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RAM errors can cause serious issues with your computer: spontaneous reboots, BSODs, app freezings or even everything mentioned together.
When troubleshooting hardware related issues you will need to check your RAM modules for errors and mutual compatibility.
We strongly recommend to test RAM using famous Memtest86+ utility that supports testing of DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 memory. In this guide we will teach you how to:
- download Memtest86+ utility;
- create a bootable USB stick with Memtest86+;
- test your RAM modules for errors and compatibility using the prerared USB stick.
Download Memtest86+ utility
- Go to: memtest.org/#downiso
- Download the latest auto-installer:
Create a bootable USB stick with Memtest86+
- open the downloaded archive:
- launch the executable file which is inside:
- connect your USB stick and create bootable usb with Memtest86+ utility:
- you finished creating your USB disk. Click Next:
How to Test RAM Using the USB Stick with Memtest86+ Testing Utility
- reboot your PC with USB stick plugged in.
- call the boot menu (F12, F9 or another key depending on your motherboard vendor) and select to boot from flash:
- the test process will start automatically – you are only to wait and watch the results:
If Memtest+ detects an error in your RAM you will see a red line. Please, red our recommendation below.
Our recommendations related to Memtest86+ and RAM
- Let the utility make at least 10 passes. The more testing loops – the higher probability that your RAM modules are really okay. Some memory errors occur when modules work for a long time. We have encountered cases when an error was detected on the 30th pass of Memtest86+ work process.
- Once Memtest86+ detected an error you can stop the test by hitting the Esc button.
a) If you have several memory modules, now test them one by one. There are two possible causes of RAM errors: either at least one module is damaged and needs to be replaced or all modules are okay but they are incompatible with each other.
b) If you have the single memory module try replacing it and running a test again. - The golden rule: try to use RAM modules of the same brand and model inside one computer!