Finding which RAM module is causing problems is usually done by trial and error. Usually, what we do is remove all the modules and try them one by one. Now, MemTest86 adds a new function that tells you precisely which module chip is failing, but it only works with DDR5 RAM.
Currently, the mechanism is trial and error. There is no method available that gives us information with great precision. This software will tell us which memory chip of which module is malfunctioning, so we will directly change the affected module, saving time.
MemTest86 detects problems in DDR5 RAM
It may sound familiar to you or you may have used the MemTest86 software on some occasion. It is widely used to verify the status and correct operation of RAM memory. The good thing about this test is that it can be carried out independently of the operating system, or what is the same, we can run it from a USB memory and thus see the status of the RAM.
According to the developer of MemTest86, we are entering “a new era” in RAM testing. We went from an unintuitive system to a much simpler system. The new version of this software will now visually show us the broken modules and other information that can be very useful to us.
It will tell us specifically what the faulty module is, so we just have to remove it and put a new one. Saving time in tests to change the modules and see with which the system starts or not.
The problem with this new function is that it is only compatible with the DDR5 standard, the latest for RAM. It could have to do with new technologies developed for this standard that are not present in previous versions.
In addition to telling you the faulty module, it will tell you specifically which memory chip is faulty.
It should be noted that at the moment it is indicated that this only works in very specific scenarios. To begin with, DDR5 RAM must be dual-channel. Apparently it only works with Intel Alder Lake (12th Gen) processors and Z690 chipset motherboards.
This is possibly due to the fact that at the moment only Intel has processors that support DDR5. When AMD releases the Zen4-based Ryzen, it should be upgraded without issue. It should also be compatible with future Intel Raptor Lake.
A really cool solution
Thanks to this, even the average user will be able to verify which module is causing problems. In addition, computer stores will save a lot of time in detecting the problem. This will allow the user to have their computer repaired in less time than to date.
Unfortunately, there is currently no release date for this new version of MemTest86. It’s not that it’s urgent either, since the number of systems with DDR5 are quite scarce. Intel Alder Lake processors support DDR4 and it is the most popular option for users.
Currently DDR5 RAM is extremely expensive and still a bit hard to find in the market. There is very little variety compared to DDR4, although this standard has been on the market for many years.
