A full review of the free RAM testing software
MemTest86 is simply the bestfree memory test programavailable today.
It’s very easy to use and equally thorough.
A short memory test is often completed by theBIOSduring thePOST, but that test is not at all thorough.
Acompletememory test by an excellent program like this one is necessary to truly determine if your rig’sRAMis working properly.
If you test your memory with only one memory testing program, make MemTest86 that program without a doubt!
This review is of MemTest86 version 11, released June 13, 2024.
Pleaselet us knowif there’s a newer version to review.
MemTest86 Pros & Cons
This is my favorite memory test software for many reasons.
Before the December 2018 release, MemTest86 was available as a bootable disc program.
To use the program from a CD/DVD, you have todownload MemTest86 v7.5or earlier.
SelectDownload MemTest86 Freeto get theZIPfile (memtest86-usb.zip), and then open it when it’s finished downloading.
Insert a USB drive into your box that’s empty/you’re fine having everything erased.
Once the USB drive is created, boot from it.
MemTest86 should start very quickly.
Continue with the “Running Memory Tests” section below.
Running Memory Tests
On theMemTest86menu, selectConfig.
Here you’ll see lots of information about yourCPUand memory.
ChooseStart Testto begin the memory test.
Don’t worry about all the technical informationyou don’t need to know exactly what it all means.
TheTestbar indicates how complete thecurrentmemory test is.
ThePassbar indicates how complete theentireset of tests is.
When all 10 memory tests are complete then 1 pass has completed.
At this point you’re free to pressEscto stop MemTest86 and reboot your setup.
By default, MemTest86 will make 4 passes unless you force it to stop.
I recommendreplacing the RAMif MemTest86 finds any errors.
Even if you aren’t seeing issues with your setup right now, you likely will eventually.
My Thoughts on MemTest86
MemTest86 is absolutely the best of the free memory testing programs.
I’ve used several expensive memory test tools, and none compare to MemTest86.
