HCI MemTest vs MemTest86
HCI MemTest
hcidesign.comMemTest86
memtest86.comSide by side
| Figure | HCI MemTest | MemTest86 |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $6.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 11 |
| Spec score · PC Overclocking Software | 8.9 (#1) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Spec score · PC stress testing tools | 8.8 (#2) | 8.9 (#1) |
| Automation | Pro offers full command-line control for automated or periodic testing. | Pro and Site editions can load configuration files to run predefined tests without manual interaction. |
| Memory coverage | The Deluxe boot version can access all installed RAM because it runs before an operating system loads. | The product page lists DDR2, DDR3, LPDDR4, LPDDR5(x), ECC, CDIMM and CAMM2 memory support. |
| Purpose | MemTest runs under Windows and checks whether a computer can reliably store and retrieve data from memory. | MemTest86 boots from USB and tests computer RAM for faults using memory test algorithms and patterns. |
| Support | The maker provides an online manual and FAQ for help using MemTest. | Free users receive a public forum, while Pro and Site users receive phone, email and forum support plus 12 months of upgrades. |
| Use cases | HCI Design recommends testing after buying a computer, installing RAM, or changing BIOS or overclock settings. | The maker says system builders, PC repair stores, overclockers, and PC manufacturers use it to diagnose faulty RAM or rule RAM out as a cause of system instability. |
| What it does | MemTest checks whether Windows computers can reliably write and retrieve data from RAM. | MemTest86 boots from USB media and checks computer RAM with memory-test algorithms and patterns without relying on an installed operating system. |
Plans
HCI MemTest
- MemTest FreeFree
- MemTest Pro$5, paid once
- MemTest Deluxe$14, paid once
- MemTestFree
- MemTest (free)Free
- MemTest Pro$5, paid once
- MemTest Deluxe$14, paid once
MemTest86
- Pro Site Edition$5,557, paid once
- MemTest86 Pro Support Extension$76 a year
- Free EditionFree
- Free EditionFree
- Pro Support Extension$76 a year
- Pro Download$116, paid once
- Pro Download$116, paid once
- Pro USB Drive$144, paid once
- Pro USB Flash Drive$144, paid once
- Site Edition$5,557, paid once
In their own words
HCI MemTest
HCI MemTest checks whether a computer can store and retrieve data from memory reliably. Its maker recommends running it after buying a computer, installing RAM, or changing the system configuration, including overclocking. The free MemTest download is Version 7.0 for Windows 9x, XP, 7, 8, 10, and 11; the product listing also names Linux. MemTest Pro adds controls for the number of threads and RAM assigned to each, plus summaries of results and total throughput. Pro also supports command-line automation, saves error logs to disk, and can test memory in the background while the computer is in use. Deluxe includes Pro and adds a 64-bit bootable CD or USB version that accesses all RAM without loading an operating system. That boot option requires CSM or legacy BIOS support. The maker recommends 100% coverage for most errors and around 400% for intermittent failures. The FAQ cautions that software cannot reliably identify a failing physical chip; testing modules one at a time may help isolate a faulty board. The free download can be unzipped into a folder and removed by deleting its contents. Free use is available; MemTest Pro costs $5, paid once, and Deluxe costs $14, paid once.
MemTest86
MemTest86 is a bootable utility that checks computer RAM for faults using memory test algorithms and patterns. It runs from a USB drive without an installed operating system, although Windows, Linux, or an Intel-based Mac can be used to create that drive. Version 11.7 requires UEFI firmware and x86 or ARM64 hardware, and does not support Apple Silicon M-series Macs. Its listed coverage includes 14 algorithms, such as SIMD, Row Hammer, and DMA tests, and support for DDR2, DDR3, LPDDR4, LPDDR5(x), ECC, CDIMM, and CAMM2 memory. It can create customizable HTML reports and, on supported configurations, decode an error address to identify a failed DIMM or chip. The Free Edition supports up to 16 CPU cores; Pro supports up to 512 and adds automation and custom tests. Site Edition adds PXE-based LAN deployment and Management Console integration. The Free Edition costs nothing; Pro Download costs $116, paid once.