If you need to test your computer's performance to ensure it is running at optimal capacity, then it is a good idea to run a stress test and analyze the results. StressMyPC is a small, lightweight and useful tool for the job. It actually does not require any installation, so you can run it directly from a USB drive on the computer you need to evaluate.

StressMyPC has a simple and straightforward interface, which gives you the option to choose what type of test you want to initiate. It doesn't provide a lengthy description of the inner workings of each process, rather a brief one. This is really helpful if you are a novice user, and want to check your computer’s performance.

StressMyPC can stress-test the GPU (graphics processing unit), the CPU (central processing unit) or the hard drive itself, and if there is more than one hard drive detected, all of them will be tested.

It is worth noting that the developer states that overclocked or unstable systems 'could' crash during the testing process. You have been warned!