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 if your computer memory is bad. 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.

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

There are also commercial hardware computer memory testers designed to test memory. These devices can cost several thousand dollars are primarily something only used in a repair center or a large company where memory needs to be tested frequently. If you would like your memory tested by one of these devices, we suggest contacting your local repair centers to check for availability.

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.