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MemTest86
Sydney, Australia
What it is
MemTest86 is a bootable program that checks computer RAM for faults using memory-test algorithms and patterns. It runs from USB without an installed operating system; Windows, Linux, or an Intel-based Mac can be used to create the boot drive. Version 11.7 requires UEFI firmware and x86 or ARM64 hardware, and does not support Apple Silicon M-series Macs. The product lists 14 test algorithms, including SIMD, Row Hammer, and DMA tests, and support for DDR2, DDR3, LPDDR4, LPDDR5(x), ECC, CDIMM, and CAMM2 memory. It can create customizable HTML reports and, on supported configurations, decode error addresses to identify a failed DIMM or chip. The Free Edition supports up to 16 CPU cores; Pro supports up to 512. Pro adds test automation and custom tests through a configuration file, while Site Edition adds PXE-based LAN deployment and PassMark Management Console integration and reporting. The binaries support Secure Boot and are signed by Microsoft. The maker describes system builders, repair stores, overclockers, and PC manufacturers as users who diagnose RAM faults or rule them out as a cause of instability.
For and against
For
- Runs from USB without an installed operating system.
- Lists 14 memory-test algorithms.
- Can generate customizable HTML reports.
- Free Edition supports up to 16 CPU cores.
- Binaries support Secure Boot.
Against
- Requires UEFI firmware.
- Does not support Apple Silicon M-series Macs.
- Free Edition support is through the public forum.
- Free Edition is limited to 16 CPU cores.
The verdict
MemTest86 offers a free way to test RAM from bootable media, with reporting and broad listed memory support. Check the UEFI and hardware requirements first; automation and larger core limits are part of Pro.
Who it suits
MemTest86 may suit system builders, PC repair stores, overclockers, and PC manufacturers diagnosing memory faults. It can also help investigate whether RAM is contributing to system instability.
Plans and prices
Pro Site Edition
Unlimited users within one organization in one country
Read 20 Sep 2026 · memtest86.com
MemTest86 Pro Support Extension
Continued access to downloads · Software updates · Technical support
Read 20 Sep 2026 · memtest86.com
Free Edition
free download · no usage restrictions · USB boot · up to 16 CPU cores
Read 15 Oct 2026 · memtest86.com
Pro Support Extension
requires existing Pro license · continued downloads, updates and technical support
Read 15 Oct 2026 · memtest86.com
Pro Download
one license per simultaneously tested machine · downloadable files
Read 15 Oct 2026 · memtest86.com
Pro USB Drive
pre-installed bootable USB · one license per simultaneously tested machine
Read 15 Oct 2026 · memtest86.com
Site Edition
unlimited users · one organization · one country · PXE deployment
Read 15 Oct 2026 · memtest86.com
Pro USB Flash Drive
One license per machine running Pro at the same time
Read 4 Oct 2026 · memtest86.com
On the record
- Algorithms
- The software provides 14 algorithms, including SIMD, Row Hammer and DMA tests.memtest86.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Architectures
- MemTest86 includes native 64-bit code and ARM64 support for UEFI systems.memtest86.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Automation
- Pro and Site editions can load configuration files to run predefined tests without manual interaction.memtest86.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Automation and deployment
- Pro supports full test automation and custom tests through a configuration file, while Site Edition adds scalable LAN deployment through PXE boot.memtest86.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Boot methods
- The editions support USB, UEFI and PXE network boot, while older BIOS, floppy and CD support is retained only through older releases.memtest86.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company
- MemTest86 is a PassMark Software product; PassMark describes itself as a privately owned software development group headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with a California branch office.passmark.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Company founded
- PassMark Software lists 1998 as its founding year.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters
- PassMark Software lists headquarters in Surry Hills, New South Wales, Australia, with a Redwood City, California office.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company legal name
- LinkedIn identifies the maker as PassMark Software and describes it as privately held.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Company size
- LinkedIn places PassMark Software in the 11–50 employee range.linkedin.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Core limit
- The Free Edition uses at most 16 CPU cores, while Pro supports up to 512 cores.memtest86.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Custom tests
- Configuration files can select test lists, pass counts, address ranges, CPU modes, ECC settings and custom test definitions.memtest86.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Diagnostic reporting
- It can generate customizable HTML reports and decode an error address to identify a failed DIMM or chip on supported configurations.memtest86.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- The official technical area covers PXE booting, serial consoles, configuration files, custom tests, reports, troubleshooting, ECC and DIMM/chip decoding.memtest86.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- ECC
- The comparison table lists ECC reporting and, in paid editions, ECC error injection for supported chipsets.memtest86.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Fault localization
- Supported hardware can map an error address to a failed DIMM or DRAM chip.memtest86.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Free edition limit
- The Free Edition supports up to 16 CPU cores; Pro supports up to 512 cores.memtest86.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integration
- Site Edition supports PassMark Management Console integration and reporting.memtest86.com · read 4 Oct 2026
