As a crucial component of your computer, the Random Access Memory or RAM is responsible for storing data temporarily. This temporary or cached data is important and aids in the functioning of the computer. Although the temporary data stored in the RAM and CPU cache are erased when you shut down your computer, any issues with the RAM can cause your computer to malfunction.
The failure rate of RAM is low when compared to other components since it has no moving parts. However, this does not mean that your computer’s memory is free from any issues. These issues might often go unnoticed and can cause your computer to fail at some point. A faulty RAM in your computer often exhibits a range of symptoms that you can refer to for diagnosing the problem. Below are some of the important warning signs of a faulty RAM on your computer
Drop in System Performance
A faulty RAM is usually indicated by a rapid drop in the performance of your computer. If you find that your computer is functioning normally during startup, but slowly starts lagging in performance, it could be the result of a faulty RAM. This is especially evident if you run any graphics-rich applications like games or use web browsers and high-end software.
Irregular Crashes
If your computer is experiencing any crashes on an irregular basis, then the culprit is likely to be the RAM. Mostly, regular crashes such as those that come with a blue screen of death could signal a software problem. However, occasional crashes without any kind of warnings are usually attributed to a faulty RAM.
Presence of Corrupted Files
If you find that many of the files that you regularly use are corrected and incapable of executing, then it is a major warning sign of a faulty RAM. This is usually displayed in the form of error messages when you try to open the file. You can be sure that the RAM is the cause of the issue if many other files also end up corrected and unable to open.
GPU Loading Failure
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) can fail to load if your computer has a faulty RAM. Normally during startup, your computer will send a beep sound indicating that the video hardware is recognized and properly booted. If you found that no beep sounds are produced, it means that the GPU unit is not loaded during booting.
Installed RAM Displayed Incorrectly
Another warning sign to look for a faulty RAM in your computer is to look in the basic information of your computer. This can be accessed by navigating to the Control Panel and selecting the System option. You can see the installed memory (RAM) displayed, which will be incorrect when compared to its actual capacity for a faulty RAM.