5 Major Symptoms of a RAM Problem and How to Fix It.

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.

PROBLEMS THAT COULD COUSE RAM DAMAGE.

√ Power surges can cause all kinds of problems to computer componentsincluding 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.