CNET Editors' review
SiSoftware Sandra provides a robust package of diagnostic tools for testing your system and teasing out its problems--or potential headaches.
This download launches a cheerfully designed interface with an array of colorful--one might even say sprightly--icons for each of its tools. Its arrangement of tools was nicely categorized for the user's benefit: Computer Maintenance, Module Types (Benchmarks, Hardware, Software, Support), and Program Maintenance. Across the top of the window are tabs for each category that match the icons, and each tab provides access to a set of focused tools. We were very pleased with SiSoftware Sandra's performance during our tests. We liked that we could choose from a thorough list of options of items for tests--less robust packages simply run their diagnostics without informing the user just what is getting tested or how. Novices may be in the dark about some of the particulars listed by the app's option boxes, but experienced users will appreciate the thoroughness. Thanks to these option lists, we were able to pinpoint devices, peripherals, and processes for testing; we didn't have to wait for the tool to run a complete test through our entire system. We also liked the benchmarking and reporting features, which are required for anyone interested in comparing performance over time or developing trending reports.
For those running SiSoftware Sandra from a server for network diagnostics, the 75-module limit for the trial version may seem inadequate. However, the price is nice for the robust feature set provided by this toolbox.
Publisher's Description
From SiSoftware:
SiSoftware Sandra is a 32- and 64-bit client/server Windows system analyzer that includes benchmarking, testing and listing modules. It tries to go beyond other utilities to show you more of what is really going on under the hood so you draw comparisons at both a high and low-level in a single product. You can get information about the CPU, GPGPU, chipset, video adapter (GPU), ports, printers, sound card, memory, network, Windows internals even .NET and Java.
What's new in this version: Version 2011 17.15 adds new benchmarks and engine improvements.
More Products to Consider
- Clean up junk files and invalid Registry entries.
- Keep your PC in tiptop shape and at peak performance.
- Tune up and maintain your PC, clean registry easily.
- Take full control over RAR and ZIP archives, along with unpacki...
- Fix, speed up, maintain, and protect your PC.
- Update PC drivers automatically using cloud technology.
- Take full control over RAR and ZIP archives, along with unpacki...
- Move, resize, copy, explore, and recover hard disk drive partit...
- Configure and manage disk partitions, move, resize, copy and re...
- Find and fix incorrect or obsolete information in the Windows r...
- Download and update all your Windows drivers, back them up and ...
- Clean and optimize your PC with a crowd-sourced approach.
- Zip and unzip files instantly, protect them by encryption, or b...
- Defragment your disks and improve computer performance and stab...
- Scan junk files and delete these junk files in Windows system.
- Speed up, maintain, and protect your PC.
- Repair registry errors, remove "junk" files, and ensure your PC...
- Perform sophisticated partition operations on your hard disk.
- Create a copy of your Windows 7 ISO file on removable media.
- Optimize your PC for smoother, more responsive game play.
- Clean your registry and hard drive.
- Fix errors automatically, clean your PC, and speed up Windows.
- Find, preview and restore permanently deleted files.
- Clean and optimize your PC.
-
All versions:
3.5 starsout of 135 votes
-
Current version:
3.2 starsout of 20 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Works great"
Version: SiSoftware Sandra 2011
Pros
Tells me everything I need to know.
Cons
None that I can think of
Summary
Been using it for many years. Best one out there
-
"Free version very usefull but limited."
Version: SiSoftware Sandra 2011
Pros
It provides system info for hardware; Easy to use.
Cons
It provided some help with my problem. I beleive the full version would
-
"Froze up etc."
Version: SiSoftware Sandra 2011
Pros
Was able to recover from freeze up.
Cons
Froze up etc.
-
"Good Freebie"
Version: SiSoftware Sandra 2011
Pros
Nice user interface, well exlained and easy to use
Cons
Can you criticise a programme for giving you too much information lol?
Summary
If you want to know whats under the hood without getting inside your pc this prog gives you a good indicator, it also offers, hints, help and advice and its free. I find it great to make a report to save for future reference.
-
"Some information unreliable"
Version: SiSoftware Sandra 2011
Pros
Does give lots of info which I USED to believe
Cons
Tells me my DVD burner can read and write blu-ray- wasted hours trying to read disk till manufacturers site said it's not able to.
(GH22SN50) -
"A very comprehensive system analyzer"
Version: SiSoftware Sandra 2011
Pros
Gives a highly detailed report of your system's hardware.
Cons
Some of the tips are not relevant.
Summary
I used Sandra recently to tell me what RAM was installed in the PC, to avoid having to open up the tower and remove the memory module to check type etc. Sandra told me in detail, even the make. It meant I could confidently order an additional module, knowing it would be the same type as that installed.
-
"Excellent... ID my HD!"
Version: SiSoftware Sandra 2011
Pros
Works great!
Cons
None... works great!!
Summary
The best program for detailing what you have in your computer!
-
"Free version very limited but usefull."
Version: SiSoftware Sandra 2011
Pros
Quick and easy download for me. Supplied system info for hardware. Easy to use.
Cons
Did not help with my problem. I don't think the full version would help either.
Summary
I would not buy the full version as it don't seem to diagnose the problem I need diagnosed. I am not a technician so maybe I am missing something in the info it does dig up. Had no problems downloading the free version. It listed my hardware and made it easy to find basic info on all my hardware. This program might be useful to some people but I don't think I will pay for the full version at this time,
-
"One good Diagnostic tool"
Version: SiSoftware Sandra 2011
Pros
Works well with any system
Cons
Wish it was totally free
Summary
Would be perfect if it was free
-
"Many of the modules get the BSOD."
Version: SiSoftware Sandra 2011
Pros
Extensive information of your computer innards.
Cons
Many of the modules crash such as analysis and advice.
Summary
This used to be one of the best if not THE best set of diagnostic tools, but for now, I can't recommend.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:

