If you start to see blue screens of death frequently on your computer, write down the error number and look on the Internet for the reasons for its occurrence. It may be that the problems are caused by malfunctions of any of the components (often this is HDD or RAM). In today's article we will look at how to check the performance of RAM.

There are several signs by which you can determine that the cause of various problems is a malfunction random access memory:

• Blue screens of death often appear with error numbers 0x0000000A and 0x0000008e. There may also be other errors that indicate a malfunction.
• Crashes under high load on RAM - during games, video rendering, working with graphics, and more.
• The computer does not start. Can be sound signals, which indicate a malfunction.
• Distorted image on the monitor. This symptom speaks more about problems with the video card, but sometimes memory can also be the cause.

By the way, if you observe any of the above symptoms, this does not mean that the problem is with the computer’s RAM. But it's still worth checking.

Methods for checking RAM

There are several ways available to each user to check RAM, both using additional software, and resorting exclusively to Windows tools. In this article we will look at several methods that may be useful to you.

Method 1: Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility

One of the most popular utilities for checking RAM is Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility. This product was created by Microsoft for advanced testing of computer memory for problems. To use the software, you need to create bootable media (flash drive or disk). How to do this can be found in the following article:

Then all you have to do is connect the drive to the computer and set the boot priority from the flash drive in the BIOS (below we will leave a link to a lesson on how to do this). Windows Memory Diagnostic will launch and RAM testing will begin. If errors are identified during the check, it is probably worth contacting service center.

Method 2: MemTest86+

One of best programs for testing RAM - MemTest86+. As with previous software, you first need to create bootable USB flash drive with MemTest86+. Almost no action is required from you - just insert the media into the computer connector and select boot from the flash drive through the BIOS. The RAM testing will begin, the results of which will be immediately displayed.

Method 3: Standard system tools

You can also check RAM without the help of any additional software, because Windows has a special tool for this.

We looked at three methods that allow the user to determine whether errors during computer operation are actually caused by faults in RAM. If errors were identified during RAM testing using one of the above methods, we recommend contacting a specialist and subsequently replacing the module.

The system unit has many complex nodes, which together enable its user to perform complex computing tasks, view graphic files and much more. If yours starts to work slower, then there is a high probability that something is wrong. Let's have a computer. This is not difficult to do, but you need to pay attention to important details.

A few general points

To begin with, it should be noted that anyone can have problems with RAM. But this is not yet a reason to run to the store for a new one. First you need to perform testing and find out what exactly is wrong. To do this, you can either use special programs or make do with what is already in the system. But first, try opening the system unit, removing the RAM from the slot, cleaning the slot from dust, and then inserting it back. If you are the owner of the Windows 7 or 8 operating system, then you do not need to download anything, since there are special built-in utilities that can be used to perform the check. It should be noted that the RAM test runs quite quickly, but much depends on the type of RAM, for example, whether it is DDR1 or DDR3. In the second case, the check will be carried out much faster.

How to check your computer's RAM

Let's look at how to do everything without downloading third party programs from the Internet. To do this, go to the “start” menu, and then “search”. You must write “memory” in the line. At the end of the process, you should see a positive result, that is, the line “diagnosis of computer, laptop RAM problems.” Since you cannot immediately check the RAM for problems, you will be asked to do this the next time you turn on the computer, or simply restart the device and automatically begin diagnostics. When the computer is turned on, the scan will begin itself. You will be able to observe the process and find out if there are any problems. This will be written on the screen. In principle, this will take no more than a few minutes. Since you can check your computer’s RAM directly when the OS starts, you can use this method. To do this, you need to press Tab in the task manager.

How to check RAM for errors using software

The most popular and simple program- this is memtest86 or 86+. Its peculiarity is that the utility is completely free and does not require configuration. First you need to download the stable version from the official website. After that, create an ISO image. At the next stage, the disk is written to, it will be bootable. Now we restart the computer and go into the BIOS, where you need to select the drive to boot when Windows starts. We insert the disk and wait until the corresponding verification window appears. Then the verification will begin automatically, you just need to wait for the process to complete. At the bottom of the screen, in the center, the number of detected errors is displayed. The duration is affected by the frequency of the RAM; the lower it is, the longer the diagnosis will take. This process can take several minutes or about one hour.

What else do you need to know

Most users do not pay due attention to the state of their RAM and do so in vain. Dust, for example, causes the RAM to overheat during intensive work and can simply burn out. Please note that if, when checking with the memtest86 utility, you receive one error, this indicates that a particular address is unstable. In principle, this is not critical and work can continue with such a board. However, when the RAM is completely broken, replacement is needed. You also need to understand that due to a malfunction of the operating memory, both the video card, the processor, and motherboard. Based on this, you can draw simple conclusions that you need to check not only the RAM, but also other important elements system unit. It would be useful to test the RAM on another computer, of course, if such an opportunity exists.

Conclusion

If you identify problems, you can try to fix them yourself rather than taking the bar to a service center. Although if the RAM has a warranty, then it is better to use the help of professionals. To begin, swap the slats with each other and wipe them with an elastic band. It is quite possible that the error will disappear with subsequent testing. As boot disk You can use a flash drive, which is also very convenient. In this case, a lot depends on which memory card it is from, which is why the process can take significantly longer. We looked at several ways to check your computer. You probably noticed that there are no particular difficulties, you just need to devote a few minutes of your time and figure everything out. If the condition of the RAM is critical, then there is no point in repairing it, it is easier to buy a new one, it will be cheaper.

RAM ( RAM) is one of the most important parts in a computer. Without it, he simply cannot turn on. Due to problems with it, various problems with the performance of the system often arise. Below I will provide a list of the most common problems related to RAM.

1. Computer freezes during active use and loss of information.
2. Blue screen or screen of death ( may be one of the reasons for this).
3. Computer won't turn on ( usually makes a sound that indicates there is a problem).
4. Frequent, unexpected computer reboots that occur on their own.

Please note that the methods below do not fix the problem, but only notify you that it exists.

If errors are detected in the memory, you can try to apply for a warranty from the seller ( if there is one), but most likely you will just need to replace it with a new one. RAM sticks are not very expensive and the replacement process is quite simple.

There are two ways to check for problems with it. If you have Windows 7, 8 and later versions, you can use the scan in the operating system itself. For this there is special utility. There is no need to download it.

For earlier versions ( for example XP) you can use a solution such as Memtest86. However, I recommend using this particular program in any case, as it is regularly updated, unlike the built-in Windows diagnostic tools.

Checking memory in Windows

Find a utility that will do the testing.

Go to Start >> All Programs >> Administrative Tools ( or standard) >> Memory checker.

In the window that appears, select “Restart and check” and restart your computer.

You will see a window of the RAM testing process. If errors are found, a corresponding warning will appear. Wait for it to finish. It took me about ~15 minutes. Yours may take longer. This depends on the test settings and computer.

By pressing the "F1" key you can open the options. They have additional settings. There are 3 types of tests in total:

1. Base.
2. Ordinary.
3. Wide.

The longest and most revealing is the wide one. It uses all the functionality. The default is normal. For a quick check, it is recommended to use the basic one. Here you can also set the number of checks. Switching between items is done using the arrows on the keyboard.

Testing with Memtest86

Download free program Memtest on your computer ( on English language ). It is constantly updated and can more effectively check RAM, unlike the utility in Windows.

And move it installation file to a flash drive. Then launch. In the window that appears, select the letter of your device and click Create. If an error appears, try checking the formatting box. If you don’t have a flash drive, you can download and burn the image to disk.

Attention! All data will be deleted and ( if you check the box). You will receive after the process is completed.

Errors will be highlighted in red ( if they exist). They were not found on me. If you need to stop checking, press the Esc key.

I suggest watching a video on working with this program.

Have you found any errors in your RAM?

Problems associated with RAM are very diverse. Has your computer stopped turning on? One of the likely culprits is the RAM. Ripples on the screen? Perhaps she too. Programs won't launch, files won't open? And here we couldn’t do without her. What can we say about blue screens of death (BSoD), because this is the most important symptom of a RAM malfunction. Let's talk about what causes RAM failures and how to check it for errors.

If a failure occurs immediately after installing a new RAM module on your computer, it may be caused by:

• Incomplete installation of memory into the slot.
• Oxidation of the surface of the contact ridge of the memory strip due to long-term storage. Oxidized contacts usually appear dull and darkened.
• Incompatibility of RAM modules with each other (if there are several of them) or with the processor (chipset on older PCs), more precisely, with the memory controller built into them.
• Inoperability of the new module due to manufacturing defects.
• A faulty RAM slot on the motherboard.

What to do to diagnose and fix the problem:

• Check that the memory is installed correctly in the slots. The side fastenings must be latched.
• To remove the oxide layer from metal contacts, carefully clean them with a school eraser.
• Install the bracket in the adjacent slot (if available).
• Reset Computer BIOS to default settings.
• To avoid incompatibility of memory modules, try starting the computer with only one of them, as well as with several in different combinations.
• Update the BIOS using a known good and suitable memory stick.

The cause of a RAM failure that occurs after the computer has been operating normally for some time may be:

• Changing the timings and frequency of RAM in the BIOS, installing an inappropriate XMP profile, overclocking.
• The bracket falls out of the slot (often found on laptops).
• Oxidation of contacts.
• Factory defects (sometimes they make themselves felt after months of using the device), degradation.
• Mechanical or electrical failure of memory subsystem components.

What can be done:

• Make sure the module is installed correctly in the slot.
• Reset BIOS settings to default.
• Remove the module from the slot and clean the contact comb with a rubber band.
• Check your memory for errors using special programs. This is exactly what we will talk about next.

Checking memory for errors using programs

• Turn on the computer at least half an hour before testing to “warm up” the unit and power circuits.
• Test under the same conditions that cause the failure.
• If your computer has multiple memory modules installed, test the entire set the first time you run the test program. If errors are detected, repeat testing each strip separately.

The average duration of a full verification cycle is 6-8 hours, the number of passes (repetitions of test sets) is 8-15. As practice shows, the bulk of errors are detected already on the first or second pass, but some are detected only after repeated passes. If errors are found, further checking may not be carried out.

How to interpret the results

Even one detected error indicates a potential RAM failure. However, this is not a reason to immediately throw it in the trash. Sometimes errors are caused by something that interacts with the memory, such as a faulty slot, a power supply failure, or a defect in the data lines. Often the memory is “buggy” due to poorly selected timings and frequencies. To make the errors disappear, just return it to its default settings.

Windows Memory Checker

Sometimes you hear that the RAM checker built into Windows cannot be trusted. It supposedly never reveals anything. This is a false statement: if the program is configured correctly, its results are no less reliable than those of specialized utilities, which will be discussed below.

So, to run the built-in Windows memory checker, save open documents and enter into system search bar utility name - mdsched. Select it from the list of found ones.

After clicking on the first item in this window, the computer will reboot and the scan tool will begin its work. Unfortunately, by default it is not configured optimally. To stop the current test and go to the utility settings, press the F1 key.

The screenshot below shows the parameters that should be set:

• The range of tests is wide.
• Cache (processor memory) is disabled.
• The number of passes is 8-15.

To move to each subsequent item, press the Tab key.

To save the settings and start the testing process, press F10.

The list of errors found is displayed directly on the screen - in the “Status” field, but there is no need to monitor the program’s operation and continuously look at the monitor. Once the scan is complete, the computer will restart and a message about the results will appear on your desktop.

GoldMemory

The GoldMemory PC RAM testing utility is considered one of the best in its class. It is built on non-standard algorithms that can catch errors that competing applications miss. It provides full support for 64-bit architecture and compatibility with all types of legacy and modern RAM, including the DDR4 generation. The maximum amount of memory tested is 64 GB/1 TB.

GoldMemory operates in three main scanning modes - fast, normal and in-depth, as well as a custom one, where the testing duration and sets of test groups are set manually. In addition, the program saves history, maintains reports and supports management using batch files.

Unfortunately, GoldMemory - paid product, intended for commercial use. The 30-day demo version, available for free download, has significant limitations and does not allow you to evaluate all the functionality of the program.

Checking RAM using GoldMemory is carried out outside the operating system, more precisely, in DOS mode. That is, before using the program, you must write it to a flash drive, floppy disk or CD/DVD from which you will boot the computer. Ready-made images for recording on removable media posted on the official website. Also given there brief instructions on using the utility.

After booting the PC from the drive on which GoldMemory is recorded, testing begins automatically. Errors found are recorded in reports and displayed in the program interface with red symbols.

Memtest86

The Memtest86 memory tester has a 20-year history of development behind it. This is perhaps the most famous product in its class, which has become a kind of standard by which competing application developers are guided. Unlike GoldMemory, Memtest86 has a free, fully functional version for home users. The paid editions (yes, they exist) also include several advanced tests, reporting support, and configuration file management.

Memtest86 is even easier to use than both tools described above. The free edition is optimally configured by default, so the user just needs to run the scan and glance at the screen from time to time. Errors found are also displayed in red.

Memtest86, like GoldMemory, starts with bootable media. Ready-made images for transferring the utility to an optical disk or USB flash drive are available for download on the official website. By the way, in the archive with the program there are instructions for its use in English.

At the end of the article, I cannot help but mention another tool that was once very popular. This is Memtest86+. The utility is very close in structure to Memtest86 and is based on the same technologies, but is currently hopelessly outdated, since it has ceased development since 2013.

Malfunctioning RAM is a common cause of . If your computer starts to regularly show this blue screen, that is, it makes sense to check the RAM for performance. Fortunately, this is done very simply. In this material we will look at two ways to test memory, using the built-in mdsched utility and using the third-party program Memtest86+.

Checking the health of RAM using mdsched

The simplest option for checking RAM functionality is to check it using the mdsched utility. This utility built into the operating room Windows system and is present in all of her modern versions, including Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10.

In order to check RAM using mdsched, you must first. To do this, press the Windows + R key combination. Next you need to enter the command “mdsched” and press the Enter key.

This will launch the mdsched utility. This utility will offer you two options for checking RAM. If you select the first option, the computer will restart and the scan will begin immediately, and if you select the second, the scan will be scheduled the next time you turn on the computer. You can choose any of these options, there is not much difference between them.

One way or another, after the next boot of the computer, the Diagnostic Tool will launch. Windows memory" By default, memory will be checked in Basic mode.

If you want to conduct a more detailed check of the performance of the RAM, then you can interrupt the current test using the F1 key and select a different test mode. In total, the “Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool” offers three modes for checking RAM performance, these are:

• Basic mode - the simplest and fastest test, includes checking MATS+, INVC, SCHCKR;
• Normal mode - a more detailed check, including checks for LRAND, Stride6, SCHCKR3, WMATS+ and WINVC;
• Wide mode – the most detailed test of RAM, which includes tests MATS+, Stride38, WSCHCKR, CHCKR4, WSride-6, ERAND, WCHCKR3, Stride6 and CHCKR8.

In addition, while running the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool, you can disable or enable the memory cache check. To do this, you must first press the F1 key, then the Tab key, and then select from three options:

• Included;
• Turned off;
• Default;

Please note that the more detailed verification method you choose, the longer it will take.

Checking the performance of RAM using Memtest86+

You can also check the performance of RAM using third-party programs. One of the most famous programs of this kind is the Memtest86+ program. Memtest86+ runs exclusively from the boot disk, so it can be used even when operating system not installed or not working.

Download ISO image A boot disk with this program can be found on the website. You can also download Hiren’s boot CD (), which includes Memtest86+. You can read about how to burn a bootable ISO image to disk.

Memtest86+ is very easy to use. Boot from the boot disk and run Memtest86+. Immediately after launch, the program begins to check your RAM for functionality.

If any errors or malfunctions are found, red messages will appear on the screen. If there are no errors, the message “Pass complete, no error” will appear.

To access the Memtest86+ program settings, you need to press the “C” key on your keyboard. To complete the test, press the “Esc” key.