3 Things To Do When You Notice Computer Memory Failure Symptoms

Your device is working fine; it’s just a bit slow, right?

Even though your device is running, some parts may be suffering damage. Unfortunately, Random Access Memory (RAM) is the first part to go – and it’s one of the failures you can’t ignore; RAM is a crucial component to every program you use.

You don’t have to change it once every two months, but keep an eye out for symptoms of failure. If you notice them early enough, you might be able to save your RAM or improve its performance.

Some Common Symptoms –

Here are some of the most common computer memory failure symptoms:

• System performance is slowing down with use. Your computer works fine when you turn it on, and then slows down with time. If it happens while you’re using high-demand apps, it may be the memory. You could try to restart your computer and then not run apps for a while – if it’s still slowing down, something else is going on.
• Your system is crashing. In this case, RAM is high among the number of possible reasons. If the crashes appear to be random, this could be further evidence. However, if they occur when you use a specific app, look into other causes. It could be the program itself (stack overflows are common causes of RAM issues and programs crashing) or your system’s compatibility.
• Over the course of being used, some random files become corrupted. If it’s the case with data you use often, your memory may be sending corrupted data to the hard drive when you open and save files.
• You can’t install new programs. Your device doesn’t give you the reasons for the failure, and reinstalling the system doesn’t fix it.

(Top 3) Best Things to do When you Notice Computer Memory Failure Symptoms

What To Do?

As you can see, most of these issues could be related to your RAM, or something entirely different. If they keep happening simultaneously, it’s time to check your RAM.

WINDOWS MEMORY DIAGNOSTICS

The first step you should take is to test your RAM using Windows memory diagnostics. Access the program, and it will prompt you to restart your device. It will then report any current issues.

PHYSICAL CHECKUP

Your motherboard may be damaged or defective. If you’re not using a RAM cooler, excessive heat can cause physical damage to your components.

It could be that some of the memory modules are defective, but not the entire board. In that case, it would be a smart idea for you to test the modules in the slot.

If some of them are broken, you should replace them. However, if it seems that the slot itself is the problem, you need a new motherboard.

GET NEW RAM

If it seems that your motherboard has called it a day, you will need to find a replacement. The good news is that new memory isn’t expensive, and it’s widely accessible in stores and online. Installation is a snap (literally), so it’s not a hard fix.

However, if you’re running a MAC, it’s much more expensive. You’ll need to take your computer in and let someone else install the new RAM.

Make Sure to Recycle Non-Working Components –

If you do learn that you need new memory, purchasing a stick and installing it is the simple part. But what about the old one?

We don’t want to be electronics hoarders, and we should remain eco-conscious, right? Throwing away electronic waste in the dumpster isn’t particularly eco-friendly.

Luckily, nowadays, there exist companies such as AGR. They take care of safe, conscientious disposal of your unused electronics for you. Most of those companies offer to reuse, recycle, or destroy the products you don’t use anymore. Plus, this one in particular offers to come and pick up, as well as transport, the electronic components.

Make sure to do this with all discarded computer parts: hard drives, RAM, graphics card, and flash memory drives.

The Bottom Line:

Memory is one of the essential parts of your computer. Learning how to recognize computer memory failure symptoms is crucial. Signs of failure may go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Be sure to follow the above steps and make checks if you notice any of the signs. If you determine that the problem lies in your RAM, replace it. Delaying it is not worth you getting annoyed over poor computer performance.

Finally, be conscientious with the way you dispose of your old memory board. Leaving it to sit in a landfill for years is far from what we should be doing in 2019.