Our verdict: AIDA64 Extreme is one of the most thorough hardware information and diagnostics tools for Windows, with live sensors, memory benchmarks, a stability test and SensorPanel displays. The trial hides some values and stops working after 30 days, and free tools cover most of the same ground.
About AIDA64 Extreme
AIDA64 Extreme by FinalWire is the home edition of AIDA64. It shows over 50 pages of hardware details, from CPU and motherboard to memory timings, SMART data and GPU details, plus installed software, licenses and Windows settings. It reads temperatures, voltages, fan speeds and power draw from over 250 sensor devices and can show them in the tray, an on-screen display, a SensorPanel or on external LCDs.
The download is a 30-day trial: during it some values and benchmark results show TRIAL VERSION instead of real numbers, and automatic updates are disabled. After 30 days the software stops working until you enter a product key. A license costs $65.95 for up to 3 home PCs, is not for business use, and includes one year of updates; the last version released in that year keeps working afterwards.
What it does well
- Hardware details. Over 50 pages on CPU, motherboard, memory, storage, GPU and displays.
- Sensor monitoring. Temperatures, voltages, fan speeds and power draw from 250+ sensor chips.
- Benchmarks. Multi-threaded CPU, FPU, memory and cache benchmarks.
- System Stability Test. Stresses CPU, memory, disks and GPU to check stability.
- SensorPanel. Build a custom panel of gauges and graphs for a secondary screen.
Who it is for
Good fit
PC builders and overclockers who want benchmarks, stress tests and a custom sensor panel in one tool.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who just wants to read temperatures or specs; free tools do that without a license.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very detailed hardware information
- Memory and cache benchmarks
- SensorPanel and LCD support
- One-time license with no subscription
Cons
- Stops working after the 30-day trial
- Trial hides some values and benchmark results
- Home license is limited to 3 PCs and non-business use
How to install AIDA64 Extreme
The trial installs without an account. A license key can be entered later under Help, Enter Product Key, with no reinstall. If activation fails with the installed version, run AIDA64 as administrator once.
Questions about AIDA64 Extreme
Is AIDA64 free?
No. AIDA64 Extreme has a 30-day trial with some values hidden, no account or card needed. After it, the program stops working until you buy a license, $65.95 for up to 3 home PCs with one year of updates.
Does an AIDA64 license expire?
No. The license includes one year of updates, and the last version released during that year keeps working after it ends.
