Is there an app that can tell me if all hardware is functioning properly?

If I recall correctly, iStat is really a system monitor, it doesn't really test anything. If it's equipped on your system you can use Apple Hardware Test (AHT) to test most of the system components except the hard drive (don't ask me why...I don't know.)

I use Scannerz (http://scsc-online.com/Scannerz.html) which does HD, I/O and memory/system bus testing. The good thing about the memory/system bus tests is that it will thermally load the system and if there are heat related problems, they'll likely surface as system faults of some sorts. However, it's not free ($39.95 I think). You wouldn't need the full version of FSE for that, just the one with FSE-Lite. Scannerz Lite will not do the more advanced stuff because it's intended to be used by people that just want to verify that their HD and system are working right, but it is cheap.

Another thing you can do for free is check the self diagnostics periodically. This can be done as follows:

1. Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner
2. From the menu, click "About this Mac"
3. When the window opens, click on "More info..."
4. Another window opens, click on "System Report"
5. In the left hand column under "Hardware" click on "Diagnostics"

If there's anything really wrong, that will show it.

One thing bad about both Diagnostics and the consumer version of AHT is that they only test the digital stuff that can be tested on the system bus. For example, we've seen the output stages of FireWire, video, and ethernet ports blow and they were oblivious to it. In these cases you either have to take it to Apple or let someone qualified do end-to-end tests on the ports.

Another product that offers some testing is TechTools Pro but it's quite expensive. FWIW I have a list of drive testing tools, some of which have system features as well right here on MacRumors via the following link:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1544280

Hope this helped.

 

Typically failures like video, CPU, and I/O controller, which are the most prominent assemblies on the logic board don't need testing because if they fail, it's obvious (no video, system won't even start, etc...disasters in other words). Some RAM failures can be erratic if the problem is RAM that marginally meets manufacturers specs.

The most common components that fail will be the HD, cables, and connectors. This excluded stuff like knocking a can of soda into a unit.

 

Hardware issue

I also had a fan issue with my new iMac. Went to http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5781. There you'll find out how to run the built in apple diagnostics. My result showed two codes regarding the fans. Called apple and rep tried to fix the problem by having me do some unplugging, etc. That didn't work. So took it into the Apple store and they replaced the fan. Don't know if you live near an apple store but perhaps there's an apple approved repair place near you. Good luck with the new machine.

 

I've used AHT in the past an wan't terribly impressed with it. It seems to test only things on the logic board and nothing that feeds the outside world. I've seen it completely mss problems with USB, Firewire, and ethernet problems, not to mention a bad external video port.

 

IIRC, the install disks for the most recent OSX versions include diagnostic tools. You need to boot from the install disk but choose Tools instead of Install.

 

Out of curiousity, was the Amazon unit new, used, refurbished, overstock late model? I assume you can't get AppleCare on it, or can you?

 

Yes as long as the machine is covered by the standard Apple one year warranty it's eligible for AppleCare. It does not matter where the machine was purchased, it could even be used as long as it's covered by the original Apple 1 year warranty.