Memtest86 software is designed to be a stand alone memory test for x86 architecture computers. BIOS based memory tests are a quick, cursory check and often miss many of the failures that are detected by Memtest86.

Memtest86 is released under the terms of the Gnu Public License (GPL). Other than the provisions of the GNU pubic licence (GPL) there are no restrictions for use, private or commercial.

Explicit permission for inclusion of Memtest86 in software compilations and publications is hereby granted.

Windows Installation

For windows installation begin by downloading either the Pre-Compiled Windows package to build a boot-able floppy disk or an ISO (zip version) to create a boot-able CD-ROM. After the file is downloaded an extract must be done to uncompress the file(s). To extract right click on the downloaded file and select the "Extract All" option. The extract option will let you choose where the files will be extracted to. To build a bootable floppy go the the folder where the files were extracted and click on the Install icon. The floppy disk will appear to be unformatted by Windows after the install is complete.

To build a boot-able CD-ROM use your CD burning software to create an image from the un-zipped ISO file.

Note: Since Memtest86 is a standalone program it does not require any operating system support for execution. It can be used with any PC regardless of what operating system, if any, is installed. The test image may be loaded from a floppy disk or may be loaded via LILO on Linux systems. Any Unix, Windows or DOS system may be used to create a boot floppy or bootable CD-ROM.

What's New in This Release: [ read full changelog ]

New Features:
· Major Architectural changes
· First pass twice faster (reduced iterations)
· Detect DDR2/3 brands and part numbers on Intel DDR2/3 chipsets
· Added detection for Intel "Clarkdale" CPU
· Added detection for Intel "Gulftown" CPU
· Added detection for AMD "Magny-Cours" CPU
· Added detection for Intel XMP Memory
· Added for CPU w/ 0.5/1.5/3/6/12/16/18/24MB L3
· Added "clean" DMI detection for DDR3/FBDIMM2
· Better detection of Integrated Memory Controllers

Bug Fixes:
· Corrected detection for Intel "Lynnfield" CPU
· Corrected detection for AMD 45nm K10 CPU
· Solved crash with AMD Geode LX
· Complies with SMBIOS 2.6.1 specs
· Fixed compilation issues with gcc 4.2+
· Many others bug fixes