memtestosx vs. ubuntu's memtest

[MarsianMan]

I ran Ubuntu's bundled memtest86 and had it error but ran memtestosx (in single user mode) without any errors. Can anyone tell me which version I should pay attention to and why there is a discrepancy?

(Run from an early 2008 MacBook Pro)

 

[BlueRevolution]

I'd use Apple Hardware Test as the definitive authority on the subject.

 

[MarsianMan]

I'd use Apple Hardware Test as the definitive authority on the subject.

Meh, that seems silly. Apple Hardware Test requires too much graphics to be boot up. How can it test the entire memory if a significant portion is being used by the OS? Besides which, a simple google search shows people with memory problems that pass the Hardware Test.

Thanks for trying to help.

 

[BlueRevolution]

Um... what? Apple Hardware Test is extremely lightweight as it hasn't been updated in years. Memtest OS X, on the other hand, runs on top of the operating system, which is using a significant amount of memory.

 

[MarsianMan]

Um... what? Apple Hardware Test is extremely lightweight as it hasn't been updated in years. Memtest OS X, on the other hand, runs on top of the operating system, which is using a significant amount of memory.

Not if you run it from single user mode. And not being updated in years is /not/ a good thing.

Quoted from the Mac Rumors' Testing RAM guide

Apple Hardware Test

While the Apple Hardware Test CD or DVD that comes with every new Mac includes a memory tester, it is widely regarded as inadequate. Many machines with real memory problems will erroneously pass the tests done by the Apple Hardware Test.