Testing memory with Memtest?

Ben Cole · 14 May 2011 at 18:02

I have just received my second set of Corsair RAM after an RMA.

Installed and booted into Memtest to check.

This is what was produced.

I was under the impression I should get no errors at all, does this mean another RMA?

Ben Cole · 15 May 2011 at 09:26

I always try to seat the RAM correctly but will swap them over and retest when I get a chance.

I didn't have any more time to test as I had to go to work but when I get home I will try these sticks in a different laptop or my Atom Mobo.

I know the laptop itself is fine because the RAM that came out of it produced no errors at all.

Thanks for the input, will update tomorrow whe I get home.

Ben Cole · 17 May 2011 at 15:53

There are no options to change in the BIOS.

I have just tested again without changing anything. It seems it's ok with one pass but will produce errors on the second.

Itll do a few hours on prime 95 without errors.

Perhaps the lack of thermal management running memtest is causing it to overheat which is what is producing errors?

Any more input is much appreciated.

Ben Cole · 17 May 2011 at 16:39

Its a Dell Vostro 1500 laptop.

If it passes one complete pass of memtest does that mean the ram is ok though?

Ben Cole · 17 May 2011 at 20:18

Moved one stick to another laptop to test....will also (if necessary) install into my atom mobo in an antec skeleton...heat shouldnt be an issue there!

Thanks for everyones input, it really is appreciated.

Ben Cole · 19 May 2011 at 14:22

Well I think I've solved my issue.

The laptop has two ram slots. One under the keyboard and one underneath that gets very hot. Both sticks passed numerous passes in the cooler slot with no errors.

So I then filled both slots but made sure ambient was low and I had good ventilation.

Passed a few passes and saw no errors.

Perhaps this Corsair ram isn't particularly robust but I think the laptop's design isn't doing it many favours.