RAM TEST README

RAM Test is a fast and reliable memory testing software with a graphical user
interface. It can be used to test your system memory for hardware faults or an
unstable overclock.

The software supports up to 8 TB of memory on a 64-bit machine and up to 2 GB
of memory on a 32-bit machine. The testing algorithm scales for up to 64
threads and has optimized code paths for AVX and AVX2 capable processors.

1. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Your system must meet the following requirements to be able to run RAM Test:

    * Microsoft Windows 7 or later (supports both 32-bit and 64-bit versions)
    * Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 or later
    * A CPU with full SSE2 support
    * An internet connection during activation
    
2. INSTALLATION

RAM Test is a portable software and does not come with an installer. To get
the software up and running, follow the steps below:

    1. Unzip the files to any folder in which your user account has full
       permissions
    2. Run ramtest.exe
    3. Activate your license with the product key
    4. Start testing

It is possible to "install" the software on a USB flash drive.

3. SETTINGS

Megabytes:

    The amount of memory to test in megabytes.

    If you have the paging file enabled and you use too large value, the test
    may progress very slowly due to the operating system having to cycle pages
    through your SSD/HDD.

Threads:

    The number of threads to use for testing.

    Optimal performance is achieved by specifying a value equal to the
    number of processor cores in your system.

Beep on error:

    Play a beep sound when a memory error is detected.

Stop on error:

    Automatically stop testing when a memory error is detected.

CPU cache:

    The CPU cache mode to use during the test.

        - Disabled:

            The memory pages are marked non-cachable and the CPU cache is not
            used during the test. The test will progress very slowly and it
            will not pick up any CPU cache instability related errors.

        - Write-combine:

            The memory pages are marked write-combined and the CPU cache is
            used only for buffering writes. This is a little faster mode that
            might pick up CPU cache instability related write errors.

        - Default:

            The CPU cache is used, but flushed frequently. The test will
            progress very quickly and it might pick up CPU cache instability
            related read and write errors.

        - Enabled:

            The CPU cache is used without restriction. This is the fastest
            mode and the probability of picking up CPU cache instability
            related read and write errors is also the highest.

RNG:

    The random number generator to use during the test.

        - Default:

            The RtlGenRandom function is used to generate random numbers.

        - XORWOW:

            The XORWOW function is used to generate random numbers. This might
            improve performance, especially on Windows 7.

Stress FPU:

    Stress the floating point unit of the CPU for thermal simulation purposes.
    
    The additional FPU workload will increase the power consumption and
    therefore the temperatures of the CPU. Higher temperatures are useful
    especially when the stability of the integrated memory controller itself
    is questionable (temperature related instability).

Telemetry:

    Allow the collection of the following personal and/or anonymized data each
    time a test is finished:

        * Your IP address
        * An unique identifier based on your current hardware and operating
          system installation
        * An unique token associated with your license
        * RAM Test version
        * RAM Test platform (x64 or x86)
        * Motherboard make and model
        * Processor make and model
        * Memory make and model
        * Settings used during the test
        * Test duration
        * Test coverage
        * Test error count

4. HOW TO USE

Configure the settings to your preference in the graphical user interface and
click the start button to begin testing. To stop testing, just click the same
button again.

It is recommended to run the test for at least 10 minutes before drawing any
conclusions about the stability of your system memory. To detect intermittent
memory errors you should let the test run for at least one hour.        
        
5. CHANGELOG

1.0.0.0 (20.12.2017):
    + Initial release

1.0.0.1 (2.1.2018):
    * Bug fixes

1.1.0.0 (11.1.2018):
    + Advanced settings
    * Bug fixes

6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Unstable or faulty memory can cause your computer to crash or worse. DO NOT
RUN THE SOFTWARE IF YOU HAVE ANY UNSAVED WORK OPEN. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

USING THE STRESS FPU FEATURE CAN DAMAGE YOUR PROCESSOR. DO NOT RUN THE TEST
WITH THE SETTING ENABLED UNLESS YOU HAVE SUFFICIENT COOLING FOR YOUR CPU.
