memory testing advice needed

[Encrypted Existence]

What do you guys use to test memory? Also, what programs are capable if testing memory on 64 bit systems? or does the 32/64 bit part even matter when im testing from a bootable disc? Thanks.

 

[NETWizz]

I use Memtest 86+; it is the best by far.

Memtest 86+ seems more well kept up-to-date than Memtest 86, but both are essentially the same.

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The 32-bit version vs. the 64-bit version doesn't matter much... They are the same program.

If you have more than 4 GB of RAM, to directly address it, you need 64-bit... That doesn't necessarily mean the 32-bit doesn't work around the problem using memory pages. Honestly, even if it does, it is sort of pointless because you are not likely to find a 32-bit machine with more than 4 GB of RAM... nor a 32 bit OS that can access more than 4 GB of memory.


If you have a 64-bit processor, use the 64-bit version. That will have you covered regardless of how much ram you have... Whether it be 256 MB or 256 GB RAM a 64-bit processor and the 64-bit software will handle it.

Yeah, the 32-bit Memtest 86+ WILL boot on a 64-bit system, but it would be inefficient and may not be reliable > 4 GB.

In contrast the 64-bit version won't boot on a 32-bit system.

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Solution
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Simply put: Use the 64-bit version of Memtest 86+ on any machine that will boot that memory tester.

If you have an old machine that won't boot Memtest 86+ x64, then run the legacy 32-bit version of Memtest 86+.

If the machine won't boot Memtest 86+ at all, try Memtest 86.

 

[cyabro]

Usually use memtest as well here but have had a few times where it hasn't picked up a fault.
We then run Prime95 to double check and it had found ram problems.

 

[Kitten Kong]

+1 on memtest.

Great program for testing any and all kinds of ram.

 

[Tony_Scarpelli]

We isolate the os to make sure it is hardware only. We do this with linux disc. If we still have flakiness we just swap with known good ram and see if the problem resolves. If not then we move on to something else.

We don't very often take time to run memtest unless we did everything else reasonable.

 

[RegEdit]

As a side note, 1 pass of MemTest does not test every sector. You should run the test over night to be thorough. Also Memtest inherently tests the motherboard too. If and when you get an error, remove RAM chips and retest one at a time until you figure out the source of the error(s).

 

[Nach0]

I use memtest too, but there have been times that no errors are found until 30+ passes (overnight testing)

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

 

[gazza]

I use memtest too, but there have been times that no errors are found until 30+ passes (overnight testing)

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk

I love memtest but also use PC Check as well. It is funny I can't recall having to run any of those programs overnight, I guess memory can be in various stages of failure and may not always show up straight away.

 

[NETWizz]

I am a fan of Memtest86+ over Memtest86.

That said, I have both. I also have the Microsoft one.



I think the best procedure would be:
1. Inventory everything that comes in
2. You obviously have a lot of computers to work on, so there is a wait time before a computer can be brought to the bench.
3. Use this time to hook them up to Memtest 86+
4. If it gets 6 hours to a day and is running while you are doing other things... fine. You don't need to leave it attended.

 

[sys-eng]

I love memtest but also use PC Check as well. It is funny I can't recall having to run any of those programs overnight, I guess memory can be in various stages of failure and may not always show up straight away.

Testing can heat the RAM chips way above normal operating temperatures; therefore, detecting failures that would not normally be noticed.