If you regularly test large volumes of computer memory, there are tools like the RAMCHECK LX and the Eureka memory testers. These hardware-based RAM testers quickly pay for themselves, particularly if you’re in the ITAD business, where you may test thousands of modules every month. But what if you only need to test a few DIMMs and SODIMMs? You can’t justify the cost of a dedicated memory tester. And those cheap memory test cards you see on Amazon and eBay look dubious.
Fortunately, there are free software alternatives. Let’s start with one you already have if you’re using a Windows PC or laptop.
Windows Memory Diagnostic
It’s easy to forget that Windows already has a built-in memory test utility. At the Start menu, type in windows memory.
The tool will pop right up and the instructions are straightforward. Just be sure to save any of your work before proceeding.
A simple basic test, which is all that most people need, may take 10 or 15 minutes to complete. More advanced test options are available, depending upon how rigorous you want the test to be. The choices are described in the program. You can choose the cache setting you want for each test, and increase the number of times you want the test repeated. Just be aware that choosing the advanced testing features will take more time, possibly even a lot of time. Upwards of an hour for each module.
MemTest86
What some call the standard for memory test utilities, MemTest86 has a long history and a huge installed user base. First published in 1994, MemTest86 is used by companies and organizations around the world.
Unlike Windows Memory Diagnostic, MemTest86 boots directly from a USB flash drive. It tests your computer’s memory for faults using comprehensive algorithms and test patterns developed and used throughout the memory industry. Offering 14 different test algorithms, it supports testing of all RAM types, including DDR5 memory, in all form factors.
This is a powerful tool if you need more information than just a simple pass/fail. For even more RAM test options, a paid PRO version is available for SPD reporting and determining the location of faulty chips for module repair. (For volume SPD read/write we recommend that you use a dedicated SPD programmer such as those manufactured by Crystal King.)
Download the FREE MemTest86 version or the paid MemTest86 PRO version here.
MemTest86+
Confused? That’s understandable. First released in 2004, Memtest86+ is a development fork of the original MemTest86. Like MemTest86, MemTest86+ is designed to run as a self-contained program from a boot-able USB flash drive.
MemTest86+ offers comprehensive testing that can find hidden problems on modules that appear to work normally, and it claims to provide a more thorough memory check than other test products.
So why would you want to install MemTest86+ when MemTest86 is readily available? For the simple reason that not all memory test tools can find all faults.
Memory testing is inherently complex, as each bit may be shorted to quite a few adjacent bits, and there are a huge number of such bits in a memory chip. For example, in a 32Mx8 chip there are 256 million bits. Testing for shorts between each bit to other close-by bits would require an astronomical number of tests. So if you suspect that one of these tools is failing to detect bad memory, use both to get a second opinion.
You can download MemTest86+ here.
We hope you find this useful. Employees at OEMPCWORLD have decades of experience in the memory field, dating back to the 1980s. If you need DDR5, DDR4, DDR3, or older memory, ask us! We specialize in computer RAM, and always at great prices.
Photo by Carlos Irineu da Costa on Unsplash
