Apple Hardware Test

From ITS Wiki - Information Technology Services - University of Rhode Island

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Macintosh users who are experiencing frequent kernel panics or random shut-downs should use the Apple Hardware Test application that ships with every Mac.

Running AHT

1. Insert the software restore DVD into the computer (AHT will not run from a standalone OS X DVD).
2. Startup the computer, holding the "D" key to enter the Apple Hardware Test application.

AHT Uses

Apple Hardware Test allows you to run a series of tests on your system’s RAM, logic board, modem (if present), video RAM, and Apple’s Airport Card. It will not test non-Apple devices. There are two tests; "Basic" and "Extended Testing". The basic test usually takes approximately 4 minutes, the extended test usually takes about 20 minutes.

Apple Hardware Test also consists of a version of the Apple System Profiler, and allows you view your computer’s memory configuration, video card info, active communication ports, and basic system info such as your serial number, Boot ROM version, and model number.