What is RAM?
Random access memory (RAM) is a way for your computer to store temporary data rather than in a cache or permanent storage. Memory, often incorrectly referred to as memory, is permanent data stored on a hard drive or solid-state drive. A CPU cache is a small amount of commonly used memory stored on a CPU chip. Both RAM and CPU cache are temporary data stores that are cleared when the computer is turned off.
One way to think of the difference between these different types of storage is to think of them as paper documents. A cache is a list of names or numbers that you constantly refer to and keep on hand. A filing cabinet full of documents you need for your current task is comparable to the working memory of a computer. A filing cabinet with folders for all your projects is like storage on your hard drive.
Memory problems are less common than other computer problems because memory sticks have no moving parts and are therefore less likely to fail. Because of this, many RAM problems go undetected. Because memory tends to last longer than other computer components, manufacturers offer longer warranties than other parts. If you buy name-brand memory, chances are you have a lifetime guarantee.
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Table of Contents
Signs of a RAM problem
- When you first turn on your computer, it works perfectly, but over time you notice that its performance degrades. At lunchtime, websites take a few minutes to load and local programs run at a snail’s pace. This kind of gradual degradation in PC performance, especially with memory-intensive programs, can be caused by a RAM issue.
- Your computer randomly reboots when you’re busy doing something, or intermittently crashes. It may also restart almost immediately after opening the desktop. This could be a sign of defective RAM.
- A blue screen with white text flashes before rebooting. Blue screen errors are annoying because you don’t even get a chance to read the error message. Defective RAM is one of the causes of such errors.
- Files, especially those you access and save frequently, seem to get corrupted inexplicably. RAM issues can lead to this problem, which can get worse over time. The file structure on your hard drive can slowly unravel and you will no longer be able to start your computer.
- Your attempts to install a new program repeatedly fail for unknown reasons. You try to reinstall the operating system, but you still get strange error messages.
There are certainly a variety of issues that can cause the above problems, but faulty memory is an often overlooked cause of unexplained issues. If you’re having one or a combination of the above issues, you probably have a memory issue.
What causes memory corruption?
- Power surges can damage most computer components, including memory. You should connect your computer and other expensive electronics to a surge protector. Make sure you know the difference between a surge protector and a power strip.
- Before touching any part of your computer, ground yourself by touching a grounded piece of metal to discharge static electricity. Electrostatic discharges can damage the computer.
- Excessive heat can cause RAM and other parts to wear out over time. Individual components can overheat, or the heat from one component can cause damage to adjacent parts.
- Incorrectly overclocking any part of your computer can result in damage in the form of excessive heat.
- Your memory module may have a defect that passed quality control and has deteriorated over time. This is the most likely cause of corrupted memory.
It is also possible that the memory module is working properly, but one or more memory slots on the motherboard are defective, affecting the performance of the RAM. The defect could even be so serious that the memory stick is damaged.
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diagnosis of the problem
- If the symptoms started after additional memory was recently added, the new module could be defective. It seems obvious, but if you’re having a problem after making a change, the first thing you should do is check if the change caused the problem.
- The computer may emit multiple beeps or a continuous tone when it is turned on. These beeps can indicate many different problems, including bad memory. The beep codes vary by BIOS manufacturer. You can look up the beep codes for your specific computer to understand the problem.
- If you don’t feel comfortable repairing your computer yourself, I recommend taking your computer to a local repair shop rather than a large retail store. Big stores specialize in selling extra parts, not fixing problems.
- If you are an experienced user, there are diagnostic programs that can help you find out if you have a memory problem. Your computer may have such a program pre-installed by the manufacturer, or you can download a third-party program. Microsoft’s Windows Memory Diagnostic is also useful if you suspect memory problems on a Windows PC.
- If the programs above indicate that your memory sticks are working, but you still suspect a RAM problem or need to determine which memory module is the problem, you can try removing the modules and putting them in different slots.
Built-in RAM
The memory modules seen in the image above are small circuit boards that lie perpendicular to the motherboard. Notice that I removed many of the other components to make the storage more visible. If your computer has more than one module, you should remove all but one, and then run the diagnostic tests above or perform the task that usually causes the problem.
Solve the problem by removing the memory
- To remove a RAM module you need to press the small levers on either end to release it.
- Test each memory module individually to find out which modules are faulty. Once you have found the defective sticks, you can order replacements. It is possible that all of the memory modules are damaged if your computer has received a strong power surge.
- If all of the memory modules appear to be defective, the problem is likely with the memory slot itself. Test each memory module in each of the memory slots to determine if any of the slots are defective. To fix a bad slot, you would need to replace the motherboard.
- When replacing a module, make sure the notch on the bottom is properly aligned with the slot, and then press down until you hear the lever click. Note that some levers do not engage.
Other possible problems
RAM issues often go undiagnosed but can also be misdiagnosed. Some common issues unrelated to memory can cause the symptoms listed above:
- Many of the symptoms listed above can actually be caused by a hard drive problem. You can run a utility called CHKDSK by pressing the Windows and R keys at the same time, typing CHKDSK in the dialog box, and pressing Enter. Alternatively, you can click Computer, right-click the drive you want to scan, click Properties, then click the Tools tab and click Scan Now. Note that you must restart your computer. Also, keep in mind that this process can take a long time. If you hear your hard drive making a lot of noise during normal operation, this could be the cause of your problems. Defragmenting your hard drive every few months is also a good idea.
- If you experience performance issues with graphics-intensive programs such as games or rendering, your graphics driver may be out of date. Make sure you always keep your drivers up to date.
- Excessive heat in the computer can cause a number of problems.
- Random reboots can be caused by a power outage.
- Dirt and dust can also cause what appear to be memory problems. It’s a good idea to dust your computer at least once a year if you have pets, even more often.
- Your computer could also be infected with a virus. Note that many people automatically assume that any problem with their computer is caused by a virus, and many large retail repair shops often misdiagnose hardware problems as viruses. Make sure you have a good antivirus and run regular scans.
