There is a need for action here, but a broken main memory is not immediately recognizable as such. Here you should first carry out a RAM test

How to recognize defective Computer RAM

The main memory, also known as RAM (Random Access Memory), primarily pursues the task of enabling fast access to the data used on a daily basis. So what to do if your RAM is defective? We'll tell you.

The main memory: the fastest connection to the CPU

Every program you run on your computer fills up memory with data. This data is stored in the RAM chips for a short time before it is then processed by your CPU.

A small part of the main memory is used as a cache, which is directly connected to the processor, which enables particularly fast access to your data.

In rare cases, it can happen that the RAM is defective. Due to the important task, it performs on your PC, it can be quite fatal if your RAM stops working.

There is a need for action here, but a broken main memory is not immediately recognizable as such. Here you should first carry out a RAM test, preferably with a RAM test tool.

In the following article, we will show you how to test your RAM and identify a clear defect.

How to recognize a non-functional RAM stick

If you have some problems with your computer, the first thing to do is to find out which component is causing them.

The first step you can take is to check your computer for unusual noises.

A grinding, rattling or rattling is often an indicator of a defective fan or a non-functional hard drive.

However, hardware components that are not properly screwed on can also cause such noises.

You can then first rule out a defective RAM bar, which will normally not be noticeable through strange noises.

Run a memory test

Classic errors that show you that your RAM is defective are system crashes, a blue screen with the memory management error or a sudden restart.

If you have these factors and your computer doesn't make any strange noises, then you should check your RAM. A suitable RAM test tool for this is, for example, the Windows memory diagnosis.

However, you should make sure that you run the RAM test several times since isolated errors in the working memory do not directly indicate a defect.

Another freely available tool for testing RAM is MemTest86. Additional algorithms are used here, which make the detection of any problems with your main memory very reliable.

This program makes the main memory test extremely reliable. Another big advantage is that no operating system is required to run the program.

It can be started from a bootable medium in the BIOS. This is very handy if your defective RAM has already rendered your operating system unusable.

Exclude a defect by analyzing the system

There are now many programs that allow you to examine your system completely without having to open your computer.

This means, for example, that your working memory is defective and you save a lot of time.

A very common problem is, for example, that your operating system only recognizes the RAM memory that is made available to it by the BIOS.

This problem is extremely easy to fix with a simple BIOS update.

Recognize performance losses early and take preventive action

So that it does not have to happen that your computer can no longer load the operating system correctly, you can take some preventive measures to recognize early on whether your RAM is defective or not.

To do this, you must regularly check and analyze your RAM. And you should overload it to the limit of its capacity.

This allows you to determine whether your RAM is working properly even under high-performance pressure.

If this is not the case and there is a drop in performance, then you have enough time to act and replace the defective RAM at an early stage.

The right software to detect performance losses in good time

The perfect tool to get your hardware working up a sweat is Prime95. The name of the program does not come from anywhere, the developers have set themselves the goal of calculating a new prime number.

So when you subject your hardware to a performance test, you contribute significantly to this endeavour.

Your hardware is subjected to a stress test in which Prime95 creates complicated algorithms for calculating prime numbers.

This processor-intensive application keeps your computer working properly. The performance of your computer is then displayed and you can see exactly where you have performance losses and how you can best counteract them.

If problems arise that affect your working memory, you can see this from the result of the stress test.

Now you have enough time to take countermeasures. If problems arise that affect the temperature of your hardware, you should only think about a better cooling concept.

What can I do if my RAM is defective?

If you have now been able to clearly determine that your main memory is defective, then the only option is to replace the RAM bar.

Repairing a defective main memory is either far too time-consuming and would hardly be worthwhile, or it is simply not possible.

Don't worry though, RAM sticks have come down quite a bit in price and are now available for very little money.

However, make sure that you also replace the correct RAM stick. There is also corresponding software for this, which shows you which of your bars is broken.

In many cases, only one of the bolts is defective, while the other continues to work without any problems. If you want to be on the safe side, you can also replace all the bolts.

You can also combine this with an upgrade of your working memory at the same time and upgrade the RAM properly.