Interpreting RAM diagnosis tests

[jpcw]

Because my system has been freezing ands crashing a bit recently, I have run TuffTest, DocMemory and Ontrack memory diagnoses, and the latter always seems to throw up errors whilst the TuffTest and DocMem don't. Obviously, the first two are DOS based utils, whilst the Ontrack runs in Windows, and this is the only real difference that I can see which might cause the discrepancy between the results. The question is, which test results should I believe, because it makes the difference between buying new memory or not?

 

[KimberTech]

In my experience, software tests almost always are unreliable in testing memory.

IMHO, if I were you, I would test the ram modules alone in the machine, if there are more than one, and if not, replace with a stick from a working unit and see if the problems go away.

The other thing I normally do to further check is run the existing memory on a different hard drive in the same machine to see if the freeze issues are software related.

Memory testers....the hardware version....are reliable enough but the machines are very expensive. You may be able to find a shop with one in your area that will test the ram for you for a fee.

Good Luck.....

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