What is RAM?
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.
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 over-clocked
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.
