These are the everyday incidents you may encounter when you have faulty RAM.

So, how to check whether RAM is functioning okay or not?

Both are best in finding the RAM problem, whether it is a primary or advanced level issue.

windows-memory-diagnostic-vs-memtest

But which one is the better tool to test the RAM?

So, lets get started without any further ado.

Why Do you better Test Your PCs Ram?

ram

Additionally, you may see error messages on the login screen or hear beep sounds for faulty RAM.

Apps might crash, or BSOD can appear all of a sudden due to a problem in the RAM.

If the above is happening to your PC, you gotta test your PCs RAM asap.

open-windows-memory-diagnostic-tool-from-win-search

Those are the sign that the RAM has gone out of functionality.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is a crucial part of the entire PC system.

Sometimes RAMs incompatibility with the motherboard or not correctly installed RAM can cause issues too.

click-on-restart-now-to-launch-memory-diagnostic

Due to overclocking, RAM might fail and cause BSOD.

Just like the WDM tool,MemTestandMemTest86also hold the top competitor position.

Stick to this article because I will tell you which one is the best and why.

running-windows-memory-diagnostic-tool

What is Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool?

This tool will help you to dig out any problem while running the RAM at full potential.

Running this tool is super easy because it doesnt need any user intervention and runs all the tests automatically.

select-event-viewer-from-windows-start

All you gotta do is download the tool and run it.

This tool runs six types of standard tests, and those are below.

Lets check them out one by one.

go-to-event-viewer-for-memory-diagnostic-result

Below are the steps to run this tool from Windows search.

You will find aprogressbar andstatusthat includes error results if found.

NOTE:While running this testing, you wont be able to use the Computer.

click-on-save-cd-image-to-disk

After the testing is done, the PC will boot to the Windows OS again with the test results.

Dont worry if it failed to provide you with the test result.

you’ve got the option to manually find and view it.

save-windiag-iso-to-desktop

For this instance, you’re able to run this tool to check for RAM issues.

In the status section, you will see the result with the actual issue in the RAM.

What is Memtest?

double-click-to-lauch-memtest

MemTest is a RAM testing software that passes several tests on the RAM and finds errors.

MemTest is developed by HCI Design.

MemTest comes with a free version and two paid versions.

check-available-ram-from-windows-task-manager

you’ve got the option to trigger the Delux version from a bootable CD or pen drive.

Thats why it can test RAM without any hesitations.

MemTest only tests the unused amount of RAM rather than the total amount of RAM in the system.

click-on-start-testing-button-to-run-test-in-memtest

This tool will check all the RAM not used by other apps.

How to Run MemTest

Running MemTest is a bit different than running the WMD tool.

You will need to determine how much RAM is available in the system first.

click-on-download-button-to-download-memtest86

Assume you have 2GB of available RAM.

Clicking on that exe file again will launch the MemTest again in the same UI.

Now, you will have two MemTest UI.

download-memtest86-free

Input 1000MB in the box again and select theStart Testingbutton.

Well, how long to perform the test?

They suggested running it at about 400% to dig out all the major issues.

double-click-on-image-usb-exe-file

About 60% of bad RAM will detect after running the test at about 10%.

What is Memtest86?

MemTest86 is a product of PassMark, and it is more powerful and supports 13 different RAM testing algorithms.

write-memtest86-to-the-pendrive

They designed it for bothx86, x86-64,andARM-basedcomputers.

Microsoft supports this tool, and they signed this tool because this app is secure boot certified.

Next, burn the MemTest86 files into it.

click-on-imaging-completed-ok-button-memtest86

All the latest versions of MemTest86 can only boot from a USB drive.

Here are the steps to run MemTest86:

After that, close everything and reboot your PC.

Press the Boot menu key while booting up and choose the booted USB drive.

memtest86-running-tests

The MemTest86 RAM testing screen will appear, and the test will begin.

You will find the Pass and Test percentage section.

Moreover, you will also see the test address of the memory and test pattern.

You will see the result in the blank section under the Time section when a problem is found.

Running the test for individual RAM will help you to identify the faulty one.

address the problem if possible or replace the RAM.

WMD Vs. MemTest Vs. MemTest86: Which One is the Winner?

Moreover, it comes by default with Windows OS.

It runs all the tests while booting up, and thats why it can test the entire RAM.

The downside is WMD can scan the first 4 GB at the beginning.

Some users experience that theWMD tool hangs when it reaches 20-22%.

To get the best result, you must switch to the extended mode.

In contrast, the MemTest tool has both free and paid versions.

But, with the free variant, you could run only some selected tests.

You will need thePro or Delux version to run all the tests.

The Delux version only runs tests on the entire RAM while booting up.

No other version does that.

You will need $14 to buy the Delux version to run tests on the entire RAM.

On the other hand,MemTest86 is a stand-alone RAM testing app.

It will run all the tests from a bootable USB drive and can perform while booting up.

The scanning results are more accurate than other tools.

This tool wont hang or crash, just like WMD.

In Addition, it can test up to 64GB of RAM.

The MemTest86 Pro can run twice the number of tests compared to its free version.

This tool is widely used now by many professionals and novices.

FAQs

Is the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool reliable?

Windows Memory Diagnostic tool is a free tool by Microsoft, and its very easy to use.

It will run all the comprehensive tests.

In contrast, BIOS also run memory test during POST, but those are extremely basic tests.

How good is MemTest86?

MemTest is also a free memory test tool, but its the best one available right now.

It only requires a USB flash drive to fire off the MemTest utility.

Both novices and pro technicians use this memory tester app for accurate memory diagnostics.

How to run a test to identify faulty RAM?

you’re free to identify faulty RAM by running a memory testing utility.

Tools like MemTest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic will help you to run full memory diagnostic tests.

Both tools can pass at least 13 different tests to the RAM.

Final Words

The Windows Memory Diagnostic and MemTest86/MemTest tools are enough to test the RAM.

These two free tools can compete with the other paid memory testing tools.

These two softwares have several advanced options available, but those are only for professionals.

You dont need to use those advanced options for standard and RAM tests.

I hope you have read till the end and found your desired RAM testing tool.

like follow the steps carefully or ask for expert help.

So, which memory testing tool are you going to use?

Let me know in the comment box.

Spend some time testing your RAM now, or spend more money later buying one!