Building a PC is an exciting process, but having the right software can make a huge difference in your efficiency, accuracy, and confidence—especially in 2025, when systems are more powerful and complex than ever.
Whether you’re a first-time builder or a seasoned enthusiast, a solid toolkit of essential programs helps ensure a successful build, stable performance, and long-term reliability.
In this guide, we highlight 10 of the most useful programs every PC builder should install after assembling a new system.
These tools cover everything from hardware monitoring and driver updates to system stress testing and optimization.
1. CPU-Z – For Hardware Detection and Specs
CPU-Z is one of the simplest yet most informative tools for identifying your system components.
Features:
- Detects your CPU model, core count, clocks, and voltage
- Displays RAM frequency and timings
- Shows motherboard chipset and BIOS version
Why It’s Useful:
After a fresh build, use CPU-Z to confirm your hardware is recognized properly and operating at the expected specifications—especially useful to check if RAM is running at its rated speed (with XMP/EXPO enabled in BIOS).
2. HWiNFO64 – Real-Time Hardware Monitoring
HWiNFO64 provides in-depth system monitoring, including temperatures, voltages, fan speeds, and more.
Features:
- Supports all major CPUs, GPUs, and sensors
- Shows real-time and logged data
- Customizable sensor panel for diagnostics
Why It’s Useful:
Use HWiNFO64 during stress testing or gaming to track thermals and voltages. It helps identify issues like overheating, poor contact with CPU coolers, or failing fans.
3. MSI Afterburner – GPU Monitoring and Fan Control
While developed by MSI, this free software works on almost all GPUs from NVIDIA and AMD.
Features:
- GPU temperature and load monitoring
- Manual or automatic fan control
- Overclocking tools and voltage adjustments
- In-game overlay (RivaTuner Statistics Server)
Why It’s Useful:
After installing a GPU, use Afterburner to monitor its temps and performance. The fan curve control also helps you optimize for noise or cooling balance.
4. MemTest86 – RAM Stability Testing
Even brand-new RAM kits can have defects. MemTest86 is a bootable memory test tool used to detect faulty RAM modules.
Features:
- Boots from USB
- Tests memory in various patterns and bit combinations
- Logs errors for each module
Why It’s Useful:
Before installing your OS, run MemTest86 to verify memory health. A few hours of testing can save you from months of crashes and system instability caused by bad RAM.
5. CrystalDiskInfo & CrystalDiskMark – Storage Health and Speed
These sister programs are essential for testing and monitoring SSDs and HDDs.
CrystalDiskInfo:
- Displays drive health, temperature, and wear level
- Supports SMART data from NVMe, SATA, and USB drives
CrystalDiskMark:
- Benchmarks read/write speeds
- Measures sequential and random access
Why It’s Useful:
After building, check if your storage is running at full speed. If your Gen 4 NVMe SSD is reading at 1800 MB/s instead of 7000 MB/s, you may have installed it in the wrong slot.
6. Rufus – USB Bootable Tool
Rufus allows you to create bootable USB drives from ISO images—perfect for installing Windows or Linux.
Features:
- Supports BIOS and UEFI
- Fast creation of Windows installers
- Advanced options for partitioning and formatting
Why It’s Useful:
Before building, use Rufus to prepare your installation media. It’s faster and more reliable than using the Windows Media Creation Tool.
7. Cinebench R23 – CPU Performance Benchmarking
Cinebench is one of the most trusted CPU benchmarking tools, based on real-world rendering workloads.
Features:
- Multi-core and single-core testing
- Score comparison across CPUs
- Stress testing option with loop mode
Why It’s Useful:
Run Cinebench after your build to validate thermal performance and CPU boost behavior. It helps confirm that thermal paste and cooling are applied correctly.
8. OCCT – Stress Testing Suite
OCCT is a powerful program for stress testing CPU, GPU, RAM, and power supply stability.
Features:
- Individual or combined component tests
- Includes Power Supply test (high-load scenario)
- Real-time monitoring with graphs and logging
Why It’s Useful:
After building, use OCCT to simulate heavy load scenarios. It’s one of the best tools to uncover unstable overclocks or cooling issues early on.
9. Ninite – Bulk Software Installer
Installing your favorite apps one by one is time-consuming. Ninite streamlines this by installing multiple applications at once.
Features:
- Choose apps like Chrome, Steam, Discord, VLC, and more
- Installs them silently with no bloatware or toolbars
- Automatically skips redundant steps
Why It’s Useful:
After building and setting up Windows, Ninite helps you install all essential utilities in one go, saving time and effort.
10. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) – Clean GPU Driver Removal
If you’re switching GPU brands or fixing broken installations, DDU is your best friend.
Features:
- Safely removes all traces of NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel drivers
- Boots into Safe Mode for full driver cleanup
- Prepares system for fresh installation
Why It’s Useful:
If you face black screens, stuttering, or driver crashes after installing a GPU, DDU helps eliminate conflicts before reinstalling the latest drivers cleanly.
Bonus Tools Worth Mentioning
- 7-Zip: For unzipping driver and BIOS files
- Revo Uninstaller: Cleans up registry leftovers from unwanted software
- Steam or Epic Launcher: Game libraries for testing your system with real titles
- Notepad++: Lightweight text editor for logs and system tweaks
Suggested Install Order for New Builds
Here’s a quick reference checklist for installing software after building your PC:
- Use Rufus to prepare a USB and install Windows
- Install Ninite to set up browsers, utilities, and common apps
- Install GPU drivers using GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin
- Install CPU-Z, HWiNFO, and Afterburner for monitoring
- Run MemTest86 before OS installation if you suspect RAM issues
- Benchmark with Cinebench and CrystalDiskMark
- Run OCCT for 15–30 minutes to stress test
- Use DDU if GPU drivers ever misbehave
- Re-test and monitor performance with HWiNFO during real gameplay
Final Thoughts: Build Smarter With the Right Tools
Software is just as critical as hardware when building a reliable, high-performance PC. These essential tools can help you validate your components, troubleshoot issues, and optimize your system from the very first boot.
Instead of guessing or relying on default settings, you’ll have confidence that your system is running exactly how it should—and be able to prove it with data. Whether you’re building for gaming, content creation, or general use, these programs form the ultimate post-build toolkit.
