What software should I use to test for bad memory?

[aidanjm]

How can I determine if a RAM module/ dimm is responsible for occasional crashes I am experiencing on a particular machine? Is there a simple program that tests memory?

 

[boyRacer]

Memtest86+
Windows Memory Diagnostic

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: bR
Memtest86+
Windows Memory Diagnostic

thanks

 

[aidanjm]

OK, suppose I determine there is a memory location that gives an error using Windows Memory Diagnostic. Do I just chuck the memory dimm out? Or is it worth seeing if e.g., bumping up the voltage might make the memory more stable?

 

[StevenYoo]

most memory has a manufacturer lifetime warranty.

so try to get an RMA

 

[duragezic]

Yeah bumping up the voltage may help. It may also help to switch the slots the DIMMs are installed in. If your memory timings are set to auto, they are determined by one of the slots. So if you have non-identical sticks, trying switching them around.

As I found out from a similar thread, an error in memtest does NOT necessarily mean the stick is bad. It means somewhere along the line that the memory system has problems. That's why I suggest upping the voltage from stock 2.5 V to 2.6 V or 2.7 V and switching DIMMs around/relax timings. I bought 2x512mb of some unknown PC3200 from my cousin. BF2 would crash on me when it never did before. It didn't when I removed them. Memtest brought up errors. I thought I bought his defective RAM! I upped the voltage to 2.6 V and switched the slots around. Never had a problem since (don't know which one fixed it). I've read all memory is fine up to 2.8-2.9 V, but I'd stay below 2.7 V to be safe.

 

[StevenYoo]

Originally posted by: duragezic
Yeah bumping up the voltage may help. It may also help to switch the slots the DIMMs are installed in. If your memory timings are set to auto, they are determined by one of the slots. So if you have non-identical sticks, trying switching them around.

As I found out from a similar thread, an error in memtest does NOT necessarily mean the stick is bad. It means somewhere along the line that the memory system has problems. That's why I suggest upping the voltage from stock 2.5 V to 2.6 V or 2.7 V and switching DIMMs around/relax timings. I bought 2x512mb of some unknown PC3200 from my cousin. BF2 would crash on me when it never did before. It didn't when I removed them. Memtest brought up errors. I thought I bought his defective RAM! I upped the voltage to 2.6 V and switched the slots around. Never had a problem since (don't know which one fixed it). I've read all memory is fine up to 2.8-2.9 V, but I'd stay below 2.7 V to be safe.

ooh, good info to know!

 

[Megatomic]

Originally posted by: duragezic
Yeah bumping up the voltage may help. It may also help to switch the slots the DIMMs are installed in. If your memory timings are set to auto, they are determined by one of the slots. So if you have non-identical sticks, trying switching them around.

As I found out from a similar thread, an error in memtest does NOT necessarily mean the stick is bad. It means somewhere along the line that the memory system has problems. That's why I suggest upping the voltage from stock 2.5 V to 2.6 V or 2.7 V and switching DIMMs around/relax timings. I bought 2x512mb of some unknown PC3200 from my cousin. BF2 would crash on me when it never did before. It didn't when I removed them. Memtest brought up errors. I thought I bought his defective RAM! I upped the voltage to 2.6 V and switched the slots around. Never had a problem since (don't know which one fixed it). I've read all memory is fine up to 2.8-2.9 V, but I'd stay below 2.7 V to be safe.

Woot, the bolded/underlined suggestion fixed a problem I've been trying to fix for days now. I don't understand why it worked, but it did. Now I can run CAS2 on my new machine!

What I've been going through....

 

[boyRacer]

I had a rarely used 600W Enermax that I put it a new rig. When I ran memtest I was getting errors on sticks that previously tested fine in my other rigs. Turns out it was the PS. :frown: