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.

Instructions

What You Need

• boot9strap, GodMode9 or fastboot3DS installed to FIRM partition(s)
• Luma3DS' boot.firm on the root of your SD card
• The latest release of 3ds_hw_test (the 3ds_hw_test.firm file)

Section I - Hardware Test

boot9strapfastboot3DS

1. Power off the console and insert your SD card into your computer.
2. Copy 3ds_hw_test.firm to the root of your SD card.
3. Rename boot.firm to luma.firm.
4. Rename 3ds_hw_test.firm to boot.firm.
5. Reinsert the SD card into your console.
6. Power on the console without pressing any other buttons.
7. Press any button to start the test.
   • The test will take around 30 minutes for an old model and around 45 for a new model.
     • If you are unsure what model the console is, look at the shoulder buttons - a new model has four (L+ZL+ZR+R), and an old model has two (L+R.
8. When the test finishes, press any button to turn the console off 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.
10. Delete boot.firm and rename luma.firm to boot.firm.

1. Power off the console and insert your SD card into your computer.
2. Copy 3ds_hw_test.firm to the root of your SD card.
3. Reinsert the SD card into your console.
4. power on the console while holding HOME to enter the fastboot3DS menu.
5. Select [+]Boot from file... -> sdmc: -> 3ds_hw_test.firm.
6. Press any button to start the test.
   • The test will take around 30 minutes for an old model and around 45 for a new model.
     • If you are unsure what model the console is, look at the shoulder buttons - a new model has four (L+ZL+ZR+R), and an old model has two (L+R.
7. When the test finishes, press any button to turn the console off 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.