If a computer becomes unreliable, a great first step, which doesn't even require opening the case, is to boot Memtest86+ from a USB key and leave it running – ideally, overnight or at least for several hours.

Version 7.0 has gained the ability to interrogate the integrated memory controller in Intel Core PCs (first to 14th generations) to find live memory timing information, as well as some preliminary support for obtaining error correction code (ECC) info on some models of AMD Ryzen.

However, support for memory error-checking is not a universal option across all PCs, which has been criticized by noted industry diplomat Linus Torvalds, but it seems like it might be staging a modest comeback – at least for AMD users.

It's still worth a try, and if it doesn't work, temporarily disable Secure Boot in the firmware settings before testing, and turn it back on afterwards.

Boot it, press one key to start a test, and if big red lines appear in the on-screen log saying ERROR, you have RAM issues.

If you don't have a recent Linux ISO to hand, the project offers its own (absolutely minuscule) downloads that you can simply copy onto a USB key formatted with Ventoy and put to work.

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