How to prepare for a stress test

It is important to configure the computer correctly before checking the CPU through a stress test. This involves setting up a controlled environment where background applications do not interfere with the results.

Here's how to set up and prepare your PC.

First, close all programs that are not important to the operation of your computer. Right-click on anything in the taskbar that you are not actively using and select Close. then open your Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Escape) and end all non-critical processes (it's best not to touch anything you don't recognise).

Use Avast Cleanup to check the status of installed programs. You will see how specific applications are using your CPU and RAM, and you can also hibernate them to free up resources, which will help you get accurate test results. In Avast Cleanup, click Accelerate to open the control panel that puts the program to sleep. Don't be afraid to turn all of these off, as only the non-essential programs are listed.

Before starting the test, check the CPU temperature as a baseline and then continue to monitor the temperature while the test is running to ensure it does not exceed 90°C.

If you're an Apple user, you can also test performance on your Mac, but the process is a little different.