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Memtest86

By PassMark Software Free Editors' Rating
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Editors' Review

Download.com Staff Feb 27, 2009

This freeware accurately checks the memory of x86 computers, but Memtest86's floppy-boot-disk installation lessens its mass appeal.

This utility won't install to your hard drive; it can only install on a bootable floppy disk. There is no interface, as it immediately checks your computer's memory. Memtest86 is quick and accurate. However, system administrators looking for a memory tester will probably pass on Memtest86, as many current machines don't include floppy drives.

Home users with older PCs will appreciate the simplicity of Memtest86. It can't get any easier than inserting a disk and rebooting your PC. We can easily recommend this freeware for home users who have floppy drives and a need to check their computer's memory.

Full Specifications

What's new in version 6.0

Version 6.0:
  • UEFI BIOS support, including secure boot.
  • DDR4 support, including XMP
  • Row hammer testing
  • 64bit native code
  • Foreign language support, French German, Japanese, Chinese
  • ECC RAM support for server class CPUs
  • Writing of test reports to the USB drive

General

Release February 23, 2015
Date Added February 23, 2015
Version 6.0

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows 8, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows XP
Additional Requirements USB flash drive

Popularity

Total Downloads 301,599
Downloads Last Week 18
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User Reviews

3.3/5
17 User Votes
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Developer's Description

By PassMark Software
MemTest86 is the original, free, stand alone memory testing software for x86 computers. MemTest86 boots from a USB flash drive or CD and tests the RAM in your computer for faults using a series of comprehensive algorithms and test patterns. Unreliable RAM can cause a multitude of problems. Corrupted data, crashes and unexplained behavior. Bad RAM is one of the most frustrating computer problems to have as symptoms are often random and hard to pin down. MemTest86 can help diagnose faulty RAM (or rule it out as a cause of system instability) MemTest86 does NOT run in Windows. To use the software you need to copy the files to a flash drive. This wipes the existing content of the flash drive, but makes the drive bootable. Often you need to change the boot order in BIOS to select the flash drive as the boot drive. Once booted, MemTest86 runs through thirteen different tests as well as reporting on the specifications of the RAM installed in the machine.Tests can take between 30min to several hours to run, depending on your hardware and the amount of RAM installed. Other features include support for DDR3, DDR4, UEFI, XMP, 64bit, secure boot and ECC RAM.
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