I want to upgrade a computer with some used RAM chips, I don't plan to keep this computer for long.
I'm wondering, if a RAM chip fails, what is the worst thing that can happen to your computer or your data on the hard drive?
2006-10-12 08:03:34 · 9 answers · asked by C1N2G8 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
The answer is, on the whole, very little. When a RAM chip fails, it means just a loss of short-term memory, so you might lose anything that it happened to have in active memory at the time. If you were doing some intensive graphics work, you might lose, for example, any changes you had made since you last saved the file.
Provided that it simply ceases to function, it will not have any effect on your hard drive or processor. Usually what happens is that the next time you boot (and presuming that part of the boot sequence is to check RAM) you will get an error message to say that you have faulty RAM. This can stop the boot sequence, since the BIOS may know that it should have a certain amount of RAM but is not able to check it all. It may not then be able to continue because it doesn't know which bit of RAM is faulty and therefore can't adjust the way it addresses it.
2006-10-12 08:12:43 · answer #1 · answered by Owlwings 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theoretically, a bad RAM chip could cause flaky program execution and random crashes, or even make it impossible for your computer to work at all. There are probably freeware programs out there to test your RAM after you've installed, but I haven't bothered to look. Norton Utilities has a module that gives you the option of doing so as well. The biggest problem that you face when buying used RAM is that it might have been improperly handled and exposed to static electricity discharge. Whoever took the used RAM out of his or her computer should have been electrically grounded when doing so and should keep and transport the RAM in a static-resistant bag (they usually look like they're made out of see-through aluminum foil). Having said all that, there was a time when I worked in computer sales and service and I never personally encountered a case of bad RAM chips on a client's computer.
2006-10-12 08:17:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
RAM chip malfunctions , pc cant boot up noting happens to the data on the hard drive
2006-10-12 08:06:00 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do this all the time, i use old parts to fix new computers. feel free to try it. the worst thing that hapens is your computer lets you know that the ram is bad, it does that by beeping.
other things can go wrong but trust me VERY unlickly. youll be fine.
it defenatly cannot harm the data on your computer. the hard drive is safe from all other hardwares malfunctions.
2006-10-12 08:06:32 · answer #4 · answered by Leosphere 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
RAM hold temporary storage, worst case is your application freezes while you use it and you revert to the last saved version of your data from your hard drive.
2006-10-12 08:05:50 · answer #5 · answered by Chris C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Data CAN become corrupted, but it is unlikely...it will just crash a lot. You can test the RAM with MemTest86...just burn it to a CD and boot to that CD and let it run overnight or so and if there are any errors, they will show up there.
2006-10-12 08:05:15 · answer #6 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If your RAM really bites the dust it can cause all sorts of data corruption problems. Get Memtest and check your sticks of RAM to see if you have any problems right off the bat, if not, you're probably good to go for awhile.
2006-10-12 08:05:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
As long as the comptuer dosn't boot no problem will arise to your pc unless it overheats. If you computer as on, you;ll lose all work you didn't save since last restart...
2006-10-12 08:05:55 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every thing on hard drive stay UN harmed. but your screen goes black your computer won't start.
2006-10-12 08:06:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋