Based on the well-known original memtest86 written by Chris Brady, memtest86+ is a port by some members of the x86-secret team. Its goal is to provide an up-to-date and completely reliable version of this software tool aimed at memory failures detection. Memtest86+ is, like the original, released under the terms of the Gnu Public License (GPL). No restrictions for use, private or commercial exist other than the ones mentioned in the Gnu Public License (GPL). Texts about the original version was taken from the original website and written by Chris Brady.
Changelog:
o Major Architectures changes
o Modulo test now use random pattern for better accuracy
o Added Advanced DMI Errors Reporting Mode
o Added support for bus ratio changes on Intel Core CPU
o Added support for non-integer bus ratio on latest Intel CPU
o Added SPD Data Display for all Intel Chipsets (more to come)
o Added serial support as a linux boot parameter (Thanks to Michal S.)
o Added preliminary support for VIA CN Isaiah CPU
o Added preliminary support for Intel Nehalem
o Added support for VIA C7/C7-D/C7-M/Eden on Esther Core
o Added support for AMD K10 (Phenom) CPU w/ timings detection
o Added support for Intel Pentium E w/ 1 MB L2 Cache
o Added support for Intel Core 2 45nm (Penryn)
o Added support for FSB1333/FSB1600 Intel CPU
o Added support for Intel 5400A/5400B w/ timings detection
o Added support for Intel Q35/P35/G33/Q33 w/ timings detection
o Added support for Intel X38/X48 w/ timings detection
o Added preliminary support for Intel 5000P/V/Z
o Removed on-fly memory timings change (unstable)
o Numerous bugfixes
News source: http://memtest.org/Download: CD-ROM Version | Floppy Disk Version
i been using this lately as my primary memory tester.
although stuff like Prime95's Torture Test is probably a more thurough system test as far as stability... but if your just testing ram this program will probably be just fine
Last edited by ThaCrip on 09 Feb 2008 - 01:48
Memtest is fantastic for systems that can't get that far, or in general. Quick, easy.
In my job I work with hundreds of computers, and Memtest86+ is BY FAR more useful than Prime95. I have seen a lot of sticks of memory with bad locations in them, but processors tend to either work or not work. About the only time Prime95 would be useful is if you're overclocking or something.
Prime95 can test the RAM as well - but you're correct, they are two different tools for two different jobs.
In fact, the "original" has now become the copy. If you check the Acknowledgements at the bottom of http://www.memtest86.com/about.html you will see "Major enhancements to hardware detection and reporting in version 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 provided by Samuel Demeulemeester (from Memtest86+)."
Of course, this is all fine because every version is covered by GPL, but it seems to me that the original author has mainly returned to try and make some money from selling CDs to people who can't figure out how to burn an ISO.
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