Memtest question

[Guest]

Can you just run Memtest to test your memory in Windows or should you make a Memtest boot disk and test it before Windows loads?


Is there a difference?

 

[chookman]

First it depends on how bad your RAM is... if windows wont boot because of RAM issues its hard to test in windows 😉

Second to my knowledge windows RAM test will never be able to test all of your RAM because some will always be utilised to keep windows running in the background.

I would suggest that if you do need to test your RAM to create a boot CD (images can be found on the net Memtest86+) and see how you go.

 

[Guest]

Well I have Windows XP Pro 64 loaded, computer is working great. I've run Memtest in Windows twice an no errors. So I guess I'm probably ok to not have to run the boot disk.

 

[chookman]

Curiousity sakes why are you bothering running a memtest if you are not experiencing any problems? Isnt this a little paranoid?

 

[Guest]

Pretty much. I built the computer Sunday, and I want to wait about 10 days before I OC, let the grease finish spreading and what not. So before I OC I just want to make sure everything is perfect with the computer.

 

[warezme]

Can you just run Memtest to test your memory in Windows or should you make a Memtest boot disk and test it before Windows loads?


Is there a difference?

You should create a boot disk and run memtest from there. It comes as an ISO that can be burned directly to create a bootable CD.

You will know if you need to run memtest when..., you are happily running along in windows and suddenly you get a blue screen with a memory error referenced in the white gibberish text. Usually when the PC is doing some work.

I know because I had two sets of dominator memory cards that did this even though they initially tested OK no errors.

I have a new revision motherboard now and a third set that is currently holding out fine. If you suspect possible memory issues, be prepared for a long ride.

 

[jys84]

Well I have Windows XP Pro 64 loaded, computer is working great. I've run Memtest in Windows twice an no errors. So I guess I'm probably ok to not have to run the boot disk.

It is always good to run Memtest prior to installing an OS on a new rig. If there is a problem, it might not become apparent until later on... Just like testing components for temperature and stress, memtest should be a default test to run after booting a new rig.

As for running memtest, it is better imo to run the boot version. Just more thorough.