RAM is a crucial component of any computer, and when it starts failing, you’ll experience issues like crashes and performance problems, even with the best RAM available. While you might understand RAM and how it works, detecting instability can be challenging. That’s why it’s vital to know how to test your RAM. Instability exists on a spectrum, meaning different things can happen depending on the severity. Slightly unstable RAM might exhibit slightly worse performance than expected and cause occasional crashes. More severe instability leads to greater performance problems and frequent BSODs (Blue Screen of Death). For instance, the “page fault in non-paged area” BSOD error message is a common indication of unstable RAM.
Windows Memory Diagnostic
Windows comes equipped with a built-in memory testing tool called Windows Memory Diagnostic. It’s a straightforward yet generally effective tool for identifying RAM issues. Before you begin, ensure you save all your data as you’ll need to restart your PC.
1. Go to the Windows search bar and type “Memory diagnostic.” Select the result.
2. You’ll see a window with options. Click the first option, which will automatically restart your PC.
3. Upon rebooting, you’ll be presented with a blue screen indicating that your RAM is being tested. This process takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
4. After the test finishes, your PC will reboot back into Windows. Once you log in, you’ll receive a notification informing you whether your RAM passed the test. A failed test means your RAM is unstable, and you should replace your modules.
MemTest86
If your PC passed the Windows Memory Diagnostic but you still suspect a RAM issue, consider using MemTest86. It’s a more comprehensive test developed by PassMark. Like Windows Memory Diagnostic, it runs outside of Windows, so you won’t be able to use your PC during the test. You only need a USB storage device, which you’ll have to format, so make sure there’s nothing important on it.
1. Download the free version of MemTest86 from PassMark’s website. You’ll receive a .zip file.
2. Open the .zip file and copy/paste its contents into a new folder.
3. Plug in your USB storage device and run imageUSB.exe. Remember, your storage device will be formatted, so ensure there’s nothing critical on it.
4. At the top of the imageUSB window, select the storage device you want to use for MemTest86. Locate the “Write” button at the bottom and select it. The program will confirm if you’re sure, as this step formats your storage device. After a minute, you’ll see an “Imaging complete” notification, indicating your device is ready for MemTest86. Save all your data before proceeding, as you’ll be restarting your PC soon.
5. Now you need to boot into your USB storage device. Go to the Windows search bar and search “Advanced startup.” This should bring up “Change advanced startup options.” Select it.
6. You’ll see a box labelled “Advanced startup” with a “Restart now” button. Select it, and your PC will restart.
7. After your PC reboots, you should see the Windows recovery screen. Click “Choose a device” and select your USB device, which might be labelled “UEFI: Removable Device.”
8. Your PC will then load MemTest86, which will begin testing immediately. This process can take around three hours to finish, so be patient.
9. Upon completion, you’ll see a message indicating whether your RAM passed or failed. If it failed, you need to replace your RAM, potentially with some of the best RAM for gaming.
Troubleshooting Unstable RAM
If your RAM didn’t pass either test, it’s either unstable or faulty. Here are some potential solutions:
*
Overclocking:
If you’re overclocking your RAM, you might have overclocked too aggressively. Reset your RAM to its default speed and timings, or reduce your overclock and test again. Overclocking RAM is a delicate process, and even a slight overclock can cause instability. Refer to our guide on how to overclock RAM correctly if you’re having trouble.*
System Incompatibility:
While all RAM can physically fit into compatible motherboards, not all RAM works smoothly with every system. Each motherboard typically has a list of RAM kits confirmed to function well. If your PC is experiencing issues at stock settings, try underclocking your RAM to improve stability. Follow our RAM overclocking guide but decrease the clock speed instead of increasing it. This will result in some performance loss but is better than an unstable PC.*
Dying RAM:
If your RAM is validated to work with your motherboard, especially if you have a laptop or a prebuilt PC that you haven’t modified, or if instability issues have appeared suddenly, your RAM might be failing. If you bought the RAM and installed it yourself and it’s still under warranty, you should be able to obtain a new kit from the manufacturer. If you have a laptop or prebuilt and haven’t touched the RAM, you’ll likely need a replacement or repair from the place you bought the PC.Replacing RAM
You can replace the RAM yourself. If you have a prebuilt desktop that uses off-the-shelf components (like Maingear and CyberPower desktops) or built your own PC, purchase another RAM kit, ensure it’s validated for your motherboard, and install it as usual. If you have a prebuilt with proprietary components (such as HP and Dell desktops) or a laptop, you’ll probably require an OEM-certified RAM kit. These can be harder to find, so do your research before buying. Refer to our guide on how to upgrade RAM on a PC for assistance. If you have a notebook, follow the steps for upgrading RAM on a laptop.
