Random Access Memory(RAM) is a way
for your computer to store temporary data that it is likely to need soon. Other
ways that computers store data are through a cache or storage. Storage, often
wrongly referred to as memory, is permanent data stored on a hard drive or
solid state drive. A CPU cache is a small amount of memory that is stored right
on the CPU chip. The cache is for data that is used very frequently. Both the
RAM and CPU cache are temporary data stores that are cleared when your computer
is turned off.
You could think of the cache as a
paper in your hand that you need to constantly refer to, such as a list of
names or zip codes. The folder, laying on your desk, full of papers you may
need for your current task is similar to computer memory or RAM. The file
cabinet full of folders for all your projects would be a good parallel to
computer storage such as a hard drive.
Memory problems are less common than
many other computer problems because memory sticks have no moving parts so have
fewer points of failure. However, due to this many RAM problems are
misdiagnosed. Memory usually will last longer than other computer components so
manufacturers offer warranties longer than most other computer parts. If you
buy brand name memory it will likely have a lifetime warranty.
Symptoms of a RAM problem
1. You turn on your computer and it runs fine. You go about your normal tasks and notice that your computer performance decreases. By lunch time the load times of a typical website seem to be measured in minutes. Does the problem occur not just with Internet websites, but also with running local programs? This type of gradual deterioration of PC performance, especially with memory intensive programs, may be caused by a RAM problem.
2.
Does your computer restart randomly when you are in the middle of something?
Your computer may just have booted and begins to load your desktop and then immediately
reboots. It may freeze up sporadically. This could be a sign of faulty RAM.
3.
Your screen flashes a blue screen with white text before restarting. Blue
Screen errors can be one of the most annoying things to happen to your computer
because you don't have a chance to read the error message. Many things can
cause this problem and bad memory is one of them.
4.
Have you found that files are randomly corrupted? This may happen with files
that you frequently access and save. RAM issues can cause this problem or
worse. The file structure of your hard drive may slowly go downhill and become
unbootable.
5.
Your attempts to install a new program repeatedly fail for an unknown reason.
Could be a RAM problem. You try to reinstall the operating system, but keep
getting odd error messages. If this follows number four above, it is almost a
sure sign of bad memory.
There are certainly a variety of
problems that could cause the issues above, but faulty RAM is often overlooked.
If you have combinations of the above problems it is likely you have faulty
memory.
You will also like these links:
HOW TO USE USB MEMORY FOR RAM ON XP O.S.
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What sort of problem could have caused damage to your RAM?
- Power surges can cause all kinds of problems to computer components including RAM. It is a good idea to plug your computer and other expensive electronics into a surge protector. Make sure you know the difference between a surge protector and a power strip.
- Before you handle any parts in your computer, make sure you ground yourself by touching a piece of grounded metal to discharge static electricity. Electrostatic discharge can cause damage to many computer components.
- Excessive heat can cause RAM and many other computer parts to wear out over time. Not just heat from each individual part, but heat from one component can cause damage to adjacent parts.
- If you have overclocked any part of your computer incorrectly, it may cause damage in the form of excess heat as noted above.
- Your memory module may have some fault that did not become apparent immediately or worsened over time. This is the most likely cause of damaged RAM.
It is also possible that the memory
module is not the problem at all. One or more memory slots on your motherboard
could have a defect that caused the RAM to not perform normally. The defect may
even be so bad that it damaged the memory stick in some way.
Diagnosing
the Problem
If the symptoms started after you
recently added more memory the new module could be faulty. This seems obvious,
but any time a problem begins occurring after making any change to your
computer, first check to see if the change caused the problem.
Your computer may produce multiple
beeps or a continuous beep when you turn it on. These beeps can indicate many
different problems as well as possibly being a symptom of bad RAM. Beep codes
vary by the manufacturer of your BIOS. You can look up the beep codes for your
specific computer. This can help you eliminate other possible problems.
If you are not comfortable working
on your computer I would recommend taking your computer to a local repair store
to have them attempt to fix it. I would not take it to a big retail store to
have it repaired, they are in the business of selling additional parts not
fixing problems.
If you are an advanced user, there
are diagnostic programs that can help you know if you have a memory problem.
Your computer may have one pre-installed by the manufacturer or you can
download a third party program such as memtest86. Microsoft also has a program
to help you diagnose RAM problems. The Windows Memory Diagnostic is a good
program to use if you suspect memory problems.
If the above programs indicate your
memory sticks are functioning, but you still suspect a RAM problem or if you
need to find which memory module is the problem you can try removing them and
placing them in different slots. Memory modules are pictured in the image
below. Memory modules are small circuit boards that will be perpendicular to
your motherboard. Note that I removed many of the other components to make the
memory more visible. If your computer has more than one module you should
remove all of them except one and then run the diagnostic tests above or
perform the task that normally causes the problem.
Installed
RAM
What installed memory modules look like.
RAM
Slot Levers
The levers for the memory slot are
white in this example.
Fixing
the Problem
To remove a RAM module you will need to press the tiny levers on each end to release it. When replacing a module, make sure the indention on the bottom is lined up correctly with the slot and then press it in until you hear the levers snap. Note that some levers do not make a snap sound.
Test each of your memory modules one
at a time to find the one that is bad. It is possible more than one is bad.
When you find the sticks that are bad you can order replacements. If all the
memory modules appear bad, then the problem is likely with the memory slot
itself. Try testing each memory module in all of the memory slots to find if
one of the slots is faulty. To fix a faulty slot you would need to replace your
motherboard. It is possible all the memory modules are damaged if your computer
experienced a serious power surge.
Other
possible causes of your problem
- A hard drive problem can cause many of the symptoms listed above. You can run a utility called CHKDSK by pressing the windows button and the “R” button at the same time and then typing CHKDSK and pressing enter. Alternatively, you can click on Computer, right click the drive you intend to scan, click Properties, then the Tools tab, and click Check now. Note you will need to restart your computer. Also, be aware this may take an extended amount of time to finish running. If you hear your hard drive making lots of noise during normal operation, it may be the cause of the problems. Defragmenting your drive every few months is a good idea as well.
- If the performance problems occur during graphic intensive programs such as games or rendering, it could be an outdated graphics driver. It is a good idea to always keep your drivers up to date.
- If your computer becomes excessively hot it can cause a variety of problems. Also, if your power supply is failing it can cause random reboots. It is a good idea to clean dust out of your computer at least once a year. Possibly more often if you have a multitude of pets.
- One additional cause could be a virus. Note that many people automatically assume any problem with their computer is caused by a virus. Many large retail repair stores frequently misdiagnose problems as viruses as well. Make sure you have a good anti-virus program and be sure to run scans on a regular basis.
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