Random Access Memory (RAM) is an essential hardware component that stores temporarily used data by the CPU and other applications. A malfunctioned RAM can cause system crash, slow performance, and blue screen of death on a Windows PC. Therefore, it’s necessary to test your RAM and identify any issues before it’s too late. There are various RAM testing tools available for Windows, but not everyone knows how to run them. So, in this guide, we are going to show you how to run a RAM test on Windows 10 in detail.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To test your RAM on your Windows 10 PC, you don’t need any extra hardware. However, you need to ensure your computer meets the following requirements:
- A Windows 10 operating system installed on your PC
- Your PC has at least one RAM stick attached with it
- Enough free disk space to run a RAM test tool
- Free from any virus or malware that can interfere with the test results
What requires your focus?
Before you start to test your RAM on Windows 10, you need to focus on the following things:
- The RAM test tool you use should be reliable, secure, and reputable.
- You must close any programs or applications that may interfere with the RAM test before running the test.
- It’s recommended not to use your PC while the RAM test is running.
- If the RAM test tool identifies any errors or issues, it’s recommended to repair or replace the faulty RAM stick immediately.
3 Methods to Run A Ram Test on Windows 10
Method 1: Using Windows Memory Diagnostic
Windows Memory Diagnostic is a built-in tool that comes with Windows 10 to test RAM. Here are the steps to run a RAM test using the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool:
- Press the ‘Windows key + R’ on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
- Type ‘mdsched.exe’ into the Run dialog box and click the ‘Ok’ button.
- From the popup window, select "Restart now and check for problems (recommended)." Windows 10 will restart, and the RAM test will begin.
- After the test is complete, the PC will restart, and the result of the RAM test will be displayed on the screen.
Pros:
- Windows Memory Diagnostic is free and easy to use.
- The tool is built-in Windows 10, so there’s no need to download or install a third-party tool.
Cons:
- The testing process may take a long time, depending on the size of the RAM stick.
- The results of the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool may not be as comprehensive as other third-party tools.
Method 2: Using MemTest86
MemTest86 is a popular RAM testing tool that provides detailed information about the RAM performance. Here are the steps to run a RAM test using the MemTest86 tool:
- Download the latest version of MemTest86 from the official website and create a bootable USB drive using the downloaded ISO file.
- Insert the bootable USB drive into your PC and restart your computer.
- Press the boot key (usually F12) on your keyboard to enter the boot menu and select the USB drive as the primary boot device.
- MemTest86 will start automatically, and the RAM test will begin.
- Once the test is complete, a report of the RAM test results will be displayed on the screen.
Pros:
- MemTest86 provides in-depth analysis of the RAM performance, including statistics and graphical representations.
- The tool can identify any potential RAM issues that may not be detected by other tools.
Cons:
- MemTest86 is not a free tool, and you need to purchase a license to use the full version.
- The booting process from a USB drive may require the user to change the boot settings in the BIOS, which may be difficult for some users.
Method 3: Using Prime95
Prime95 is a program that’s primarily used to test CPU performance, but it can also be used to test RAM. Here’s how to run a RAM test using Prime95:
- Download the latest version of Prime95 from the official website and unzip the downloaded file.
- Run the ‘prime95.exe’ file and select ‘Just stress testing’ when prompted by the program.
- Choose ‘Custom’ for the test type and select ‘Blend’ for the stress level.
- In the Options pane, under the ‘Memory’ tab, select the amount of RAM that you would like to test and click ‘Ok.’
- Prime95 will start the test, and you can monitor the results in real-time from the program’s interface.
Pros:
- Prime95 is a free tool that provides real-time statistics and graphical representations of the RAM performance.
- The tool can test multiple RAM sticks simultaneously.
Cons:
- Prime95 is primarily a CPU testing tool, so its RAM testing capabilities may not be as comprehensive as other dedicated RAM testing tools.
- The program interface is not very user-friendly, and monitoring the results in real-time may be difficult for some users.
Why Can’t I Run A Ram Test on Windows 10?
There may be several reasons why you are unable to run a RAM test on your Windows 10 PC. Here are some common issues and their fixes:
- Not enough disk space: Some RAM testing tools require a large amount of free disk space to run. Ensure you have enough free space before running the test.
- Corrupted RAM: If your RAM is corrupted, you may not be able to run a RAM test. In this case, you need to replace the faulty RAM stick.
- Compatibility issues: Some RAM testing tools may not be compatible with your PC’s hardware or operating system version. Ensure the tool you’re using is compatible with your PC.
Implications and Recommendations
Running a RAM test on your Windows 10 PC is crucial to ensure the performance and stability of your computer. If the test identifies any issues with your RAM, it’s recommended to repair or replace the faulty RAM stick immediately. Regular RAM testing can help prevent system crashes, data loss, and other performance issues.
5 FAQs
Q1. Can I test my RAM without third-party tools?
A1. Yes, you can use the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to test your RAM on Windows 10.
Q2. How long does a RAM test take?
A2. The time required to run a RAM test depends on the size of the RAM stick and the tool you’re using. In general, it may take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to run a complete RAM test.
Q3. How often should I test my RAM?
A3. It’s recommended to run a RAM test once every six months or whenever you notice any performance issues with your PC.
Q4. Can RAM issues cause blue screen of death?
A4. Yes, a malfunctioned or faulty RAM can cause blue screen of death (BSOD) on a Windows PC.
Q5. Can RAM testing tools damage my RAM?
A5. No, RAM testing tools don’t damage your RAM in any way. However, it’s recommended to use a reliable and reputable tool to ensure the accuracy of the test results.
In Conclusion
Running a RAM test on Windows 10 is a simple and effective way to ensure the stability and performance of your computer. In this guide, we have discussed three methods to test RAM on your Windows 10 PC. Additionally, we have also highlighted some common issues related to RAM testing and provided recommendations and implications to help you keep your computer running smoothly. We hope this guide has been helpful to you in understanding how to run a RAM test on your Windows 10 PC.
