Memtest86
| Memtest86
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|---|---|
 Screenshot of Memtest86 version 8.3 |
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| Basic data
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| developer | Chris Brady (up to version 3), PassMark Software (current) |
| Current version |
8.4 ( May 8, 2020 ) |
| operating system | None (starts directly) |
| programming language | Assembly language , C |
| category | System software |
| License | GPL (up to 4.x), proprietary (from 5.0) |
| German speaking | No |
| memtest86.com | |
Memtest86 is a software that allows you to memory can examine a computer for errors. It was originally written as free software by Chris Brady and was under the GNU General Public License up to version 4 .
The program checks the main memory for errors using a stress test and, if necessary, displays the memory address of defective memory cells in a list. The software is loaded and executed immediately after the system starts; an operating system is not required. Older versions of Memtest86 or the free split-off Memtest86 + is included in the boot menu of many Linux distributions or can simply be installed later.
Working method
Memtest86 writes a series of test patterns into each memory address, reads them out again and compares them. The relevant memory address is only error-free if the pattern read out matches the originally written one. This process is repeated for each memory address; if all are error-free, the memory module is also most likely free of errors. A Memtest run ( “pass” ) takes several hours, depending on the CPU speed and memory size. A total of nine different tests are carried out.
Due to the way Memtest works, any defects found do not necessarily mean a defective main memory. It can also be a defect in the CPU or the mainboard, whereby the main memory is by far the most common source of error.
Memtest86 works directly on the hardware without an operating system and can be started from a USB stick , via the network using the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) or, if the drives are available, up to version 7 from a CD-ROM . Older versions up to 4.x could also be started from a bootable floppy disk . Up to version 4 boot mode was performed legacy - BIOS , later versions set to boot the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) operating systems. Secure Boot must be switched off because the EFI boot files from Memtest86 are not signed.
In addition to the free free version of Memtest86, there is also a paid pro version. In addition to the functions of the free version, this contains even more special functions, such as ECC error injection, i.e. the possibility of deliberately introducing errors into ECC memory in order to check the error correction and the logging function for this, and there is also an additional 64-bit -SIM tests and the reports can be saved. The Pro version also allows booting via the network using UEFI-PXE.
Memtest86 in version 8.x (free and pro version) is being further developed by the Australian company PassMark. With the appearance of version 5, the GPL was given up in favor of a proprietary license. Memtest86 is compatible with all current chipsets for all Intel - and AMD - multi-core processors .
Memtest86 +
Memtest86 +, written by Samuel Demeulemeester, is a version 3.0 spin-off from Chris Brady's Memtest86. The project came about because the original had not been updated from May 2002 to March 2004. Like its template, Memtest86 + is licensed under the GNU General Public License. From version 4.10 Memtest86 + is with installer for memory cards, USB flash drives and for booting the network (PXE) mode legacy - BIOS offered. The functionality of Memtest86 + is less than that of Memtest86.
Memtest for graphics cards / GPUs
With "CUDA GPU memtest" there is a memory test program for the memory on Nvidia graphics cards .
Web links
- Memtest86.com (English) - Website of Memtest86
- Memtest86 + (English) - Website of Memtest86 +
Individual evidence
- ↑ www.memtest86.com .
- ↑ MemTest86 Version History. Retrieved February 3, 2020 .
- ↑ PassMark MemTest86 - Memory Diagnostic Tool. In: www.memtest86.com. Retrieved January 2, 2017 .
- ↑ Purchase MemTest86 online. In: www.memtest86.com. Retrieved January 2, 2017 .