As is the case with any computer component, RAM can quickly become damaged, and when that happens, it will have a significant impact on the computer, especially if the damage is to essential components such as the processor, graphics card, or RAM. One of them will make you unable to turn on the computer again, and the other will make it work noticeably slow. We have previously discussed 5 indicators that indicate the hard drive is close to failure and how to take care of it, as it is also a component that can be damaged quickly if it is old or consumed excessively, leading to a reduced lifespan.
Just like RAM, some of you might know that RAM is a temporary storage unit that stores data for ongoing processes, and once the computer is shut down, everything is deleted. However, with frequent use in the computer to run heavy games and programs, and intensifying its consumption naturally leads to weakening it gradually. But how do you know if the RAM is about to fail? Here are 5 signs you should look for in the RAM should you find them.
Like anything else, RAM loses its efficiency over time and no longer functions as perfectly as it did when purchased. However, if you notice that the computer works fine after booting it up, but as you use it, it becomes slower, especially when running programs that consume a lot of RAM like Photoshop, video editing programs, or when playing games and using internet browsing programs, this does not necessarily mean that the RAM is the cause.
However, if you notice this slowness when you haven’t launched any programs, and when you open Task Manager, you don’t see any processes consuming RAM, then it may be time to buy new RAM as the performance degradation is what leads to this. You can also use the Windows RAM checking method without software to ensure the health of the RAM if it is old.
2- Continuous Computer Shutdowns and Blue Screen Appearance
2- Continuous Computer Shutdowns and Blue Screen Appearance
This point may be related to the previous one, as performance degradation leads to complex and strange problems in the computer, such as the appearance of the blue screen or automatic computer restart after booting. However, the RAM does not necessarily mean that it is the cause of these problems. You may run a specific program on the computer, and then the blue screen appears while all other programs run without issues, in this case, the issue may be with the program or drivers.
However, if you notice sudden black screen problems and continuous computer restarts without warning and at random times, then all doubts lie with the RAM, and to be sure, try removing one of the RAM chips from your device and then turning on the computer. If it works, replace it with the other RAM chip, and if it doesn’t work, then the problem lies with the RAM.
3- Black Screen Appearance
3- Black Screen Appearance
Encountering a black screen at least once in a computer is enough to confirm that the RAM in your device is damaged. Although the graphics card is the first to be suspected when this problem occurs, it is highly likely that the issue is due to the RAM. To confirm this, you can remove the RAM from the motherboard, re-install it, and boot the computer. If it works and the problem is resolved, then you can be sure that the issue was with the RAM, but if you do this and it still doesn’t work, then the problem may lie with the graphics card. In any case, if the problem is with the RAM, it is best to replace it.
If you cannot afford to buy new RAM, you can permanently get rid of the problem by following the methods outlined in the following articles:
–Fixing the Black Screen Problem with Hiren Boot CD
–Fixing the Black Screen Problem When Starting the Computer
4- File Corruption for No Reason!
File corruption without reason is a common issue among users. Sometimes you may have an important file or folder that you use frequently, and suddenly you find that you cannot open this file, and you receive a “cannot be opened” message when trying to open it at any time. The situation may worsen, and you may notice that a large group of files has been corrupted. In this case, the problem is related to both RAM and the hard drive. There is a problem with the RAM while temporarily storing data for this file, and as a result, the hard drive cannot read this file to display it to you. Therefore, it is certain that the reason for this is a problem with the RAM, and you should buy new RAM to prevent the issue from escalating to the point of damaging files related to Windows, leading to the inability to restart the computer.
5- Broken or Damaged RAM Slots
Although it is rare for this problem to occur, it does happen! When it does, you will have to buy new RAM. If a part of the RAM slots breaks or is damaged, it will completely disable the RAM and cannot be restarted. You may notice this if you have two RAM slots and find that the computer only reads one chip. In this case, check the RAM slots, and if you find that one of the slots is damaged, you have no choice but to buy a new chip.
