Memtest86 is a popular diagnostic software tool designed specifically for testing and verifying computer random access memory (RAM). Created by Chris Brady in 1994, this standalone program runs independently of any operating system.
The primary purpose of Memtest86 is to detect memory errors and stability issues by performing various comprehensive tests on RAM modules. It writes different patterns of data to memory, reads them back, and verifies if any corruption has occurred during this process.
The program can be booted from a USB drive or CD/DVD, making it easily accessible when troubleshooting memory-related problems. It's particularly useful when experiencing system crashes, blue screens, or random errors that might be caused by faulty RAM.
Memtest86 is available in both free and premium versions. The premium version, called Memtest86+, offers additional features and enhanced testing capabilities. The tool is widely used by IT professionals, system builders, and computer enthusiasts to ensure memory reliability and stability.
For best results, it's recommended to run Memtest86 for several hours or complete multiple passes, as some memory errors may only appear after extended testing periods.
General Information | |
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Full Name | Memtest86 |
Developer | PassMark Software (current), Chris Brady (original) |
First Release | 1994 |
Latest Version | 9.6 (as of 2023) |
License | Commercial (Pro), Free version available |
Operating System | Standalone (boots directly) |
Purpose | |
Main Function | RAM testing and diagnostics |
Use Cases | - Memory failure detection - System stability testing - Hardware validation - Troubleshooting |
Technical Details | |
Boot Method | - USB drive - CD/DVD - ISO image - UEFI boot |
Supported Memory | - DDR5 - DDR4 - DDR3 - DDR2 - DDR |
Maximum RAM Size | Up to 256 GB (Free), Unlimited (Pro) |
Test Types | |
Standard Tests | - Address test - Pattern test - Random pattern - Stuck address - Block move - Random sequences |
Advanced Tests (Pro) | - Hammer test - Cache test - Row hammer test - Targeted test |
Features | |
Basic Features | - Memory mapping - Error logging - System information - Temperature monitoring |
Pro Features | - HTML reports - Remote testing - Command line interface - Extended logging - Email notifications |
System Requirements | |
Minimum | - x86 processor - 64MB RAM - USB port or CD drive |
Recommended | - Multi-core processor - 512MB+ RAM - USB 2.0+ port |
Compatibility | |
CPU Support | - Intel processors - AMD processors |
Architecture | - 32-bit - 64-bit |
BIOS/UEFI | - Legacy BIOS - UEFI firmware |
Output Information | |
Error Reporting | - Error address - Error type - Expected vs actual value - Test number |
System Info | - CPU details - Memory configuration - SPD data - System temperature |
Advantages | |
Reliability | - Industry standard tool - Thorough testing methodology - Proven track record |
Ease of Use | - Simple interface - Automated testing - Clear results |
Limitations | |
Free Version | - Limited features - No advanced tests - RAM size limit - Basic reporting |
General | - Cannot test GPU memory - Requires system restart - Time-consuming tests |