MemTest86 is a tool that runs a multi-stage gauntlet of tests multiple times to ensure the RAM is clear of errors and stable.
You can find MemTest86 for free here: https://www.memtest86.com/
Step 1: Set up MemTest86 on a Flash Drive
MemTest86 operates outside of the Windows Operating System and is a test suite that you'll need to boot into from BIOS.
You'll want a flash drive with a minimum of 8 GB of space.
Download MemTest86, and it'll download as a ZIP file. Extract it, and then open the application imageUSB. Press Yes when the User Account prompt shows up, and the software should open and look like the one below:
If everything looks like this, press Write and it'll create the boot disk on the USB (it'll actually split it into two partitions), and will let you know when it's done.
⚠️NOTE⚠️
Setting up a USB flash drive with MemTest86 wipes anything on the USB flash drive as part of the process, so make sure you use either a new flash drive, or you've backed up any of the previous contents.
Once the flash drive is set up, plug it into the back of the computer if it isn't already plugged in, turn the computer on, and access the boot menu of the computer.
The exact key you'll be pressing will depend on your PC.
- For MSI/ASRock, press F11
- For ASUS, press F8
- For OPC Laptops, press F7
Don't know which motherboard you have? You can find it easily with the Windows Reporter Utility.
Once there, select the USB and then press enter. You'll know you've booted onto the USB when you see the following:
You should not need to press anything past this point; the test will automatically start after a countdown.
MemTest86 can take a while depending on the amount of RAM in the system, but it'll let you know when it's done by giving you a PASS/FAIL graphic similar to the one below: