Ram memory test: best applications

Testing and testing your RAM is an action we always look for when we have made our brand new acquisition. Surely all of us have fallen into the temptation to see in numerical terms the performance of our new PC with the multiple benchmark programs that are available, since we have spent the money, let alone give us that satisfaction.

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But it is not only about seeing how far it can go, testing the RAM will be very useful to discover possible errors in it, or verify the integrity of the hardware we have installed.

What influences the RAM memory in our PC

RAM memory is located on the second storage level of our computer, it consists of modules made up of a PCB with multiple integrated circuits that are capable of temporarily storing information within them. It is the bridge between the processor and the hard disk to speed up the tasks and processes that are carried out.

The function of RAM memory is to store the programs that are running on our PC. These programs are divided into tasks and processes, which will go directly to the CPU to be processed, obtaining the results that we desire. The RAM memory in today's computers is in direct communication with the CPU, which implements the traditionally called NorthBrigde or North Bridge through an internal memory controller.

If RAM does not exist, the processor should look for the programs and instructions that are running directly on the hard drive, the drive where all files are permanently stored. Let's know that the hard drive is much, much slower than RAM, even the new NVMe SSDs are much slower. For example: the NVMe Samsung Evo 970 offers read and write figures of about 3, 500 MB / s, high, right? Well, a 2666 MHz RAM is capable of reaching read and write figures of 37, 000 MB / s, almost nothing.

The CPU is much faster than RAM, so imagine how slow our computer would be if we did not have it. Also, the more storage space the RAM has, the more tasks we can execute simultaneously.

What is a benchmark and what is it for?

If we want to test and test our RAM, we must use benchmark programs, do you really know what these programs do?

Well, a benchmark is basically an application whose function is to measure the performance of an electronic component or device installed on our computer. What this program does is subject to demanding tests and various tasks on the component in question to analyze how well it fulfills them. To do this, the programs have an internal database or through the Internet of all the computers or components analyzed, so that the user is able to locate their component in this list based on the score that the program has given.

Why we are interested in benchmarking

A benchmark gives us a reference score that we can compare with other similar components, even identical to ours. In fact, these programs also provide us with complete information about this component, such as RAM.

Placing this score in the list, it allows us to know more or less exactly how good or bad the analyzed component is. That is basic when exploring the electronics market in search of the best components and the reason for the existence of pages like ourselves.

Test and test my RAM memory

We already know the importance of RAM memory for our team and what a benchmark consists of, something that will undoubtedly be part of the series of tests and trials of our RAM memory. Let's see what hooligans we can make our memory of.

Know what is my RAM memory, quantity and speed with CPU-Z

We begin the tests with a fairly simple task, although it can be very helpful, and that is to know all the characteristics of our RAM memory. The favorite program for this will be CPU-Z, we are heavy with it, but it is one of those that shows us more useful information. We can download it for free from the official website.

After installing it, we will only have to open it to start ingesting information. As here it is about knowing our RAM memory, we are going to go to the Memory section and the SPD section to find out information about them.

Here we find quite interesting information. We will be able to know what type it is and the total quantity that we have installed, in turn it will tell us if we have it configured in Single Channel or Dual Channel. Remember that to install the memories in Dual Channel they must be installed in the slots of the same color (usually slot 1-3 and slot 2-4).

In the lower area, the frequency will be shown in real time and their latency measurements.

Let's continue with the next section, SDP, where we will obtain much more information about the modules that we have installed. To do this, the key is to select the slots that are occupied in the upper left area (the free ones will be blank).

Here we can know the speed of my RAM, quantity of each module, the brand and the specific model of each one. In the lower area, we will have information on the JEDEC profiles, which show the speed of operation of the RAM.

We hope this article has been useful to you. For anything write us in the comment box or in the hardware forum.