significance of RAM errors?

[Phil Meyer]

Dave Stevens wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I have a dual boot system with Windows and Linux on separate drives. After 
> some recent problems with booting I ran memtest86. In 40 hours more or less I 
> got about 600 memory errors. I don't like this but am somewhat at a loss to 
> understand how it compares to other systems or what consequences are likely 
> to stem from this. What I want to avoid is system instability and 
> unpredictable behaviour. Can anyone point me to more information about how to 
> interpret this result? or has anyone an opinion? 
>
> Dave
>
>   

Typically, ANY errors from memtest are significant.

Looking at it one way:  Can you afford 600 crashed programs in a 40 hour 
block?

Realistically, what matters most is where the errors are.  If they all 
occur in a specific range that all appear on a single memory card, then 
pulling the card can keep you going until you can replace it.

However, modern systems almost all have 'matched pairs', as in dual mode 
memory.

The bottom line?  You can and will experience problems until the memory 
issues are resolved.

Reseating and retesting are the easiest.  Be sure to use a can of 
compressed air to clean off the contact points before reseating or 
replacing the memory.  If it continues to fail, you must replace it.