# Prime95

> software for finding Mersenne primes

**Wikidata**: [Q1313004](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1313004)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prime95)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/prime95

## Summary

Prime95 is software..

## Summary
Prime95 is a freeware software application designed for finding Mersenne primes. Developed by George Woltman, it functions as the primary client for the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS). The software is written in x86 assembly language and is used for mathematical computations.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** Created by George Woltman, a United States mathematician and computer scientist born in 1957.
- **Primary Use:** Used by the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS) to discover Mersenne primes.
- **Software License:** Distributed as freeware.
- **Aliases:** Also known as MPrime.
- **Programming Language:** Written in x86 assembly language.
- **Latest Version:** Version 30.19 Build 20 (released February 6, 2024).
- **Official Website:** https://mersenne.org/
- **Software Class:** Classified as a non-tangible executable component of a computer (software).

## FAQs
### Q: What is Prime95 used for?
A: Prime95 is primarily used to search for Mersenne prime numbers as part of the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS). It is also widely used to stress test computer hardware, specifically the CPU and memory, due to its intensive mathematical computations.

### Q: Who developed Prime95?
A: The software was developed by George Woltman, a mathematician, engineer, and computer scientist who founded the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search.

### Q: Is Prime95 free to use?
A: Yes, Prime95 is classified as freeware and is available for download from the official Mersenne Research, Inc. website.

## Why It Matters
Prime95 holds significant importance in the field of distributed computing and computational mathematics. As the dedicated client for the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS), it enables a global network of volunteers to utilize their computers' idle processing power to search for Mersenne primes, a specific class of rare prime numbers. This collaborative effort has led to the discovery of several record-breaking prime numbers.

Developed by George Woltman, the software is optimized using x86 assembly language, allowing for highly efficient mathematical operations on compatible hardware. While its primary stated use is mathematical research, Prime95 is widely recognized in the PC hardware community as a standard tool for stability testing. By running complex calculations, it generates maximum heat and power draw, allowing users to verify the stability of their CPU and RAM under heavy loads. Its ongoing development is evidenced by continuous updates, with the latest versions supporting modern hardware architectures as of 2024.

## Notable For
- **Distributed Computing Leadership:** It serves as the essential software client for the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS).
- **Assembly Language Optimization:** The software utilizes x86 assembly language, distinguishing it for high performance on x86 architectures.
- **Freeware Accessibility:** It provides high-level mathematical research tools to the public at no cost.
- **Hardware Stability Testing:** While designed for math, it is distinctively famous as an industry standard for stress-testing CPU stability and thermal performance.

## Body

### Development and Creator
Prime95 was created and is maintained by George Woltman, an American mathematician, engineer, and computer scientist born on November 10, 1957. Woltman is also the founder of the Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS). The software is copyrighted but distributed as freeware.

### Technical Specifications
The software is written in x86 assembly language, which allows for low-level hardware optimization. It is designed to run on the x86 architecture and is available in English. The executable component functions as a client that connects to the GIMPS network to receive and process work units.

### Version History
Prime95 has undergone continuous development to support new hardware and improve search algorithms. Notable versions include:
- **29.8 build 3**
- **30.3 build 6**
- **30.7 build 9** (Released November 15, 2021)
- **30.8 build 17** (Released August 9, 2022)
- **30.19 Build 20** (Released February 6, 2024)

### Identity and Resources
The software is identified by the alias "MPrime" and is cataloged under the Creative Commons category "Prime95." The official website is hosted at https://mersenne.org/. It is listed under the Chocolatey community package ID "prime95" and has a presence on Reddit under the topic ID "prime95."

## References

1. [Source](https://www.mersenne.org/legal/#EULA)
2. [Source](https://mersenne.org/download)
3. [Source](https://www.mersenne.org/)
4. [Source](https://www.mersenne.org/download/)