Question Is it safe to test potentially faulty RAM in my PC?

[dscottstpeter]

A while ago, I was troubleshooting some PC issues and tried multiple solutions, one of which was replacing my RAM sticks. The issue seemed to resolve, but I’m not 100% sure if the RAM was the actual cause. My question is, if the original RAM was faulty or corrupt, would it be safe to put it back in my computer to test if it works fine? Are there any risks to my PC in doing so?

 

[helpstar]

it could corrupt storage or a running system drive, but no physical damage

 

[Bob.B]

A while ago, I was troubleshooting some PC issues and tried multiple solutions, one of which was replacing my RAM sticks. The issue seemed to resolve, but I’m not 100% sure if the RAM was the actual cause. My question is, if the original RAM was faulty or corrupt, would it be safe to put it back in my computer to test if it works fine? Are there any risks to my PC in doing so?

Put a copy of memtest86 on a flash stick.
Install the suspect ram.
Boot memtest and let it run......no errors allowed.
If it passes all test the first time run it a second time.
If no errors in 2 runs you should be good to go.

 

[punkncat]

I would consider what you think the reason it failed was.

Just "quit working", no known cause, probably.

If the failure involved any manner of surge or strike DO NOT test in a system you care about.