Reference number: CH000708

How can I test my memory to determine if it is bad?

Question:

How can I test my memory to determine if it is bad?

Reasoning:

Users may need to test their computer's RAM or system memory because they are encountering issues with their computer that could be attributed to bad memory.

Answer:

Bad memory can cause an assortment of different issues on your computer. Below are just a few of the possible issues you may encounter. It is important to remember that the below issues can also be caused by more than just bad memory.

1. Computer does not boot, instead you get a beep code. See our POST / Beep code page for additional information about beep codes. 
2. Random computer crashes causing General Protection Fault error messages, Illegal Operations, Fatal Exceptions, etc.
3. Computer random reboots. Additional information and additional causes to a computer randomly restarting can also be found on document CH000605.
4. Installing Windows or another program fails.

Note: Before testing your memory, if you have recently added any new memory into the computer, we suggest you temporarily remove it to make sure it is not the cause of your issue. If the new memory is incompatible or bad, it will be the cause of your issue.

There are several different ways to test your computer's memory to determine if it is bad or has flaws that are causing issues with your computer. Below is a listing of these recommendations.

Software

There are several software programs available that are designed to test your computer's hardware including the computer's memory. Below are a few programs designed to test your computer's memory.

• Memtest86 - Our recommendation for testing computer memory, Memtest86 is a x86 compatible free memory tester.
• DocMemory - Another great software solution to test your computer's memory.

In addition to the above solutions there are other fantastic 100% commercial products. Below is a listing of some of these products.

• Memorytesters - Company offers several different hardware solution for testing computer memory. These are the highest quality method for testing memory but something only likely to be used at a computer service center because of their cost.
• PC-doctor - Another fantastic but not cheap solution often used for service centers and technicians to diagnose computer hardware issues including memory issues.
• PC Diagnostics - Another company that offers both hardware and software solutions for testing the majority of computer hardware in your computer including the computers memory.
• Ultra-X - Another great collection of products that can help test computer hardware including memory.

Hardware

If you have extra compatible computer memory available from another computer such as an extra computer in your home or office, or a friend's or co-worker's computer, you can temporarily use the extra memory to test your computer. Using known good memory in a computer that may have a memory problem is a good method of checking to see if the memory in your computer is bad.

Alternatively, if your computer has more then the minimum requirements needed by your operating system, for example if you have 2GB (4x512MB sticks of RAM) you can also temporarily remove a partial amount of RAM to see if you encounter the same issues.

If your memory works in another computer without issues and/or other memory is experiencing the same issues as your memory it's likely you're encountering a motherboard issue and not a computer memory issue.

Replace memory

If you have found the memory to be bad we suggest replacing the memory with new memory. Additional information and buying tips on computer memory can be found on our memory buying tips page.

Additional Information:

• See document CH001088 for additional information about testing other computer hardware for failures.