I came across a listing for DDR4 RAM on Facebook Marketplace that's priced really attractively. The seller seems nice, and the listing looks legitimate, but I recently faced issues with this type of RAM (I had to downgrade the speed from 3600MHz to 3200MHz to stop crashing in Arc Raiders). I'm worried that this cheap price means the RAM might be faulty. How can I properly test RAM before buying it? Also, does the brand's lifetime warranty cover second-hand sticks if they break?
4 Answers
One solid way to verify the RAM's working condition is to ask the seller for a video of it running in a PC. Some enthusiasts even bring their test PC to meetups and plug it into a public outlet to check it out live. It's a bit extreme, but you can't be too sure!
When it comes to RAM, remember that stability largely depends on your CPU, motherboard, and the RAM itself—it's like a silicon lottery. To test RAM before buying, use it as you normally would, and if you’re really cautious, you can run a tool like MemTest. However, keep in mind that unstable RAM can happen even in a seller’s rig; it might work for them but not for you. As for warranties, it's best to contact the manufacturer directly to see if they cover second-hand sales.
You haven’t shared much detail about the RAM! What brand, how much RAM, and what are you being asked to pay? That can really change things.
That’s a good idea! I can just bring my own setup and see how it performs myself.