memtest86+info

Memtest86+ http://www.memtest.org/

This is a free open-source program for testing the memory in a computer. This program will both verify that the memory you have does not contain any flaws, and will also verify that the memory works correctly with your motherboard and current bios settings.

For most oem computers (ones made by HP, Gateway, Dell, etc) this will not be an issue as the memory is known to work with the computer's specific hardware but for custom built machines that allow more exotic memory timings in the bios there can sometimes be issues. Memory can also be damaged by significant physical shock or static discharge. If you have a machine that kept freezing or corrupting data and changing the memory resolves the problem this utility provides a way to determine if the memory module itself is at fault.

note: there is also a regular Memtest86 (note the lack of "+" in the name), this version is no longer being developed and should be avoided.