How to Test the RAM Memory Using USB

Running a RAM test from USB gives cleaner results.

Getting a pure test of your computer's RAM memory can be difficult. The problem for many users is if you are testing the computer from a program on the hard drive, that program is using up RAM. You cannot test a computer's RAM from the computer and expect an accurate answer. However, by putting a similar program on a USB drive, you can. There are several options, all of which will run off USB power and minimize hard drive activity.

Things You'll Need

• Memtest86+, RAM Probe or R.S.T. Pro

Instructions

1. Test the RAM memory using Memtest86+ (link in Resources). This basic utility comes as a free download. You download and unzip the file "Auto-installer for USB Key," which you'll find about halfway down the page. The USB drive should be plugged in when you do this. As you might gather from the name, it installs itself on the USB drive. You then open the program from that drive and test the RAM from there.

2. Test the RAM memory using RAM Probe (link in Resources). This program runs in a similar manner to Memtest86+. Download the "binary" ZIP file. This is the one that works from USB drives. The site also offers options to run the test from a CD or floppy disc. After unzipping the file onto the USB drive, you can run it to see if your RAM is up to par.

3. Test the RAM memory using R.S.T. Pro (link in Resources). This tool offers a drastically different option for users who don't want to mess around with unzipping and installing files. Here, you purchase the USB drive itself. The drive comes preloaded with a powerful piece of RAM-testing software that will run with a single click.

References

• Memtest86+
• RAM Probe

Resources

• Download Memtest86+
• Download RAM Probe
• Purchase R.S.T. Pro