Errors in the RAM caused by defective memory chips or incorrect configuration of the memory bars are treacherous. Some occur so rarely that they remain under the radar for a long time. They only reveal themselves when files can no longer be opened or programs crash. Similar problems can also arise from other hardware and software errors, which is why it is important to narrow down the cause.
We present six free programs for Linux and Windows that you can use to check your RAM for errors yourself. Most programs do not require installation and do not require administrator rights. We also present two tools that boot from USB sticks. This allows you to test computers whose operating system no longer starts or on which one is not installed.
In principle, memory test programs all work similarly. They fill large address areas of the RAM with predetermined bit patterns such as 01010101. They then check, starting with the lowest address, whether the pattern has remained unchanged. Then write the complement of the pattern 10101010 and repeat the whole thing.
That was the reading sample of our heise Plus article “Detecting memory errors: Free test programs for RAM”. With a heise Plus subscription you can read the entire article.
