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    Testing RAM/Memory

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by ChenonNR, Oct 17, 2006.

  1. ChenonNR

    ChenonNR Newbie

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    I posted awhile ago in the hardware section about a memory test application for RAM on OSX Platform. MemTest 86+ seems to be a popular choice, but I couldn't get it to run for me. I know that MemTest OSX is out there, but it costs a dollar now.

    I was wondering whether anyone knows of any other free alternatives or maybe why I wasn't able to get Memtest86+ to run. If not, I'll probably just pay that dollar since the cost of RAM is so much more.
     
    ChenonNR, Oct 17, 2006
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  2. zadillo

    zadillo Notebook Virtuoso

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    Have you tried the Apple Hardware Test? If you boot up your Mac with the installation CD and hold down the D key, it will boot into the Apple Hardware Test. I am pretty sure this does test your memory, among other things.

    EDIT: From reading the reviews of Memtest over at versiontracker, apparently it will catch problems that the Apple Hardware Test. It sounds like it might be worth the $1 charge.
     
    zadillo, Oct 17, 2006
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  3. xbandaidx

    xbandaidx Notebook Deity

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    Yeah but using a credit card for a $1 is a bit dumb.
     
    xbandaidx, Oct 17, 2006
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  4. zadillo

    zadillo Notebook Virtuoso

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    Well, it's purchased through PayPal, so conceivably you could have it deduct from your checking account instead, for example. I don't see any problem with it really.......it sounds like it does a good job, and if it fits the bill of what he's looking for, 99 cents seems reasonable enough.
     
    zadillo, Oct 17, 2006
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  5. ChenonNR

    ChenonNR Newbie

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    Hey,
    Thanks for looking Zadillo. I decided to do an Apple Hardware Test earlier, but I also knew that MemTest would be more comprehensive. It looks like I'll have to pay, but the assurance will definitely be work it.
     
    ChenonNR, Oct 17, 2006
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  6. Wooky

    Wooky Notebook Evangelist

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    memtest is GPL, and so must be memtestosx. Of course, this doesn't prevent the selling of the software, and the price is more than reasonable. But it also doesn't prevent anyone from recompiling the source and providing it for free.

    There is a version uploaded at http://ghearing.com/memtest-osx-414.zip .The orginal memtest osx builder says it infringes the GPL, since it lacks some documentation and some original files, and that he should only post them in the same form originally available. From my interpretation of the GPL, these claims are unjustified, even though a more deep analysis would be needed...
     
    Wooky, Oct 18, 2006
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  7. xbandaidx

    xbandaidx Notebook Deity

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    Hmm exactly right Wooky, GPL basically states that anyone can change the source or modify it to fit their own needs and rerelease it for distribution, it does not give any single person full rights of something lets say of a proprietary software. It should not be to challenging to compile memtest to work in OS X, but whatever way you go is fine considering 1 buck isn't to large of a deal, but if it was more I'd just do my own.
     
    xbandaidx, Oct 18, 2006
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  8. xbandaidx

    xbandaidx Notebook Deity

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    In case someone in the future uses search feature here (ha I know, like that would happen?)

    you can get memtest free
    rember

    Basically someone went ahead and made a frontend GUI for this utility (memtes).
     
    xbandaidx, Oct 26, 2006
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