3DS:Hardware test

3ds_hw_test

Developer(s)	aspargas2
Console	Nintendo 3DS
Version	v0.1.0-alpha (October 28, 2023 (2023-10-28))
Links
GitHub	aspargas2/3ds_hw_test

3ds_hw_test is a .firm application that tests a 3DS console's RAM for errors. There are plans to expand the test so it checks more types of hardware, but so far these plans are entirely a work-in-progress.

The test will take roughly 30 minutes on the Original 3DS, 3DS XL and 2DS, and roughly 45 minutes on the New 3DS, New 3DS XL and New 2DS XL.

Instructions

What You Need

• The latest release of 3ds_hw_test (the 3ds_hw_test.firm file)
• One of the following:
  • boot9strap, GodMode9 or fastboot3DS installed to FIRM partition(s)
  • Luma3DS' boot.firm on the root of your SD card
  • A compatible flashcart, flashed with ntrboot

Section I - Hardware Test

boot9strapfastboot3DSntrbootGodMode9Luma3DS chainloader

1. Power off your console
2. Insert your SD card into your computer
3. Copy 3ds_hw_test.firm to the root of your SD card
4. Rename boot.firm to luma.firm
5. Rename 3ds_hw_test.firm to boot.firm
6. Reinsert the SD card into your console
7. Power on the console without pressing any other buttons
8. Press any button to start the test
9. When the test finishes, press any button to power off your console and insert your SD into your computer
10. Open the newly generated sd:/HWTEST.LOG file in a text editor, then scroll to the end and look at the line that says [ARM11] Done. ___ total errors detected.
    • If the number on this line is 0, your console's RAM is not the issue
    • If the number on this line is not 0, your console's RAM is dying and you need to either repair or replace the motherboard
11. Delete boot.firm and rename luma.firm to boot.firm

1. Power off your console
2. Insert your SD card into your computer
3. Copy 3ds_hw_test.firm to the root of your SD card
4. Reinsert the SD card into your console
5. Power on the console while holding HOME to enter the fastboot3DS menu
6. Select [+]Boot from file... -> sdmc: -> 3ds_hw_test.firm
7. Press any button to start the test
8. When the test finishes, press any button to power off your console and insert your SD into your computer
9. Open the newly generated sd:/HWTEST.LOG file in a text editor, then scroll to the end and look at the line that says [ARM11] Done. ___ total errors detected.
   • If the number on this line is 0, your console's RAM is not the issue
   • If the number on this line is not 0, your console's RAM is dying and you need to either repair or replace the motherboard

If you do not have a flashcart compatible with ntrboot, choose a different option.

1. Ensure you already have a flashcart with ntrboot flashed. If you haven't flashed your flashcart with ntrboot yet, refer to this page
2. Power off your console
3. Insert your SD card into your computer
4. Copy 3ds_hw_test.firm to the root of your SD card
5. Rename boot.firm to luma.firm
6. Rename 3ds_hw_test.firm to boot.firm
7. Reinsert the SD card into your console
8. Insert the flashcart flashed with ntrboot into your console
9. Put the magnet into position to trigger the lid sensor. Refer to this image for reference
   • Note, 2DS users will not need a magnet, as their device cannot physically fold. Instead, move the sleep switch to the right
10. Press and hold START+SELECT+X, then briefly press and hold the power button for 2 to 3 seconds
11. Your console should now be booted into 3ds_hw_test
    • If it did not boot and instead booted into the HOME Menu or turned off immediately, power off your console and try again. You may need a few attempts to get the magnet positioning correct
12. Press any button to start the test
13. When the test finishes, press any button to power off your console and insert your SD into your computer
14. Open the newly generated sd:/HWTEST.LOG file in a text editor, then scroll to the end and look at the line that says [ARM11] Done. ___ total errors detected.
    • If the number on this line is 0, your console's RAM is not the issue
    • If the number on this line is not 0, your console's RAM is dying and you need to either repair or replace the motherboard
15. Delete boot.firm and rename luma.firm to boot.firm

This section only applies to consoles with GodMode9 installed into FIRM0/1.

1. Power off your console
2. Insert your SD card into your computer
3. Copy 3ds_hw_test.firm to the sd:/gm9/payloads folder of your SD card
4. Reinsert the SD card into your console
5. Power on the console while holding R+← to enter the GodMode9 bootloader menu
6. Select Select payload... -> 3ds_hw_test.firm
7. Press any button to start the test
8. When the test finishes, press any button to power off your console and insert your SD into your computer
9. Open the newly generated sd:/HWTEST.LOG file in a text editor, then scroll to the end and look at the line that says [ARM11] Done. ___ total errors detected.
   • If the number on this line is 0, your console's RAM is not the issue
   • If the number on this line is not 0, your console's RAM is dying and you need to either repair or replace the motherboard.

1. Power off the console and insert your SD card into your computer
2. Copy 3ds_hw_test.firm to sd:/luma/payloads
3. Reinsert the SD card into your console
4. Power on the console while holding START to open Luma3DS chainloader
   • If you dont see Luma3DS chainloader, follow Restoring / Updating CFW and try again
   • If you still don't see it follow the boot9strap tab above instead
5. Select 3ds_hw_test
6. Press any button to start the test
7. When the test finishes, press any button to power off your console and insert your SD into your computer
8. Open the newly generated sd:/HWTEST.LOG file in a text editor, then scroll to the end and look at the line that says [ARM11] Done. ___ total errors detected.
   • If the number on this line is 0, your console's RAM is not the issue
   • If the number on this line is not 0, your console's RAM is dying and you need to either repair or replace the motherboard