how to find out what kind of ram i have

Random Access Retention, more ordinarily known as RAM, is i of the most important components in any calculating device.

Because RAM is speedy, computers use information technology to store applications, drivers, and other files they may need at a moment's discover.

While accessing these files direct from the hard drive might have a long fourth dimension, when loaded and temporarily stored into RAM, the CPU can take advantage of a much faster mechanism for accomplishing tasks.

In addition to knowing what RAM does, it is also important to know what kind you lot've got in example you desire to add memory, need to replace a faulty stick, or only want to brag to your friends.

Any your reasons, here are eight of the best means to notice out what type of RAM you have.

Note: These methods apply to Windows PCs, but cheque out the bottom of the commodity for a couple of macOS and Linux tips.

What Kind Of RAM Practice I Have? (8 Ways To Tell)

one. Open up Job Managing director

Peradventure the easiest and quickest fashion to think information nearly your RAM is via Chore Manager.

Yous've probably used the application to quit programs that have locked up or otherwise won't close properly.

Did you lot know you tin use Task Manager to check out what type of RAM is installed in your computer?

If you lot've never used Task Manager before, y'all can open the software in several unlike means.

One pick is to press the Ctrl, Shift, and Esc keys simultaneously.

Another is with the old standard Ctrl, Alt, Delete key combination.

Subsequently pressing these keys, you lot'll be presented with a carte of options.

Click on "Task Manager."

Another option is to right-click on the Start icon in the taskbar and choose "Job Manager."

Nonetheless yous get there, once loaded, you'll need to click on the "More than Details" option in the lower-left corner of the window (assuming you've never done this before—Windows will retrieve your last setting).

Once you expand Task Manager, you should see a tab chosen "Performance."

Click on that tab so select "Retention" from your options on the left side of the window.

This page will bear witness you lot almost everything you need to know nigh your RAM (likewise referred to as memory).

You'll see the amount you lot have installed, the blazon, the speed, and even how many of your bachelor slots the RAM is occupying.

Microsoft designed the performance tab to provide a motion picture of how many resource your calculator is using, but Task Manager is 1 of the best options for checking out the blazon of RAM yous have installed.

2. Use The Command Line

An operating organisation is merely every bit good as the CLI backside it, so Command Prompt is a skillful place to start.

Using the command line yields a wealth of information cheers to Microsoft's Windows Management Instrumentation control-line (WMIC).

Click on the start button and start typing "command prompt."

Click on the app when information technology appears in the search results.

Another mode to launch the Command Prompt (also called CMD) is past using the run line.

Press and agree down the Windows key on your keyboard (usually to the left of the space bar) and and so press r.

At the "Open:" prompt, blazon "cmd" (without the quotation marks) so printing enter.

At the command line, we'll beginning with the basic command:

wmic MemoryChip get

Undoubtedly, this control will yield more data than you need to know, and every bit a effect, the columns can't all fit on the same line.

This can brand the results a jumbled mess that is difficult to read.

The solution is to limit the information the control outputs.

Try this:

wmic MemoryChip go MemoryType, Capacity, Speed, DeviceLocator, FormFactor, Manufacturer, Partnumber

Narrowing down your parameters like this will produce more than digestible results.

What's great about this command is you can run into just most everything you'd desire to know most the RAM installed without fifty-fifty opening the case.

You lot can even encounter which of your RAM slots are populated.

As well, if you add the Serialnumber parameter, you tin can see exactly which stick is installed in which slot.

The "MemoryType" column lists a number that corresponds to the blazon of physical memory installed in your computer.

The near common types, DDR3 and DDR4, are 24 and 26, respectively.

Click here for the full list of memory type codes.

It is worth noting that as of Windows 10 (and Windows 11) version 21H2, Microsoft considers WMIC deprecated.

Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) itself is alive and well, but information technology seems that Microsoft appears to be sunsetting the command-line functionality.

Nevertheless, the WMIC commands notwithstanding work equally of this writing, and they are easy to use and very informative.

Just know that they could cease to function in future versions of Windows.

What can you use instead?

three. PowerShell, FTW

If you haven't jumped into PowerShell nonetheless, you really should.

Like CMD on steroids, PowerShell is keen for scripting and automating tasks on your PC.

Even if you lot're not doing whatever of these more circuitous tasks, PowerShell works well for single commands.

PowerShell works much the same as the old CMD command prompt, and most CMD commands piece of work in PowerShell for astern compatibility.

Microsoft'southward new and improved WMIC-equivalent is Become-CimInstance.

In fact, WMI is an implementation of the open standard Mutual Data Model (CIM), then when running Get-CimInstance, y'all're leveraging WMI every bit earlier.

Like we said in a higher place, WMI isn't going anywhere, merely the control line functionality.

CIM provides an manufacture-standard framework for hardware and software across manufacturers, vendors, and programmers.

To leverage CIM in PowerShell to view information nigh the RAM installed in your reckoner, you'll first demand to open up the program.

Click on the Showtime push button and brainstorm typing "powershell".

Click on the awarding when it appears in the search results.

You tin can besides use the run line.

Press Windows fundamental + R so type "powershell" and printing the "Enter" key.

PowerShell works much the same way as CMD.

Copy the following command and paste it at the prompt:

Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_PhysicalMemory | Format-Table Capacity, Manufacturer, MemoryType, FormFactor, Name, Speed, Devicelocator, Serialnumber –AutoSize

Press "Enter" to run the control.

You lot'll notice that the results expect near identical to what you got in CMD.

This is because both methods access information held by WMI.

4. Download CPU-Z

If y'all don't want to fool with the command line, yous can install a couple of 3rd-party applications that volition do the fox.

The first is called CPU-Z by the software developers at CPUID.

There are so many things to love about CPU-Z.

For one thing, it's free (as in beer).

It's likewise lightweight, reliable, and authentic.

CPU-Z'southward i chore is to report what type of hardware you're running, specifically your CPU.

Hence the proper noun.

However, CPU-Z too provides information well-nigh your motherboard, BIOS, and graphics card, among other things.

Oh, and yes, the software too reports on your type and amount of memory installed.

To become started, caput over to cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html to download the software.

Look for the purple "SETUP English" push button on the left side of the page, and then click on "DOWNLOAD Now!" to get the installation file.

In one case downloaded, run the .exe file.

Have the license understanding (after reading the entire thing, of course) and and so follow the prompts to install.

Once installed, run the software using the desktop shortcut or discover CPU-Z in your Get-go menu.

When the software loads, click on the "Memory" tab to see what kind of RAM you accept in your system.

One reward CPU-Z has over CMD or PowerShell is that information technology conspicuously displays the type without having to interpret some two-digit code.

Instead of "26", for example, y'all'll run across "DDR4".

All the same, as y'all'll come across, CPU-Z gives a lot less detailed information about your RAM than does either of the CLI commands.

Missing is the manufacturer, the course factor, and even which slots are populated.

Still, for what the software does and considering its price, it's hard not to appreciate CPU-Z.

5. Endeavor Out Speccy

Another third-party utility is Speccy, brought to you by the folks at Piriform Software Ltd.

The company, acquired by Avast in 2017, is better known for its flagship software, CCleaner, which helps users free upward hard drive space past removing unnecessary files.

Speccy launched in 2009 as another reporting tool similar to CPU-Z, but with a wider array of data virtually your PC'due south guts.

If you've ever used CCleaner, you'll recognize Speccy'southward similar interface.

The software is free, merely Piriform offers a "Professional" pick promising automatic updates and premium support.

To get the software, go to ccleaner.com/speccy/download and click on the "Download" button.

Run the downloaded .exe file and then click on "Install".

Click "Run Speccy" to launch the software.

The Summary page volition really show you your type, speed, and amount of RAM installed in your estimator, only clicking on the "RAM" page on the left column volition open up a page with more information.

Here, you lot'll see just nigh everything you could desire to know about your system retention including how many and which slots are populated, memory type (DD3 vs DD4, for example), frequency, and even timings.

For even more information like the manufacturer and serial numbers of the RAM sticks, click on the SPD twirl down for each slot.

SPD stands for Series Presence Discover, a chip containing data almost the RAM.

One slice of information you lot won't observe is the form cistron, which indicates the physical size of the RAM stick (SoDIMM, for case).

All told, Speccy is a nice niggling utility that provides a wealth of information most your PC.

6. Bank check The BIOS

Accessing the setup program congenital into your figurer'southward firmware is some other way to gather intel on your system memory.

Also referred to as the BIOS (Basic Input and Output System) or its replacement, UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface), the firmware acts as a middleman for your computer's hardware and operating system.

The BIOS aids in the bootstrapping process, relaying what type of hardware exists and how to address it.

As a result, the firmware contains a keen deal of data regarding the PC's hardware.

Methods for accessing the BIOS vary past manufacturer and organization model, but the disparate procedures all follow a full general pattern.

First, you must reboot your PC.

If fast startup is enabled, y'all might demand to execute a full shutdown and and so power the computer back on.

When the figurer powers upward again, you'll typically see a manufacturer splash screen just before the operating system loads.

When you run into this screen, you'll need to press a certain key on the keyboard to enter the BIOS setup programme.

Which key?

It depends.

About of the time, the necessary cardinal will be printed somewhere on that splash screen, but you have to be quick to grab it.

If Windows starts loading, but reboot and effort once more.

For Dell computers (among others), the key is F2.

HP's hotkey is ordinarily F10.

If yours is neither of these endeavour F12 or Del.

Once inside the BIOS/UEFI setup programme, you lot should be able to navigate the menus to observe data virtually the type of RAM you have.

Look for something like "Organization Information" and then "Retentiveness".

Note that some older setup programs practise not have mouse support, so you'll need to navigate the menus using tabs and the arrow keys.

If you get stuck, refer to your computer's documentation for more information.

7. Open Your Case

If your device affords quick access to the RAM slots, opening the example is sometimes the fastest way to see what type of memory you have.

By and large speaking, desktop PCs lend themselves to relatively quick and tool-less entry, although things tin get dicey as you wade into the mini tower or all-in-one territory.

However, Dell, HP, and Lenovo usually blueprint their machines to permit easy access to the RAM slots, simply you never know when y'all might need to reseat your memory.

Portable devices might be more than problem than they're worth.

Just like with desktop PCs, manufacturers offer varying levels of access to the RAM, just even on the easier models, you'll well-nigh e'er need at least a Phillips-head screwdriver.

We should also note that some of the newer portables don't even have removable RAM sticks.

In efforts to keep the computers as thin and calorie-free as possible, engineers designed some models to have the RAM fries soldered straight onto the motherboard.

In these latter scenarios, a software or firmware solution will serve y'all ameliorate.

If you do have admission to your RAM, you should see a sticker characterization with all the information about what type of memory y'all have.

In that location are too many methods and variables for opening your example to list here, but consult your figurer's documentation if you are unsure of the process.

Also, be sure to utilise a wrist strap or ensure y'all're electrically grounded at all times past another method.

One zap from an electrostatic discharge could permanently damage your reckoner.

At the very least, in laying eyeballs on the interior of your computer yous'll be able to place your memory's grade cistron by inspecting the size and type of your RAM.

viii. Look At Your Receipt

If all else fails, or if yous just happen to accept this data close at mitt, examine the lodge confirmation or receipt for your computer.

Whether in an e-mail if you ordered the computer online or on a printout, if y'all purchased the calculator from a brick-and-mortar retail location, you'll likely observe at least the basic specs somewhere on your guild.

Look for "Memory" or "RAM" on the paperwork.

If you upgraded or replaced the memory, check your receipt or your society confirmation if you tin't recall which type of memory or how much you purchased.

Some other possible location for information about your RAM is on the box or packaging for the computer/RAM sticks.

Make sure to examine all sides of the packaging for detailed information.

Not seeing anything relevant? Cheque inside the box for some blazon of documentation or spec canvas that goes with your computer.

How Do I Check Whether I Take DDR3 Or DDR4 SDRAM?

Using any of the methods above, you should exist able to differentiate between DDR3 and DDR4.

For the command line options, you'll accept to translate the "MemoryType" number into the common name.

Recollect, DDR3 is 24 and DDR4 is 26.

What Near macOS And Linux?

If you're running a Mac, the solution is pretty straightforward.

Click on the Apple menu in the summit left of your screen and then click on "Nigh This Mac".

In the overview window, look for "Retentivity" where yous'll see some basic data about your RAM.

For more detailed specs, click on "Organization Written report…" and look for "Retentivity" on the left side of the screen.

On a Linux box, open a terminal and use the following command:

sudo dmidecode –blazon 17

Be prepared to enter your admin credentials when running a pseudo command.

In the results, yous should see the type, size, and speed of your RAM, amidst other things.

Conclusion

Considering RAM is a critical component of whatever reckoner, manufacturers and software developers brand information technology pretty easy to discover out exactly what kind of memory yous accept in your PC.

Some methods work ameliorate and faster than others, and then observe 1 that works best for you, and you lot'll never be left wondering what type of RAM you lot've got again.

Source: https://www.thetechwire.com/what-kind-of-ram-do-i-have/

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