I'm preparing to trade in some of my PC parts, so I ran MemTest86 last night. It reported around 250 errors after only three passes, even though the computer has seemed to work normally. Should I still send the parts in, or is there a good way to identify which component is causing the errors?
3 Answers
If the memory was purchased as a kit, check the warranty before trading it in. Many RAM kits have lifetime coverage, so an RMA may be the better option. A buyer or trade-in service will likely test the parts too, and failing memory would normally be rejected.
Memory tests should report zero errors. A system can appear stable while still experiencing occasional bit flips or silent data corruption, so I wouldn’t trade or sell the parts as-is. Test with the memory running at its standard settings first, since overclocked timings can also cause failures.
Test each RAM stick separately in the recommended motherboard slot. If one stick produces errors by itself, you’ve probably found the bad module. If every stick passes individually but errors appear when they’re installed together, then the motherboard, CPU memory controller, or settings may be involved.
I’m actually hoping it turns out to be the older CPU or motherboard since those have less trade-in value, but I’ll test the sticks individually first.