Which memtest (and version)?

Nitefly · 16 Feb 2021 at 00:10

Hello

I’m a little confused about using memtest86. I downloaded it and ran it from their website but it’s running as version 4.3.7 which seems to be an old version... what’s going on with that? :confused:

Thanks.

Purgatory · 16 Feb 2021 at 01:05

Nitefly said:
Hello

I’m a little confused about using memtest86. I downloaded it and ran it from their website but it’s running as version 4.3.7 which seems to be an old version... what’s going on with that?

Thanks.

https://www.memtest86.com/download.htm

Download MemTest86 Free (Version 9.0)

Notes

IMPORTANT: MemTest86 V9 images support only UEFI boot. On machines that don't support UEFI, MemTest86 will not boot. Please download the older V4 BIOS release of MemTest86 instead.
Installation and usage instructions are available on the Technical Information page
MemTest86 is a stand-alone program that does not require or use any operating system for execution. The version of Windows, Linux, or Mac being used is irrelevant for execution. However, you must use either Windows, Linux or Mac to create a bootable USB drive.

Older Versions
As MemTest86 V9 supports only the newer UEFI platform, older PCs without UEFI support would be unable to boot MemTest86. In order to run MemTest86, PCs with legacy BIOS platform must use the older V4 release of MemTest86. The download links for the V4 downloads are still provided for those that prefer to work with the V4 bootable images.

Nitefly · 16 Feb 2021 at 01:19

Purgatory said:
https://www.memtest86.com/download.htm

Download MemTest86 Free (Version 9.0)

Notes

IMPORTANT: MemTest86 V9 images support only UEFI boot. On machines that don't support UEFI, MemTest86 will not boot. Please download the older V4 BIOS release of MemTest86 instead.

Installation and usage instructions are available on the Technical Information page

MemTest86 is a stand-alone program that does not require or use any operating system for execution. The version of Windows, Linux, or Mac being used is irrelevant for execution. However, you must use either Windows, Linux or Mac to create a bootable USB drive.

Older Versions
As MemTest86 V9 supports only the newer UEFI platform, older PCs without UEFI support would be unable to boot MemTest86. In order to run MemTest86, PCs with legacy BIOS platform must use the older V4 release of MemTest86. The download links for the V4 downloads are still provided for those that prefer to work with the V4 bootable images.

Thanks - I've used that and it still loads 4.3.7?! I've installed it only the USB twice now with two different formats. My windows is in UEFI mode... makes no sense.... so infuriating!!

Any help on this would be very gratefully received!

Edit - urgh! Makes me want to throw my pc out of the window. Such BS! :mad:

Nitefly · 16 Feb 2021 at 14:34

I’m going to have a bit of a ‘cool down’ from troubleshooting for the next couple of days - it does get you down a bit when you just get completely stuck

Anyone else have any ideas as to what might be causing this? The winner wins a donation by me to a charity of their choice!

Zeeflyboy · 16 Feb 2021 at 14:46

Are you running from inside windows or booting from a USB image?

Can’t really help with the issues but if the former and you don’t mind spending a token amount, I personally find karhu ramtest better anyway.

Nitefly · 17 Feb 2021 at 00:09

Zeeflyboy said:
Are you running from inside windows or booting from a USB image?

Can’t really help with the issues but if the former and you don’t mind spending a token amount, I personally find karhu ramtest better anyway.

Thanks buddy - I’ll have a look at this when I next boot up, giving it a few days rest for now as it was stressing me out and will approach it better I think with a more patient, rested mind

Purgatory · 17 Feb 2021 at 05:46

Nitefly said:
Thanks buddy - I’ll have a look at this when I next boot up, giving it a few days rest for now as it was stressing me out and will approach it better I think with a more patient, rested mind

Make sure to make the usb boot disk/USB stick with the program and make sure your BIOS is set to UEFI boot and CSM is disabled or the BIOS set to enable CSM and UEFI if that option is there. Make sure to choose the USB as the boot device from the motherboard boot menu or in the BIOS. Another option is unplug the windows boot drive if that makes it easier for you.

Jamin280672 · 17 Feb 2021 at 08:25

Nitefly said:
Hello

I’m a little confused about using memtest86. I downloaded it and ran it from their website but it’s running as version 4.3.7 which seems to be an old version... what’s going on with that?

Thanks.

Just use the one thats built into Ryzen DRAM calculator, works out how much ram to test for you, makes life easy, and always picks up errors quickly for me when im overclocking my ram and setting up timings. DRAM Calculator for Ryzen (v1.7.3) Download | TechPowerUp

Yaayuh! · 17 Feb 2021 at 08:33

Jamin280672 said:
Just use the one thats built into Ryzen DRAM calculator, works out how much ram to test for you, makes life easy, and always picks up errors quickly for me when im overclocking my ram and setting up timings. DRAM Calculator for Ryzen (v1.7.3) Download | TechPowerUp

Indeed, I'd use HCI Memtest (included within the Ryzen DRAM Calc) or testmem5.

I've not use MemTest86 in years.

muziqaz · 17 Feb 2021 at 11:35

Problem with these programs is they are testing within windows, which in itself takes around 3Gb of memory if not more. Memtest86 tests the whole array, except hew KB which is used by memtest86 itself.
I always had issues with DRAM Calc memory test utility, as well as testmem5. Both of them would make my PC act weird, even though it would end up completely stable otherwise.

Nitefly · 17 Feb 2021 at 19:23

Purgatory said:
Make sure to make the usb boot disk/USB stick with the program and make sure your BIOS is set to UEFI boot and CSM is disabled or the BIOS set to enable CSM and UEFI if that option is there. Make sure to choose the USB as the boot device from the motherboard boot menu or in the BIOS. Another option is unplug the windows boot drive if that makes it easier for you.

YOU SIR ARE A GOD.

Turns out it was the USB Stick. When I disabled legacy boot mode, the USB was not permitted to boot. Used a new USB 3.1 and it worked like a charm.

Please select your charity of choice and I shall evidence my donation! Thanks!

Anyone else that has contributed is also welcome to make a suggestion for their kind offer of help =]

Purgatory · 17 Feb 2021 at 22:18

Nitefly said:
YOU SIR ARE A GOD.

Turns out it was the USB Stick. When I disabled legacy boot mode, the USB was not permitted to boot. Used a new USB 3.1 and it worked like a charm.

Please select your charity of choice and I shall evidence my donation! Thanks!

Anyone else that has contributed is also welcome to make a suggestion for their kind offer of help =]

My pleasure mate, happy you got that sorted.

Charity :-

https://www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk/

I think in recent events the NHS deserves a pat on the back. Thank you.

Nitefly · 17 Feb 2021 at 23:44

Purgatory said:
My pleasure mate, happy you got that sorted.

Charity :-

https://www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk/

I think in recent events the NHS deserves a pat on the back. Thank you.

All done, cheers!

Purgatory · 18 Feb 2021 at 01:29

Nitefly said:
All done, cheers!

Thank you, that was really nice of you

.

denigor777 · 18 Feb 2021 at 19:17

Does snyone use the memory tester that's built-in to Windows 10?

The one that actually reboots windows into DOS mode to run, and has different test levels (one takes AGES).

muziqaz · 19 Feb 2021 at 08:34

denigor777 said:
Does snyone use the memory tester that's built-in to Windows 10?

The one that actually reboots windows into DOS mode to run, and has different test levels (one takes AGES).

I wouldn't trust anything MS offers