RAM Testing Guide

Complete guide for testing, diagnosing, and replacing failing RAM in server/workstation systems.

📋 Purpose

This guide was created to help diagnose and fix memory failure issues on systems experiencing:

• Memory failure errors in system logs
• Random system crashes
• Data corruption
• Performance degradation due to memory errors

🎯 Target Audience

System administrators, developers, and power users who need to:

• Test RAM for hardware failures
• Identify failing memory modules
• Replace defective RAM
• Verify system stability after repairs

📁 Contents

1. RAM_TESTING_GUIDE.md - Complete comprehensive guide

   • Understanding memory failure issues
   • Using Memtest86+
   • Interpreting test results
   • Identifying bad DIMMs
   • Buying replacement RAM
   • Installation and verification

2. RAM_TESTING_QUICKREF.txt - Quick reference card

   • System specifications
   • Step-by-step flow
   • Slot layout diagram
   • Installation checklist
   • Critical commands

3. RAM_TESTING_LOG.txt - Testing log template

   • Test result sheets
   • DIMM test results table
   • Verification checklist

🚀 Quick Start

Run Memtest86+ (First Test)

sudo reboot

Then select "Memory test (memtest86+x64.bin)" from the GRUB boot menu.

Wait for 4+ complete passes (2-4 hours) and take photos of any errors.

Next Steps

• No errors? RAM passed basic test, but may still need individual DIMM testing
• Errors found? Proceed to individual DIMM testing (see Section 5 of main guide)

📖 Full Documentation

See RAM_TESTING_GUIDE.md for complete instructions.

🔧 System-Specific Information

This guide was created for:

• CPU: Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4
• RAM: 96GB (6x 16GB) DDR4 RDIMM ECC Registered
• Issue: Memory hardware failures detected

However, the testing methodology applies to most DDR4 systems with Memtest86+ support.

🛡️ Safety Reminders

• ⚠️ Always power off completely before handling RAM
• ⚠️ Use anti-static precautions (touch metal case)
• ⚠️ Handle DIMMs by edges, avoid gold contacts
• ⚠️ Don't force RAM - if it doesn't fit, check alignment

📝 License

This guide is provided as-is for educational purposes.

🤝 Contributing

Feel free to adapt this guide for your specific hardware configuration.

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Last Updated: 2026-02-23 Status: Memory failure detected - replacement required