RAM

Step-by-step RAM check when buying or for yourself. Works for new and used memory modules.

1

Quick check

5 minutes

  1. Task Manager

    Check the capacity and current memory frequency (the Performance tab).

  2. Visual inspection

    If accessible: clean contacts, no oxidation, modules firmly seated in the slots.

2

Medium check

15–20 minutes

  1. Windows built-in check

    Run mdsched.exe (Windows Memory Diagnostic) and reboot to test memory outside the OS.

  2. Specs check

    Use CPU-Z or AIDA64 to match timings, frequency and voltage with the manufacturer specs.

3

Full check

1 hour or more

  1. Deep test

    TestMem5 (with the anta777 profile) or MemTest86 (boot from a USB stick). Tests every memory cell under load — takes 1 to several hours.

Related checklists

CPUSSD/HDDPower supply

How to test tech before buying

Buying new or used tech always comes with risks: hidden defects, dead pixels, broken keys, a worn battery, cooling issues and other problems are not always visible during a casual inspection. FullTestPC provides detailed step-by-step guides to help you catch everything when checking devices. For each type of hardware — laptops, desktop PCs, monitors, keyboards, mice, headphones, GPUs, SSDs and HDDs, RAM, CPUs and power supplies — we have three levels of diagnostics: a quick 5–10 minute check with no software to install (visual inspection, basic functions), a medium 15–20 minute check using built-in Windows tools (battery reports, chkdsk, load tests) and a full 30–60 minute check using professional utilities like AIDA64, FurMark, CrystalDiskInfo, Victoria, TestMem5 and OCCT. This approach lets you adjust the depth of the check to the situation: a quick check is enough when buying from a store, a medium check when buying from a private seller, and a full stress test of all components for complete peace of mind. Many tests can be done right in the browser using our online tools (keyboard test, monitor dead pixel test, mouse and trackpad test), while the rest use standard or free programs. Following these checklists reduces the risk of buying a broken device and gives you confidence in its condition.