Prime 95 30.3 build 6

Prime 95 is a powerful application that aids in the search for Mersenne primes, making it the official client of GIMPS - the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search. This free software is designed to test numbers for primality using the Fermat primality test, but it also serves as a stress-testing tool for your CPU.

When it comes to searching for prime numbers, Prime95 utilizes the Fermat primality test and other similar tests to filter out unviable candidates. However, it requires a modern computer that runs continuously, as the testing process can take weeks or even months depending on the computer's speed and age. The software runs in the background, consuming approximately 60MB of memory and 30MB of disk space per number.

On the other hand, Prime95 is also widely used by overclockers and system builders to stress test their CPUs. By heavily utilizing the computer's processor with a consistent workload across all cores, Prime95 creates a high-load environment that surpasses most computer programs. This makes it ideal for checking the stability of a particular configuration.

Once installed, Prime95 operates in a hands-off manner when searching for Mersenne primes, running quietly in the background at the lowest priority as long as the computer is on. When stress testing your CPU, the software only needs to be run for a specific duration, ranging from an hour to a full day, to create a high-load environment that can detect errors and assess the CPU's stability. The stripped-down interface of Prime95 is easy to navigate, making it user-friendly for both functions.

Overall, Prime95 is a versatile and essential tool for those interested in the search for Mersenne primes or in stress testing their CPUs. Its powerful capabilities and user-friendly interface make it a valuable addition to any computer enthusiast's toolkit.