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In this post, we’ll show you how to Check If Computer Has Bad RAM. Even though it doesn’t happen often, the memory chips (also called RAM) on your computer can sometimes go bad. Most of the time, they last longer than any other part on a PC because they don’t move and use very little power.
Memory chips are one of the most important parts of a computer, so if there is a problem, it will show up right away in strange and sometimes confusing ways. It’s also hard to tell right away if a problem is with the RAM because most PCs have more than one RAM chip, and not all of them fail at the same time.
When one doesn’t work and the others do, strange things will start to happen. Here are some signs that a PC’s memory is going bad. You can also go to the official Microsoft support site to know more information.
Ways to Check If Computer Has Bad RAM
Test RAM With Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
The next best way to test your memory is to use the Memory Diagnostic tool that comes with Windows 10.
- Search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in your start menu, and run the application.
- Select “Restart now and check for problems.” Windows will automatically restart, run the test and reboot back into Windows.
- Once restarted, wait for the result message. This may take a few moments to appear as the system starts up. Be patient. It will show up, but keep an eye out for it, as it will disappear again quickly.
Test RAM With Passmark Memtest86
Memtest86 from PassMark is a reliable tool for checking memory that doesn’t need an operating system. This means it can be used on both Windows and Linux computers. It works from a USB stick that can boot up, and even though it looks complex, it is very easy to use.
- Download Passmark Memtest86.
- Extract the contents into a folder on your desktop.
- Insert a USB stick into your PC. Back up any data on it, as Passmark’s tool will format the USB stick.
- Run the “imageUSB” executable.
- Select the correct USB drive at the top, and press ‘Write’
- Double-check whether everything is correct before proceeding. Writing will take a few moments, depending on the speed of your USB stick.
- Restart your computer, and enter the boot menu through pressing F2, Del, F8, F10 or whichever key your system uses. It will say on your post screen.
- Boot off the USB stick.
- Press “Config.”
- Select “(S)tart Test” in the Memtest86 home screen.
What If My RAM Is Bad?
If you didn’t make any mistakes, good job! Your mind is in good shape. Now that RAM problems have been ruled out, you can either relax or keep looking for other problems that could be causing your computer to crash. If you do get problems, that’s also good news: you’ve found what’s making your computer crash.
Memory problems can usually only be fixed by buying new RAM or replacing the old one. If you have more than one RAM kit, make sure to test each one separately to find the one that’s giving you trouble so you can send it back for guarantee. These days, a lot of RAM kits come with a guarantee that lasts for life. But you can try to fix these RAM-related problems by doing three things.
The first step is to make sure your RAM is running at the right speed for your computer. All memory has a label or package with its speed and settings written on it. You can use the XMP profiles in your BIOS to make sure it runs at these speeds. It doesn’t happen very often, but the memory could have been set to run faster than it could, which would cause mistakes.