How to Test System RAM

You can test to see if your system RAM is faulty.

Computer freezes or random crashes could be a sign that your system’s RAM (random access memory) has gone bad. Even if you purchase brand new RAM, there is a chance that you may have a faulty stick. You can download free memory tests to run on your computer that report whether your memory is the cause of issues on your computer or if you may need to look at some other source. Because this program must run at your computer’s start-up, you will need to burn it to a CD or DVD.

Things You'll Need

• CD or DVD burner
• Software that capable of burning ISO
• Blank CD or DVD

Instructions

Create Memory Test Disk

1. Download a free RAM memory test such as Memtest86, MemScope Memory Tester or Windows Memory Diagnostic. Memtest86 and MemScope will download .ISO image files. The Windows Memory Diagnostic will download a Runtime program that will create an .ISO image file.

2. Place a blank media disk in your computer’s disk-burning drive.

3. Launch your computer’s burning software. Most retail burning software has the option to burn .ISO files.

4. Use your software to burn the .ISO file to a CD or DVD. You can usually do this by choosing an option like “Burn Image File” or “Burn ISO File.” This will create a readable disk from the .ISO image file.

Run the Memory Test

1. Place the disk in your disk drive and reboot your computer.

2. Launch the memory test program from the disk as your computer restarts.

3. Allow the program to test your system’s RAM. This may take a while to complete. Some programs will run a series of tests in an infinite loop until you choose to stop the test. Other programs offer different options that control how long the memory scan takes. Generally, the longer you allow the test to run, the more likely the program will detect issues that may exist.

4. Review the test’s output once it is complete to see if the program found any issues with your RAM. If you have a faulty stick of memory, it will need to be replaced.

Tips & Warnings

• If you do not have a media burner or a program that can burn an .ISO file, you can also choose to create a set of floppy disks to run the memory test. This works the same way as long as your computer has a floppy disk drive.

• You can also purchase a CD copy of Memtest86 from the website.

References

• Memtest86.com
• Micro2000: MemScope Memory Tester
• Microsoft Online Crash Analysis: Windows Memory Diagnostic