How Do I Test My PC RAM For Free?

There are multiple methods and depths of RAM testing.

Testing the RAM on your PC could be as simple as checking the "System Properties" window, or downloading a piece of software to run more intense tests. Microsoft offers a free memory testing application, but there are also a few different third-party options to explore.

Instructions

1. Right-click on either the "My Computer" icon or the "Start" menu. Select "Properties" from the menu. The "General" tab displays information about the RAM installed on the machine. This is the simplest and most general testing of the RAM.

2. Explore other options to test your RAM.

   "Memtest86" is a free option that uses a bootable CD. Download the ISO image from http://www.memtest86.com/. Burn the ISO image to a CD. Restart the computer and boot from the "Memtest86" CD. There are several commands for "Memtest86" that are viewable on the "Memtest86" website under "Technical Info > Usage > Online Commands".

3. Use Microsoft's Windows Memory Diagnostic. Download it from http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp and burn it to a disc. Run the ".exe" file and choose either "Create Startup Disk" or "Save CD Image to Disk". Create a boot disk and restart the computer, booting from the "Windows Memory Diagnostic" disk. "Windows Memory Diagnostic" will continue to test the memory with an infinite number of passes. After you see it complete the first pass, the test is complete.

4. Use the advanced testing program "M2K Memscope". It is a free download at http://www.micro2000.co.uk/products/microscope/MemScope_Free_Memory_Tester.htm. Download either the ISO file or the ".exe" for creating floppy disks. The floppy ".exe" will ask you to insert a disk and will automatically create the boot disk. If you downloaded the ISO, burn it to a CD. "MemScope" has a wide variety of commands you can view at the download URL. Boot up "MemScope" and select which tests you'd like to run.

References

• Microsoft: Windows Memory Diagnostic

Resources

• Memtest86