How to check and test RAM please?

[lister]

Hi I have two questions -

How do I check how much RAM I have?

And, I thought RAM was a row of chips that you manually can upgrade as new and install as new? I.e. in my old laptop I unscrewed the back of the machine and simply ordered an upgrade of RAM - is that correct? Is that what I will need to do again or is RAM also embedded in a hard drive?

Thanks!!

 

[DeaconFrost]

Your hard drive has memory on it, called cache, but that is much different and separate than the memory in your computer. Those are still chips that can be upgraded, removed, etc.

As for memory, the standard test is Memtest. You can download an .iso file that you burn to a disc and boot from.

 

[lister]

cool thanks for that.

I have a dual boot and on the grub menu there is a memtest option, if I run that will it run a memory test also for both Operating Systems, (Windows 7 and Ubuntu)?

thanks

 

[DeaconFrost]

The memory tests should always be run outside of the operating systems...that's why memtest runs from a bootable CD. This way, it can test all memory, without fighting the OS for use of it.

 

[lister]

OK cool so if I run the disk from start up if wont battle to check with OS to test for memory, it will do it from both OS? (sorry if I am confusing this!!)

 

[Mellon Head]

Memtest doesn't need an OS. It boots from the disk as an executable, kinda like a DOS program. It runs without loading an OS, and tests the memory. That's all it does. Let it go for a few hours, if you get no problems, press escape and it will reboot. Let the PC boot as normal, and enjoy.

If you do have memory problems, post back and let us help.

 

[DeaconFrost]

it will do it from both OS? (sorry if I am confusing this!!)

No, as I said above, it is running the tests outside of the OSes. Think of it this way. Would you want to change the oil in your car while it was driving down the road? No, because the engine is in use. The same applies for running memory tests. You don't want part of the memory in use by the OS...you want it all free and open, so it can be accurately tested.

 

[lister]

I see. Thanks for that. What data should I be looking for? Is there an output which is more favourable? Or is it a simple text message, "Your system is OK" Thanks!!

 

[CarlTR6]

Let Memtest run for at least 5 -7 passes.