In the era of multi-core chips and integrated video systems, having a good amount of RAM is not enough. We also need features like dual channel, and modules running at the highest possible frequency. Some users solve the second point with the exact dose of overclocking, which leads to extensive benchmarking and stress-testing sessions. The web offers many dedicated tools, and one of the easiest to use is QuickMemoryTestOK.
Imagine that purchasing or upgrading a graphics card is out of your budget, and you need to squeeze the most out of your APU. The video section of these chips takes general system memory to use as video memory (either automatically or by specifying a fixed value in the BIOS). Therefore, the first step is obvious: it must be as fast as possible. Multiple benchmarks published on YouTube have confirmed that using a single-channel configuration with an APU's video is a very bad idea (you leave a lot of performance on the table), and the same applies to too-low frequencies.
The benefit of fast RAM isn't limited to APUs, nor is it exclusive to AMD processors (some Intel processors can take advantage of the difference). But if you decide to buy new modules or apply overclocking to the ones you have, one thing is certain: you can't escape stress tests. The classic MemTest86+ and other tools are popular for checking memory stability. However, I'd like to add QuickMemoryTestOK.
How to Test Your PC's RAM with QuickMemoryTestOK
QuickMemoryTestOK is available in 32 and 64 bits, either with a traditional installer or in portable mode (I recommend that option). When you first run it, you'll notice that its general interface is divided into two tabs: "Memory test" and "Memory information". Some advanced data about the modules installed in the system appears there. The memory test itself is very simple: choose the number of loops to process, and click the "Start test" button. The program uses nearly all free memory (emphasis on "almost", because we're inside Windows), and frees it when finished.
Now, from previous experiences, I can say that the maximum number of loops in QuickMemoryTestOK is not enough. If I've learned anything from spending entire weekends burning in RAM optimization, it's that any change in configuration must be stable over time. Some errors associated with instability manifest at very advanced stages (for example, an hour after starting). Therefore, I suggest selecting the infinite loops option and letting QuickMemoryTestOK work for a few hours.
Finally, I want to mention that QuickMemoryTestOK is not a single solution, but a complement to the long evaluation process. In other words, the ideal would be to combine QuickMemoryTestOK with sessions in AIDA64 and HCI MemTest, seeking the greatest stability.
Official website and download: Click here.
