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.