I recently purchased AppleCare for my 13-inch, Late 2008 Aluminum MacBook and included in the box was a complimentary TechTool Deluxe software disc. I decided to install it and run it just to see how it works and what it does. Here is a quick overview and review of TechTool Deluxe.
TechTool Deluxe is an extensive testing application for Macs that tests hardware like your Hard Disk, RAM, Video Graphics etc. It comes with every AppleCare purchase and can be purchased and you can purchase TechTool Pro from Micromat’s website.
What does TechTool Deluxe scan/test?
- Processor
- RAM
- Video RAM
- USB Ports
- Video Card
- Drive Hardware
- Format Check
- Directory Scan
- Surface Scan
- Random Read
- Random Write
- Linear Read
- Linear Write
- Seek
- Read Buffer
- Write Buffer
- Volume Structure
If you test all of the above, the test will run roughly three minutes. Please note that that when testing your Video Card, the screen will change colors – this is normal!
How good is TechTool Deluxe?:
Considering the extensiveness of the tests run, TechTool Deluxe checks almost every component that can fail inside a computer. While we can’t really tell how accurate the tests are, since they are included with AppleCare, Apple believes it is a useful application.
Is it worth installing?:
If you are having issues with your Mac and you have AppleCare, I recommend installing it and running all the tests. It does not take that much space, installation is simple and it might be worth it if it finds an issue with a hardware component.
If you lost your TechTool Deluxe Install DVD, Apple allows you to download it online if you have AppleCare by logging in to the following web address: http://www.apple.com/support/applecare/overview
Overall Rating of TechTool Deluxe: 9/10
If Micromat decides to expand from just hardware testing, to hardware and software, the application would have even more use and that’s why it is not receiving a full 10/10.
