Memory test software, often called RAM test
software, are programs that perform detailed tests of your computer's memory
system.
The memory installed in your computer is very
sensitive. It's always a good idea to perform a memory test on newly purchased
RAM to test for errors. Of course a memory test is always in order if you
suspect that you may have a problem with your existing RAM.
Note: All of the memory testing programs listed
function from outside of Windows so each will work no matter
if you have Windows (7, 8, XP, etc.), Linux, or any PC operating system.
Important: If your memory tests fail, replace
the memory immediately. The memory hardware in your computer is
not repairable and must be replaced if it fails.
1. Memtest86
Memtest86 is a completely free, stand-alone, and
extremely easy to use memory test software program. If you only have time to
try one memory test tool on this page, try Memtest86.
Simply download the ISO image from
Memtest86's site and burn it to a disc. After that, just restart to
boot from the disc and you're off.
While this RAM test is free, BradyTech Inc. can ship
you a CD with Memtest86 preinstalled, plus detailed documentation, all for
around $10USD.
Unless you're a hardware developer or other expert,
the free download and free basic support available on the site should be
enough.
I highly recommend Memtest86!
2. Windows
Memory Diagnostic
Windows Memory Diagnostic is a free memory test program
provided by Microsoft. Very similar to other RAM test programs, Windows Memory
Diagnostic performs a series of extensive tests to determine what, if anything,
is wrong with your computer memory.
Important: You do not need to have Windows (or
any operating system) installed to use Windows Memory Diagnostic.
Simply download the installer program and then follow the
instructions to create a bootable floppy disk or ISO image for burning to
a disc like a CD, DVD, etc.
After booting to the disc or floppy disk,
Windows Memory Diagnostic will automatically begin testing the memory and will
repeat the tests until you stop them. If the first set of tests finds no
errors, chances are your RAM is good.
3. M2K
MemScope
M2K MemScope is a free memory test program from the makers
of Micro-Scope - a large suite of professional, time tested (and expensive)
computer diagnostic tools.
MemScope performs a wide variety of tests in an attempt
to locate even the smallest issue with your memory. Many advanced testing
options are available but the "Run All" test is equivalent to tests
in other programs and is a safe bet if you're not a memory expert.
MemScope is freely downloadable from M2K's site, linked
below. You will have to fill out a short form but you're quickly brought to the
download link. I couldn't get the provided ISO file to work but I did
use the "MemScope installer" option to create a bootable floppy disk
without problem.
4. Memtest86+
Memtest86+ is a modified and presumably more up-to-date
version of the original Memtest86 memory test program, profiled in the #1
position above. Memtest86+ is also completely free.
I would recommend performing a memory test with
Memtest86+ if you have any problems running the Memtest86 RAM test or if
Memtest86 reports errors with your memory and you'd like a really good second
opinion.
It might seem a bit strange that I rank Memtest86+ as the
#4 pick, but since it's so incredibly similar to Memtest86, your best bet is to
try Memtest86 followed by my #2 and #3 picks, both of which operate
differently, providing you with a more well-rounded set of memory tests.
5. DocMemory Memory
Diagnostic
DocMemory Memory Diagnostic is yet another computer
memory test program and works very similarly to the other programs I have
listed above.
One major disadvantage of using DocMemory is that it
requires that you create a bootable floppy disk. Most computers today don't
even have floppy drives. The better memory test programs (above) use bootable
discs like CDs and DVDs instead.
I would recommend using DocMemory Memory Diagnostic only
if the memory testers I have listed above do not work for you or if you'd like
yet one more confirmation that your memory has failed.
On the other hand, if your computer isn't able to boot a
disc, which is what most of the above programs require, DocMemory Memory
Diagnostic may be exactly what you've been looking for.
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