashboard provides quick access to the most common tests and monitoring tools, making it simple for both beginners and advanced users to jump right into diagnostics.



Each module, from CPU to GPU to Power Supply, has its own dedicated tab, where the user can configure tests and view real-time data. The graphical displays for monitoring are clear and provide a comprehensive look at performance over time, with customizable options for zooming in on specific data.

Installation and Setup

Installing this program is straightforward. The software is available for download on the official OCBASE website or FileHorse, where users can choose between the free and premium versions. The file size is relatively small, and the installation process typically takes only a few minutes.

After installation, the software automatically detects the hardware components in the system and configures the tests accordingly. Users can start a test with just a few clicks, and there’s no need for extensive setup or tweaking, though more advanced users can dive into the settings to fine-tune each test for more specific use cases.

How to Use

Launching the Software: Upon opening OCCT, users are greeted with a dashboard where they can select the type of test they wish to run—CPU, GPU, Power, or Memory.

Choosing a Test: Click on the relevant tab (e.g., "CPU") to access the configuration options. Users can choose between different stress test types (e.g., small FFTs for CPU testing) and set the duration and load.

Running a Test: After selecting your test parameters, simply hit the "Start" button. The test will begin immediately, and real-time monitoring data will be displayed.



Monitoring Performance: Throughout the test, it provides real-time feedback on temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds. Users can stop the test at any point if they observe dangerous thermal levels.

Reviewing Results: Once the test is complete, it generates detailed reports on system performance and highlights any errors detected during the test. Users can save these reports for future reference.

FAQ

Can OCCT damage my hardware?
No, this tool is designed to push your hardware to its limits but within safe parameters. However, overclocking inherently carries risks, so ensure your cooling system is adequate.

What’s the difference between the free and premium versions?
The free version of OCCT provides basic stress tests and monitoring. The premium version includes more advanced features like extended tests, additional monitoring capabilities, and more frequent updates.

How long should I run stress tests?
For quick diagnostics, a 10-30 minute test is usually sufficient. For more thorough analysis, running tests for 1-2 hours is recommended.

Does OCCT support multi-core CPUs?
Yes, it supports multi-core CPUs and allows users to stress test all cores simultaneously or select specific cores for testing.

Is OCCT suitable for beginners?
Yes, this program is beginner-friendly due to its intuitive interface and automated test configurations. Advanced users also have the option to fine-tune settings for more detailed analysis.

Alternatives

Prime95: A popular alternative for CPU stress testing, especially for stability checks during overclocking.

FurMark: Specializes in GPU stress testing, pushing the graphics card to its thermal limits to evaluate performance.

AIDA64: A comprehensive system diagnostics tool with stress testing features for CPUs, memory, and GPUs.

IntelBurnTest: A high-intensity CPU stress tester known for its ability to quickly detect system instability.

MemTest86: A tool specifically designed for diagnosing memory-related issues.

Pricing

It offers a free version with core features, but for users looking for more advanced functionality, the premium version is available for €10 per year.

The premium version includes extended test options, more detailed monitoring features, and better support for multi-GPU systems.

Unlock the ultimate in quality control with our cloud-powered solution: OCCT ENTERPRISE+

• Streamline Workflows: Manage all your quality control activities from a single, cloud-powered platform.
• Custom Certificates: Create and publicize tailored certificates with ease.
• Remote Diagnostics: Initiate and manage diagnostics remotely, ensuring quick and effective troubleshooting.
• Comprehensive Tracking: Keep a meticulous record of every test performed, all within one centralized hub.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7 (64-bit recommended)
• Processor: Intel or AMD CPU
• GPU: NVIDIA or AMD GPU (for GPU stress testing)
• Memory: 2 GB RAM minimum (4 GB recommended)
• Storage: 100 MB of available disk space

PROS

• Easy-to-use interface
• Comprehensive stress tests for CPU, GPU, memory, and PSU
• Real-time monitoring with detailed reports
• Customizable test parameters
• Regular updates

CONS

• Free version lacks advanced features
• Stress testing can cause high temperatures, so proper cooling is essential
• Premium features may not be necessary for casual users

Conclusion

OCCT by OCBASE is a powerful and reliable tool for stress testing and diagnosing PC hardware. Whether you’re an overclocker pushing your system to its limits or a user looking to ensure system stability, OCCT provides an intuitive and feature-rich environment for monitoring and testing.

With real-time data and customizable options, OCCT offers flexibility and control, making it suitable for both novice and advanced users alike. Its premium version unlocks even more potential, though the free version is more than enough for most users' needs.

Note: For personal use only.