- Home
- PC Overclocking Software
- HCI MemTest
HCI MemTest
What it is
HCI MemTest checks whether a computer can reliably store and retrieve data from memory. Its maker recommends running a test after buying a computer, installing RAM, or changing system settings such as overclocking. The free download is MemTest Version 7.0 for Windows 9x, XP, 7, 8, 10, and 11; the listed platforms also include Linux. MemTest Pro adds controls for thread count and RAM per thread, summaries across threads, command-line control for automated or periodic testing, error logs, and a mode for testing RAM in the background during normal use. MemTest Deluxe includes Pro and adds a 64-bit bootable CD or USB version that can access all RAM without loading an operating system. That boot option requires a PC with CSM or legacy BIOS support. The maker says 100% coverage should catch all but intermittent failures, for which it recommends testing to around 400%. The software cannot reliably pinpoint a failing physical memory chip, though testing modules one at a time can help isolate a faulty board. The free download can be unzipped into a folder and removed by deleting its contents.
For and against
For
- Free Windows download is Version 7.0.
- Pro supports command-line automation and error logs.
- Pro can test RAM in the background.
- Deluxe boot mode can directly access all RAM.
Against
- Deluxe boot mode requires CSM or legacy BIOS support.
- Software cannot reliably identify the failing physical chip.
- Pro costs $5 once; Deluxe costs $14 once.
The verdict
MemTest offers a free Windows memory check, with paid editions adding automation, logs, and bootable testing. The Deluxe boot option has a specific BIOS compatibility requirement, and the software cannot pinpoint a failing physical chip.
Who it suits
MemTest suits people checking memory after installing RAM or changing system configuration. Pro adds controls and automation for more involved testing; Deluxe suits users whose PC supports CSM or legacy BIOS boot.
Plans and prices
MemTest Free
RAM reliability testing · No advertisements
Read 20 Sep 2026 · hcidesign.com
MemTest
Windows program · Version 7.0 · 15K ZIP · free/no ads
Read 15 Oct 2026 · hcidesign.com
MemTest Pro
Advanced UI · command-line control · disk error logs · background “nice” mode
Read 15 Oct 2026 · hcidesign.com
MemTest Deluxe
Includes Pro · bootable CD/USB · 64-bit tester · CSM/legacy BIOS required
Read 15 Oct 2026 · hcidesign.com
MemTest (free)
Windows; Version 7.0; 15K ZIP download
Read 29 Sep 2026 · hcidesign.com
On the record
- Allocation behavior
- The FAQ warns that allocating more RAM than Windows can provide without swapping can make coverage progress very slow.hcidesign.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Automation
- Pro offers full command-line control for automated or periodic testing.hcidesign.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Background mode
- Pro includes a “nice” mode intended to test memory while the computer is being used normally.hcidesign.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Background testing
- Pro includes a “nice” mode for testing RAM in the background during normal computer use.hcidesign.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Benchmark feature
- Deluxe reports memory-checking rate as a basic speed benchmark for comparing BIOS settings.hcidesign.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Boot requirement
- The Deluxe bootable tester requires a PC supporting CSM or legacy BIOS boot.hcidesign.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Chip identification limit
- HCI Design says software cannot reliably identify the failing physical memory chip; users must isolate modules by testing them separately.hcidesign.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Command-line automation
- Pro provides full command-line control for automated or scheduled testing.hcidesign.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limit
- The Deluxe bootable version requires a PC that supports CSM or legacy BIOS boot.hcidesign.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Continuous error testing
- Pro can continue after errors instead of pausing, allowing correlation with temperature or GPU workload.hcidesign.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Coverage guidance
- The FAQ says 100% coverage should catch non-intermittent errors and recommends about 400% for intermittent failures.hcidesign.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Deluxe boot mode
- Deluxe adds a 64-bit version that runs from bootable CD or USB without loading an operating system and can directly access all RAM.hcidesign.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Diagnostic limit
- The FAQ says software cannot reliably pinpoint the physical memory chip that is failing; it suggests testing modules one at a time to isolate a faulty board.hcidesign.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Documentation
- The maker supplies an online manual, an included manual, and an FAQ page, with technical support by email.hcidesign.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Error logs
- Pro logs errors to disk so users can send an error report to the RAM seller or review what happened after a crash or shutdown.hcidesign.com · read 29 Sep 2026
- Error meaning
- The maker treats even one reported memory error as evidence of a RAM or configuration problem.hcidesign.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent boot-testing view
- A Tom’s Hardware forum moderator said boot media provides the most complete memory test.forums.tomshardware.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent download listing
- Heise lists MemTest 7.0 as a Windows memory-defect detector made by HCI Design.heise.de · read 15 Oct 2026
