[Ma-linux] Testing RAM with MemTest86+

[Serge Wroclawski]

On Mon, Jul 05, 2010 at 08:20:46PM -0400, Jay Hart wrote:
> Ok, normally I run at least an overnight or longer test for each RAM 
> module. today I'm cutting that to 10 passes (test cycles) for each RAM 
> module, just so I can see if I have a problem.

That is, without a doubt, one of the "silliest" things I've ever heard.

Bad RAM is possible, but a majority of memory errors aren't cause by 
manufacturer defects, they're caused by small power fluxuations, solar 
radiation, etc. You may simply not be aware of these problems because 
the instances of a bit flip are so rare in the life of the machine.

But the bottom line is that if you really cared about your data, you'd 
use ECC RAM, period. If you don't invest in ECC RAM, then your data is 
going to be subject to these problems.

Everything else is hand waving.

- Serge