Running Memtest86 to check RAM for errors

[films&games]

Hi,

When I experienced the AMI bios 1 long + 3 short beeps, I have decided to run Memtest86. I downloaded it from the official website Memtest86.com and created a bootable USB stick. I ran Memtest86 without changing any config options, I just clicked on Start Test. I have not touched the RAM itself since I have had my PC.

Memtest86 has so far finished 3 passes out of 4 and there are no errors shown.

There are two Memtest86 versions: Memtest86 and Memtest86+ both are free. Which is the one to use or are they similar?

If Memtest86 completes all 4 passes and there are no errors found - Should I also run Windows Memory Diagnostics in Extended mode as well?

Progress update: Memtest86 has now completed all of the tests (4 passes) and it's shown no errors. This is with both RAM sticks still installed at the same time.

Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated, please.

Thank you.

 

[ubuysa]

Even though Memtest runs clean, if you suspect RAM it's always worth running a different set of tests. By all means run the Windows diagnostics, though they are a less stringent set of tests compared to Memtest.

Regarding the two versions, and as I understand the history, the original Memtest86 had been allowed to stagnate so a small independent group took the source code and created Memtest86+. That version is still an independently supported version.

The original Memtest86 was later acquired by Passmark Software and has been significantly improved.

Although I'm generally a supporter of independent software IMO the Passmark version (Memtest86) is the more stable and reliable.