Hardware Test For Mac Os X

Most Mac users enjoy several years of trouble-free experience, but eventually, time will come when hardware problems arise. Although it rarely happens, problems can be caused by a motherboard issue, a failing hard drive, a GPU problem, or lack of memory space. Fortunately, Apple has a way to detect, prevent, and solve any hardware-related issue. Apple Hardware Test is the first step. You can use it to check if there are serious hardware issues to deal with. Don’t worry, because you can run the test yourself. We will teach you how below.

Run Hardware Test Mac Os X
Mac Os X Download
Mac Os Hardware Compatibility
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Hardware Test For Mac Os X 10.12

Not all Mac models can run the Internet-based Apple hardware test. Some MacBook models need to use a local version of the hardware test, which has to be installed on the hard drive or saved on OS X DVD. Other Macs manufactured after 2013 can use the latest version of the Apple hardware test, which is called the Apple Diagnostics test. AIDA64 Extreme by FinalWire Ltd. Is a system profiler that helps you to get an overview about hardware details on your PC. After some searching, it has been found that no version of AIDA64 Extreme for Mac is available, therefore other applications have to be used for hardware info and benchmarking. The Apple Hardware Test was originally distributed on an Apple Hardware Test CD. It is now distributed on a special volume on the Mac OS X Install Disc 1 DVD included with the computer. Each Apple Hardware Test is specific to the type and model of Mac with which it was distributed.

Run Hardware Test Mac Os X

Apple Hardware Test for PowerBook Version 1.2.3, for use with PowerBook (FireWire), PowerBook G4, PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet), PowerBook G4 (DVI) and PowerBook G4 (1GHz/867MHz) systems. 693-4050-A.dmg: Xserve 1.0. Apple Hardware Test for Xserve v1.0 CD for use with the Apple Xserve. It will not work with any other computer.
With this utility, instead of typing commands in the Terminal to activate the memory testing tool called Memtest OS X, you can run the test with just a click of a button. Rember allows you to specify the amount of RAM to test, as well as the number of times to run the test.

What Mac Models Can Run Apple’s Internet-Based Hardware Test?

11-inch MacBook Air 3 (late 2010 through 2012)
13-inch MacBook Air 3 (late 2010 through 2012)
13-inch MacBook Pro 8 (early 2011 through 2012)
15-inch MacBook Pro 6 (mid-2010 through 2012)
17-inch MacBook Pro 6 (mid-2010 through 2012)
MacBook 7 (mid-2010)
Mac Mini 4 (mid-2010 through 2012)
21.5-inch iMac 11 (mid-2010 through 2012)
27-inch iMac 11 (mid-2010 through 2012)

It is important to note that the mid-2010 through early 2011 Mac models may require to update the EFI firmware before you can run the web-based Apple Hardware Test. If you are uncertain if you need to update the EFI firmware or not, you can do the following:

Go to Apple menu and click About This Mac.
A new window will open. Click the More Info button.
If your Mac is running in OS X Lion or the later version, select System Report. Otherwise, proceed to step 4.
Another window will open. Highlight Hardware in the left portion of the screen.
On the opposite corner of the screen, take note of the boot ROM version number of your Mac and the SMC version number.
Once you have these details, go to the EFI and SMC Firmware Update page on Apple’s website. Compare the versions you have with the latest available. If your Mac is running on an older version, you need to download the most recent version on the same web page.

How to Use the Internet-Based Apple Hardware Test

As soon as you have verified and confirmed that your Mac is capable of running the Internet-based Apple Hardware Test, you can start using it. Here’s how:

Mac Os X Download

Turn off your Mac first.
If you are running a MacBook, connect it to an AC power source. Do not run the test with only your MacBook’s battery as the power source.
Press the Power button while holding down the Option and D keys. Continue until the Starting Internet Recovery message pops up on your display.
Wait for a few seconds. You will soon be prompted to select a network. Use the drop-down menu to choose from the list of available network connections.
Select a wireless network and enter the password if asked. Press Return or Enter. You can also click the checkmark button on your display.
As soon as you are connected to your chosen network, you will see a message on your screen that says, Starting Internet Recovery. This will take a while because the Apple Hardware Test will be downloaded to your Mac. Once it is completed, you will be prompted to select a language.
To select a language to use, use the Up and Down arrow keys or the mouse cursor.
The Apple Hardware Test will then continue to check what hardware is installed on your Mac. Again, this will take time.
Before you proceed with the actual test, it’d be better if you verify first what hardware was found so you can ensure that all your Mac’s components are correct and accounted for. Check if the exact amount of memory is displayed, along with the graphics and CPU specs. If you suspect that something is wrong, verify your Mac’s configuration by going to Apple’s support site. If the displayed config does not match with what your Mac model’s configuration should be, your device might be failing. To verify your Mac’s hardware specs, navigate to the Hardware Profile tab.
If all configuration details are correct, proceed with the testing by going to the Hardware Test tab.
Note that the Apple Hardware Test can support two different types of testing; a standard test and an extended test. While the standard test is generally a good option, the extended test is highly recommended, especially if there is an issue with your Mac’s graphics card or RAM.
To run the standard test, select the Standard Test option and click the Test button. At this point, the hardware test should start. It will take several minutes to complete, so just be patient. Do not worry if you hear your Mac’s fans rev up and down. That’s normal during the hardware testing process.
Once the test is done, a list of potential issues or a No trouble found message will be displayed in the test results pane. If there is an error, check what it is about. We listed some of the most common error codes below alongside their meanings:
- 4AIR – AirPort wireless card
- 4ETH – Ethernet
- 4HDD – Hard disk (includes SSD)
- 4IRP – Logic board
- 4MEM – Memory module (RAM)
- 4MHD – External disk
- 4MLB – Logic board controller
- 4MOT – Fans
- 4PRC – Processor
- 4SNS – Failed sensor
- 4YDC – Video/Graphics card

These error codes generated by the Apple Hardware Test seem to be cryptic, and in some cases, only certified Apple service technicians can understand them. But because most of these codes are recurring, they’ve become known.

If no problem was found, you could continue running the extended test. It can detect graphics and memory problems better than the standard test. To do the extended test, select the Perform Extended Testing option and click the Test button.
If by any chance, you’d like to stop the test, just click the Stop Testing button.
Once you are done using the Apple Hardware Test, end it by clicking the Shut Down or Restart button.

If no error was found after the test and your Mac is still experiencing problems, then you can check your system. It might be loaded with files you don’t need, or your RAM is taken up by unnecessary programs and apps. To fix the problem, download third-party tools like Tweakbit MacRepair.

If you’re running into errors and your system is suspiciously slow, your computer needs some maintenance work. Download Outbyte PC Repair for Windows, Outbyte Antivirus for Windows, or Outbyte MacRepair for macOS to resolve common computer performance issues. Fix computer troubles by downloading the compatible tool for your device.
See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy Policy.

Mac can be conveniently purchased from the Apple store and most of configuration allows you to upgrade the memory so that you don’t need to open the case and take the risk in using an incompatible memory which would cause system lockups.

The only thing is the upgrade from Apple store cost a lot more money if compared to the one that it purchased from a computer store. For example, an additional 2GB of memory cost $50 at Apple Store while it only cost less than $10 if you search in Pricewatch. If you’re willing to take the risk in adding extra memory in your Mac either to save money or perhaps you have a few lying around, it is best to run a memory test to make sure that the RAM is fully compatible and won’t make your Mac unstable.

Here we suggest 3 different methods to easily run a memory test on your Mac OS X including the latest Mountain Lion 10.8.

1. Rember

Rember is actually a GUI for the popular command line memory testing tool called Memtest OS X. Instead of typing commands in terminal, you can run the test by clicking a button. You are able to test a selected amount or all of the memory, specify the number of times the tests should run and also viewing of the log. Rember includes Memtest OS X in the package so there is no need to manually download and install the memtest. Running Rember will show a table displaying the detected memory on your Mac. Select the amount of memory to test, number of loops and click the Test button to start checking the memory. When the tests is finished, Rember will show the test results.

Rember runs in Mac OS X which means that not all of the ram can be tested due to a portion of RAM being reserved for housekeeping.

Download Rember

2. Memtest86+

If your Mac has a SuperDrive, you can burn the pre-compiled bootable ISO image of the Memtest86+ and boot up the Mac with the disc. Just press and hold the C key when starting up Mac to boot from the disc.

The good thing about Memtest86+ is it runs by itself without relying on the operating system, giving you a more accurate memory test result.

Download Memtest86+

3. Apple Hardware Test

This is the recommended way by Apple to test your memory using their diagnostic tool. If you have an installation disc, insert the disc, restart your Mac, press and hold the C key. Select the language for the Apple Hardware Test and click the Test button to start testing. You can also tick the “Perform extended testing” option which would perform a more thorough test that takes considerably more time to complete. On the latest Mac OS X Mountain Lion, the Apple Hardware Test is already pre-installed and it doesn’t come with an installation disc. Simply boot up, press and hold the D key to start the Apple Hardware Test.

You can also see the amount of memory installed on your Mac at the Hardware Profile tab to confirm that the memory is correctly installed and detected. There are some Apple Hardware Test images that can be downloaded for older models. Do note that the Apple Hardware Test images are machine specific meaning that you cannot use the iBook version on a Mac Mini.

Download Apple Hardware Test

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3 Ways to Test your RAM with Microsoft Windows Memory Diagnostic6 Free Programs to Check Your Video Card Memory For Errors10 Popular Web Browsers Tested for Memory and CPU UsageDownload Sony Memory Card File Rescue Software for Free.NET Framework Setup Verification Utility

Night3 months ago

‘Closing all apps’ is an option which can be set or disabled in the Rember preferences.

I’m trying to test DRAM one bank at a time in mid-2010 Mac mini with 2 banks of 4GB Kingston DRAM each.

Rember run overnight on max cycles (255) showed when both banks were full (8GB total), there was a DRAM failure. But run overnight on max cycles (255), Rember is so slow it’s completed less than 30 cycles. I tried this twice.

Is it not possible to check one 4GB stick at a time? (Mid-2010 Mac mini standard RAM is 1GB module in each bank for total 2GB.)

Charlzm10 months ago

I have several DDR3 DIMMs I want to install, but the memory timing is not printed on them. Is there an app for Macs that can tell you what the timing is on installed DIMMs?

Rember doesn’t shut down existing programs… you do that yerself

Rakiki1 year ago

Rember is an amazing app! In regards to the comment above:

it closes all windows because to free-up whole RAM memory for tests.
It’s understandable that you must save your work before you open any diagnostic app.

Works great on latest 2019 iMac where Memtest failed and Apple Diagnostic Tool is a JOKE

Rember

Mac Os Hardware Compatibility

I ran this app and it closed all open windows and running apps without asking or warning me. That is bad software. Who knows what data I lost as a result, let alone time in reopening what I can remember was running. memtest does not do this.

Ron Helgerson5 years ago

Hope this works well, thanks!

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