9 Signs that your RAM is failing

Are you starting to feel like your computer is on the slow track? Is it taking forever for applications and webpages alike to open up? You may be experiencing a RAM memory failure. 

RAM, or Random Access Memory, plays an integral role in properly functioning devices by storing data and information we use temporarily when running various programs.

Over time though factors such as age, excess usage of resources, viruses attacking our systems, or even faulty hardware can lead us right into RAM trouble! Keep an eye out for these 9 tell-tale signs if you think that’s what might be happening:

1. Corrupted files

Failing RAM can cause more than just slow loading times – it could be the reason why your files suddenly become corrupted or unreadable. Pay attention to any signs that something may be going wrong, as this issue might not fix itself!

2. Incorrect data

Have you ever been staring blankly at the screen, perplexed by gibberish letters or mysterious numbers that make no sense? This could be a signal something is amiss with your RAM. If data isn’t stored correctly in memory, it can lead to incorrect information being displayed- oops!

3. Random crashes or freezes

Got the feeling your computer’s had just about enough? Randomly crashing or freezing could be a sign that its RAM is on its last legs. That kind of instability means it might not take much to send your poor PC into shutdown-city!

4. Error messages

Got any weird error messages popping up on your computer lately? It could be a sign that the RAM is starting to go. When it fails, things can start getting messy because then your machine has trouble accessing all of its data – and you know what happens next!

5. Slow performance

Is your computer sluggish and unresponsive lately? It could be a sign of failing RAM – when the faster-than-average Random Access Memory starts to fade, it becomes more difficult for your computer to get the information it needs. That leads to slower performance all round – which can definitely take its toll on productivity levels!

6. Blue screens

Is your computer giving you the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) ? That could be a sign that something’s up with your RAM. When it fails, computers can become unreliable and crash – no fun for sure!

7. Rebooting

Is your computer acting out of line? If it’s randomly rebooting, its memory may be failing. You won’t necessarily get a blue screen warning but that could happen in some cases.

8. Crashing

Has your computer been feeling a bit temperamental lately? It may be RAM-related; when it’s on the fritz, crashes become much more common. Don’t ignore this red flag – take your machine in for repairs and get those memory issues sorted out!

9. Freezes

If your computer starts freezing more often, it could also be a sign that your RAM is failing. This happens for similar reasons.

How to test for bad RAM?

You can test for bad RAM by using:

1) Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool: This is a tool that is built into Windows and can be used to test for faulty RAM.

2) Memtest86: This is a free, open-source tool that can be used to test for bad RAM.

3) EMTEST 86+: This is another free, open-source tool that can be used to test for bad RAM.

4) Passmark MemTest86: A commercial tool that can be used to test for bad RAM.

5) Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool: This is a tool from Intel that can be used to test for bad RAM.

How long should you run Memory tests?

It is recommended to run memory tests for at least 7-8 passes. A single pass of Memtest86+ can take several hours, so it is recommended to run the test overnight.

What to do if you have bad RAM?

Struggling with dodgy RAM? There’s no point in wasting time trying to repair it – the best option is go for a new replacement. If you’ve got warranty, get that claim in and if not, then make sure you shop around for some fresh RAM!

Get in touch with one of our computer repair technicians to help you out.

Author:
I am a computer engineer holding a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, complemented by a Master's in Business Administration from University of Strathclyde, Scotland. I currently work as a Senior IT Consultant in Melbourne, Australia. With over 15 years of...