OCCT (OverClock Checking Tool) is a powerful, freeware utility designed for enthusiasts and technicians to stress-test and monitor PC components for stability and performance. It provides a comprehensive suite of tests for the CPU, GPU, memory, and power supply to help diagnose hardware issues and validate overclocking settings. The application is completely portable and does not require installation, making it an essential tool for system diagnostics.
In This Article
Best Settings & Configuration
Setting Optimal Test Duration
- In the main test panel, select your desired test (e.g., CPU: OCCT).
- Locate the ‘Duration’ setting in the configuration pane.
- For a quick stability check, set the duration to 15-30 minutes.
- For full stability validation (especially after overclocking), set the duration to at least 1 hour.
Why this matters: Running a test for a longer duration, such as one hour, is advisable to ensure rock-stable day-to-day usage and to detect intermittent errors that short tests might miss.
Configuring the New Storage Test
- Select the ‘Storage’ test from the main test list.
- Choose the drive you wish to test from the available options.
- Adjust the ‘Load Type’ and ‘Data Set’ size based on your desired intensity.
- Click ‘Start’ to stress-test your SSD or HDD under heavy workloads.
Why this matters: The Storage Test is a new feature in OCCT v15 that validates the performance and reliability of your SSDs and HDDs under heavy load, which is crucial for overall system stability.
Enabling Real-Time Monitoring
- Start any stress test (CPU, GPU, etc.).
- Navigate to the ‘Monitoring’ tab or view the real-time graphs on the main screen.
- Use the graph controls to zoom in on specific data points like temperature or voltage.
- Configure automatic test stops in the settings to prevent hardware damage from excessive heat.
Why this matters: Real-time monitoring is essential for preventing hardware failure during stress tests. It allows you to track vital parameters like temperature and voltage, ensuring you can stop the test before components are damaged.
System Requirements
Minimum
- Os: Windows 10, 64bits
- Processor: Any 64 bits CPU
- Ram: 4 GB RAM
- Disk Space: 500 MB available space
- Graphics: Optional (DirectX 12 required)
Technical Specifications
| Software Name | OCCT (OverClock Checking Tool) |
|---|---|
| Version | 15.0.13 |
| License | Free |
| File Size | 281 MB |
| OS Support | Windows, Linux |
| Language | English (multi-language) |
| Developer | OCBASE |
| Homepage | https://www.ocbase.com/ |
| Last Updated | December 24, 2025 |
Key Features
- Comprehensive Stress Testing: Includes dedicated tests for CPU (OCCT and Linpack), GPU (3D and VRAM), Memory, and Power Supply, allowing users to push every component to its limit for stability checks.
- Real-Time Hardware Monitoring: Integrates with monitoring tools to provide accurate, real-time readings of temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, and utilization, helping to prevent overheating and diagnose issues.
- Storage Test and Benchmark: Version 15 introduced a stable Storage Test to stress-test SSDs and HDDs under heavy load, alongside a new benchmark for measuring disk performance.
- Portable and User-Friendly: The application is a portable EXE file, requiring no installation, which is ideal for quick diagnostics on multiple systems. It features a modern, easy-to-use interface.
- Coil Whine Detection: A unique feature in the 3D Adaptive Test that helps users identify electrical noise (coil whine) from their GPU by controlling stress patterns.
What’s New in Version 15.0.13
- New skin available in partnership with Mono!
- Merry Christmas everyone!
For complete changelog, visit the official release notes.
Installation Guide
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OCCT (OverClock Checking Tool) completely free to use?
OCCT is available as Freeware, meaning the core stability and stress testing features are fully usable for free. A paid Pro version is available for advanced features and to remove limitations like the test start wait time.
What is the primary purpose of the software?
The primary purpose is to stress-test and monitor PC components (CPU, GPU, RAM, PSU) to check for system stability, diagnose hardware malfunctions, and validate overclocking settings.
Does OCCT require installation on Windows?
No, OCCT is distributed as a completely portable EXE file and does not require a formal installation process. You can run it directly after downloading.
Alternatives & Comparison
For most users, OCCT (OverClock Checking Tool) is the recommended choice. Compare alternatives below if you need specific features.
| Feature | ✓ Recommended OCCT (OverClock Checking Tool) | AIDA64 Extreme | MSI Afterburner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ✅ Free (with Pro version) | 💰 Paid ($59.95/year) | ✅ Freeware |
| Platform | Windows, Linux | Windows | Windows, Android (Remote) |
| Primary Focus | All-in-one stability and stress testing | System Information and Diagnostics | GPU Overclocking and Monitoring |
| CPU Stress Test | Yes (Linpack, OCCT) | Yes (System Stability Test) | No (GPU utility) |
| GPU Stress Test | Yes (3D Adaptive, VRAM) | Yes (OpenCL GPGPU) | No (Overclocking/Monitoring) |
| Memory Stress Test | ✅ Yes | Yes (Diagnostics, Benchmarks) | ❌ No |
| Storage/Disk Test | Yes (New in v15) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Real-Time Monitoring | Yes (Temp, Voltage, Fan) | Yes (250+ sensor devices) | Yes (OSD, Temp, Clock, Fan) |
| Overclocking/Tuning | Yes (Helps validate settings) | Yes (Overclocking support) | Yes (Core/Memory clock, Fan curve) |
| Our Pick | ✓ Recommended | Best for comprehensive system information and diagnostics | Best for GPU-focused overclocking and in-game monitoring |
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