How to Check What Type of RAM You Have

Knowing the RAM type is crucial when upgrading your computer’s memory. Luckily, you don’t need to crack open your computer to find this out. Windows comes equipped with several built-in programs, and there are also third-party apps available that can easily get this information for you. Even if you’ve never delved into the specifics of your computer memory before, finding the RAM type is a simple task.

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How to Check Your RAM Type by Using Third-Party Tools

In addition to Windows tools are third-party tools that show the RAM type. We especially like Speccy because it’s easy to use and shows lots of other useful information about the inside of your PC that you might need. But, other programs can dig up RAM info, too, like HWiNFO and CPU-Z.

To check your RAM type using CPU-Z:

1. Download and install CPU-Z.
2. Run CPU-Z.
3. Click on the Memory tab.
4. Look at the Type field. It will tell you if your RAM is DDR3, DD4 or DDR5 or another type of RAM.

Here’s how to check the RAM type using HWiNFO:

1. Download and install HWiNFO, and then open the program. There’s a portable option through that link if you’d rather not install it.
2. Select Start on the first screen.
3. Expand the Memory section on the left.
4. Choose a memory module, or select whatever is listed if you only see one.
5. Look at the Module Type line to find your RAM type.

How to Check Your RAM Speed Using Task Manager

Task Manager provides useful system information, including your RAM speed. Follow these steps to check your RAM speed in Windows 11:

1. Open Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting Task Manager.
2. Go to the Performance tab from the left menu.
3. Click Memory.
4. Your RAM speed is displayed under the memory graph, along with other details like usage and form factor.

How to Check Your RAM Speed Using Command Prompt

You can also use Command Prompt to find RAM information in Windows 11. The details here are a bit cryptic compared to what you see in Task Manager, but you’ll get a bit more information.

1. Open Command Prompt. Windows 11 might launch Terminal, but it’s the same thing.
2. Copy this: wmic memorychip get BankLabel, DeviceLocator, MemoryType, TypeDetail, Capacity, Speed
3. Right-click in Command Prompt to paste it.
4. Press Enter to run the command to list your RAM information.

What Does the RAM Type Mean?

You know your RAM type, but have you ever wondered how it stacks up against others? Here’s a quick look at the different types of memory modules commonly found in computers:

• DDR (Double Data Rate): DDR RAM is the basic type of memory used in older systems. It transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, which doubles the data rate compared to its predecessor, SDR (Single Data Rate) RAM.
• DDR2 (Double Data Rate 2): DDR2 RAM improved upon DDR by offering higher data transfer rates and lower power consumption. It operates at higher clock frequencies and uses a different pin configuration than DDR.
• DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3): DDR3 RAM further enhanced data transfer speeds and energy efficiency compared to DDR2. It introduced features like higher bus frequencies and reduced voltage requirements to make it suitable for modern computing needs.
• DDR4 (Double Data Rate 4): DDR4 RAM is the successor to DDR3 and provides even faster data transfer rates and lower power consumption. It offers increased memory module capacities, improved reliability, and enhanced performance for demanding applications and gaming.
• DDR5 (Double Data Rate 5): DDR5 RAM is the latest standard, offering significant improvements over DDR4. It boasts higher data transfer rates, increased memory density, and improved power efficiency. DDR5 is designed to meet the requirements of emerging technologies like 5G and AI.
• SODIMM (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module): SODIMMs are a smaller form factor of memory modules commonly used in laptops and small form factor computers. They come in the same DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 variants as DIMMs but are designed to fit into smaller spaces, making them ideal for portable and space-constrained devices.

If your computer is sluggish, slow RAM could be partially responsible. You can make your RAM faster for multitasking by overclocking it.