Question What tools do you use for troubleshooting PC hardware ?

[emily1221]

Hey Tom’s Hardware community

I've recently gotten more into DIY PC builds and hardware troubleshooting — and while I’ve picked up a few go-to tools and tricks, I’m curious to hear what others rely on when diagnosing issues.
For example, I usually start with:

• Google to check error codes or look up component-specific issues
• MemTest86 for RAM diagnostics
• HWMonitor or Speccy for quick temperature stats
• Built-in BIOS/UEFI diagnostics (when available)

I try to go step-by-step to avoid replacing parts unnecessarily, but sometimes the fix comes down to something simple like reseating RAM or updating drivers.

Would love to know:
What’s your go-to checklist when diagnosing boot issues or performance slowdowns?
Any underrated tools you think more people should know about?
Do you prefer hardware-based tools or mostly stick with software?

Looking forward to learning from everyone here and hopefully contributing more in return.
Thanks!

 

[Lutfij]

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!

I try to go step-by-step to avoid replacing parts unnecessarily, but sometimes the fix comes down to something simple like reseating RAM or updating drivers.
We have a guide on troubleshooting PC's, here;

"No POST", "system won't boot", and "no video output" troubleshooting checklist

"No POST", "system won't boot", and "no video output" troubleshooting checklist This checklist is a compilation of troubleshooting ideas from many forum members. It's very important to actually perform every step in the checklist if you want to effectively troubleshoot your problem. 1.Did you...

forums.tomshardware.com

What’s your go-to checklist when diagnosing boot issues or performance slowdowns?
For slowdowns, that's a case by case basis.

HWMonitor or Speccy for quick temperature reads
You might want to to switch to HWInfo.

Do you prefer hardware-based tools or mostly stick with software?
If the PC doesn't POST, software is pointless.

Moved thread from Components section to Systems section.

 

[digitaldata77]

Hi folks, What I do first in a NO POST PC with the power cord disconnected of course, change the CMOS battery then check all of the power connections on the PSU if its modular that all wires are secure then the power connections on All of the hardware on the board are tight and secure I also check the GPU RAM All Drives and other peripherals are secure on the motherboard. Then I check the power from the wall that it is on then the UPS or power strip is ON then on to the PSU Power Switch is on I look for a power light on the motherboard. Make sure the keyboard and mouse are connected then power on the PC and see what happens. In over 35 yrs of PC building I have had everything from nothing happens (case power switch wire loose on board to fans screaming at me with no video, countless Blue screen errors Etc etc. Just an example of some things that have happened to me through the years, too many to mention. In most situations the PC will POST if the BIOS is updated and configured correctly and successfully boot into Windows. I commonly use HWinfo it quite informative and runs on top of the screen while testing procedures are done. Cinebench 23 for benchmarking Unigine benchmark testing programs, MemTest86 and various SSD, NVMe and HDD softwares to test the drives if they are giving grief. PSU tester and Ohmmeter. There are many ways today with plenty of testing equipment and softwares available to PC builders and Techs and PC experts alike. It will be interesting to hear from others on this site what their thoughts are and what methods they use for troubleshooting, diagnosis and repair. Cheers.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Hey Tom’s Hardware community

I've recently gotten more into DIY PC builds and hardware troubleshooting — and while I’ve picked up a few go-to tools and tricks, I’m curious to hear what others rely on when diagnosing issues.
For example, I usually start with:

• Google to check error codes or look up component-specific issues
• MemTest86 for RAM diagnostics
• HWMonitor or Speccy for quick temperature stats
• Built-in BIOS/UEFI diagnostics (when available)

I try to go step-by-step to avoid replacing parts unnecessarily, but sometimes the fix comes down to something simple like reseating RAM or updating drivers.

Would love to know:
What’s your go-to checklist when diagnosing boot issues or performance slowdowns?
Any underrated tools you think more people should know about?
Do you prefer hardware-based tools or mostly stick with software?

Looking forward to learning from everyone here and hopefully contributing more in return.
Thanks!

The best tool for the job is that blob of jelly that lives between your ears. Software tools and such are only as good as those that wrote them.

 

[emily1221]

thank you everyone,
that was very helpful

 

[ilyas8485]

Nice lineup, I use a mix of software and a few basic hardware tricks. HWiNFO is my go-to for temps and voltages, and I always run MemTest86 if I suspect RAM issues. For storage, CrystalDiskInfo is super handy. If a PC won’t boot, I usually start by reseating RAM and GPU, and clearing CMOS surprisingly, that fixes a lot. I also keep a spare PSU and some extra cables around for quick swaps. Haven’t tried a POST code reader yet. Honestly, sometimes just going back to basics solves the weirdest problems

 

[Zerk2012]

thank you everyone,
that was very helpful

For no post.
Check PSU connections, try to jump the on switch pins at the board, update BIOS if it has the flash button, remove everything from the case, if the CPU has built in graphics remove the video card, remove all drives, use 1 stick of memory try it again.

Still no post try each memory slot with each stick of memory 1 stick at a time.
Still no post use a known working PSU.

That pretty much just leaves the CPU or Board.

Blue screens and cutting off is about to long to get into.