MemTest86 vs RyzenAdj

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.

RyzenAdj is a free command-line tool for adjusting power-management settings on Ryzen mobile processors. It runs on Windows and Linux and uses the same command-line interface on Windows and Unix-like systems. The tool exposes sustained, fast, and slow power limits in milliwatts, a Tctl temperature limit in degrees Celsius, and minimum and maximum clock controls for SoC, FCLK, VCN, LCLK, and GFX. The `--info` option displays information and key power metrics after adjustment; `--dump-table` shows the full power-metric table before and after. Shell scripts or Windows batch files can automate its use. It requires Administrator privileges on Windows or root access on Linux. Settings may need to be reapplied because device power-management features can overwrite them. Linux users must build from source, and Linux operation requires elevated access to the northbridge configuration space through libpci and `/dev/mem` or the ryzen_smu kernel module. Support and limitations vary across Ryzen families. The project is distributed under the GNU Lesser General Public License version 3.