In this article, we will be discussing how to run Memtest86+ on Ubuntu. Memtest86+ is a powerful tool that helps in diagnosing memory-related issues in your system. It’s a comprehensive, standalone memory testing software for x86 architecture computers.
To run Memtest86+ on Ubuntu, you can access it from the GRUB menu using either a Live CD or USB, or from an installed system. Alternatively, you can use the memtester command for a command-line approach. After running the test, Memtest86+ will provide a report indicating potential memory issues if errors are found.
What is Memtest86+?
Memtest86+ is a free, open-source software that performs a thorough memory test on your system. It’s designed to detect and report any faults in your system’s RAM. It’s a highly recommended tool if you’re experiencing system crashes, random reboots, or suspect that your RAM might be the root cause of issues.
Running Memtest86+ from Live CD or USB
If you have an Ubuntu Live CD or USB, you can easily access Memtest86+ from the GRUB menu. Here’s how:
- Access the GRUB Menu: While booting, press and hold the
Shiftkey to bring up the GRUB menu. - Select Memtest86+: Look for the option labeled “Memory test (memtest86+)” and select it using the arrow keys.
- Start the Test: Press
Enterto start the test.
Running Memtest86+ from an Installed System
If you have Ubuntu already installed on your machine, you can still access Memtest86+ from the GRUB menu. Here’s the process:
- Restart Your System: Restart your system and hold down the
Shiftkey to bring up the GRUB menu. - Select Memtest86+: Look for the option labeled “Ubuntu, memtest86+” and select it using the arrow keys.
- Start the Test: Press
Enterto start the test.
Using the memtester Command
If you prefer a command-line approach, you can use the memtester tool to perform a memory test. Here’s an example command:
sudo memtester 128000 5In this command, 128000 is the amount of memory to test in kilobytes, and 5 is the number of test passes. This command will test 128,000 MB (or 128 GB) of memory for 5 iterations. Adjust the values as needed for your system.
Understanding the Test Results
After running the test, Memtest86+ will provide a report. If errors are encountered during the test, it indicates potential issues with your RAM. Each error corresponds to a separate problem with your memory. If no errors are found, then your memory is likely in good condition.
Conclusion
Running Memtest86+ on Ubuntu is a straightforward process that can help you diagnose and troubleshoot potential memory issues in your system. Whether you’re using a Live CD/USB or an installed system, or prefer the command-line approach, this tool provides a comprehensive memory test that can help ensure your system’s stability and performance.
Remember, it’s recommended to let the memory test run for at least one full pass to ensure thorough testing. If you’re experiencing system issues, don’t overlook the possibility of memory faults – Memtest86+ is a valuable tool in your diagnostic arsenal.
The purpose of running Memtest86+ on Ubuntu is to diagnose and identify any memory-related issues in your system. It helps in detecting faults in your system’s RAM and can be useful if you experience system crashes, random reboots, or suspect that your RAM might be causing problems.
No, Memtest86+ is not limited to Ubuntu. It is a standalone memory testing software that can be used on any x86 architecture computer, regardless of the operating system. It can be accessed from the GRUB menu, which is a bootloader available on most Linux distributions.
Yes, you can run Memtest86+ from a Live CD or USB. When booting your system with the Live CD or USB, you can access Memtest86+ from the GRUB menu. Simply select the option labeled "Memory test (memtest86+)" and start the test.
Yes, you can run Memtest86+ from an installed Ubuntu system. Similar to running it from a Live CD or USB, you can access Memtest86+ from the GRUB menu. Look for the option labeled "Ubuntu, memtest86+" and select it to start the test.
Yes, there is a command-line alternative called memtester. It allows you to perform a memory test using the command line. An example command would be sudo memtester 128000 5, where 128000 represents the amount of memory to test in kilobytes and 5 represents the number of test passes.
After running the test, Memtest86+ will provide a report. If errors are encountered during the test, it indicates potential issues with your RAM. Each error corresponds to a separate problem with your memory. If no errors are found, then your memory is likely in good condition.
It is recommended to let Memtest86+ run for at least one full pass to ensure thorough testing. However, if you suspect more extensive memory issues, you can let it run for multiple passes. The duration of the test depends on the amount of memory being tested and the speed of your system.
No, Memtest86+ is a diagnostic tool and cannot fix memory issues. Its primary function is to detect and report any faults in your system’s RAM. If errors are found, it is recommended to replace the faulty RAM module(s) to resolve the memory issues.
