However, if the physical memory of your computer experiences some issues and hindrances, then the system performance can take a toll. The commonly experienced system issues due to faults in RAM are frequent lag and Blue Screen of Death. Nevertheless, it’s recommended to check for any memory errors whether or not you experience such issues, to prevent the problem beforehand.
List of Ways You Can Test RAM
Before pointing out the fault in any particular hardware, you first need to test it to be sure. The same goes for the case of RAM. If the system does not start at all or restarts continuously, then you can try testing the RAM physically. However, the physical test is like a hit-and-trial method. It also requires you to disassemble your PC, which can be quite tedious. Similarly, this test does not provide you with specific error details. So, if your computer loads till boot or even to the Windows, then here are a few methods to test the RAM in your PC.
Using Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Windows has its own RAM testing tool known as the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool. It has the most simple interface, and the process is much easier. You need to start the tool from inside Windows. However, it will perform the testing before the operating system loads. During the next boot, the tool will start checking for any problems in the physical memory in a number of passes. You can also choose the type of test to be done, namely Basic, Standard, and Extended, by pressing F1. After the test completes, it will show whether there is any error or not. However, you may miss the details of the error. So, you will have to go to event viewer and see if there are any memory errors. You can also search for the error details on the internet for better understanding.
Using Passmark MemTest
There is another third-party tool, MemTest86 or MemTest86+, that tests the RAM for any error. It also works before the Operating system loads. However, here you do not run the tool from the GUI inside Windows. Instead, you will need a USB flash drive to write the testing program on it. Then, the memory test starts once you boot your system through the USB drive. Let’s go through the process stepwise. Let the testing continue. After the checking finishes, you will see the details of any errors, if found.
Using HCI’s MemTest
Both the Windows Memory Diagnostic Test and Passmark’s MemTest run prior to the loading of the OS. This may not provide accurate results as the RAM is not yet completely under real-time stress. Furthermore, there may be some other programs that cause issues in the RAM during their active period and functioning. So, you may want to test your physical memory with a tool that can test RAM while the system is running. HCI’s MemTest is such a program that you can run from inside Windows and performs the test while the PC is functioning fully. Let’s look at the process. After the test completes, analyze the errors if detected and try to rectify the issue. Usually, the RAM issues are not easily solvable. Most of the time, you will have to replace the RAM when the problem is too severe. But you can also get the most out of the RAM by optimizing your Windows and reducing the RAM usage. Similarly, if you have overclocked your memory to run at high speed, then disabling the overclock settings can also solve a few memory issues.
