How to Check RAM Type on Windows System?

How to Check RAM Type in My PC?

There are several variants available of RAM like- SD-RAM (old one), DDR, DDR2, DDR3 & DDR4. RAM speed is measured in MHz and GHz depending on their clock speed. How would you know or check RAM type in your system?

What is RAM?

First, I would like to tell you about what system RAM is?

In computer technology terms, RAM stands for Random Access Memory. On your Motherboard, there is a dedicated slot for the memory stick (RAM) where it is inserted.

RAM is also known as DIMM (dual insert memory module). Whenever you do any work on your computer, it stores data in your system memory (RAM) until it is processed into the system. Once the user processes it, it will be saved on the system hard disk (HDD).

RAM is made of memory chips that a hardware system can write or re-write. Check out the image below of the RAM:

Check RAM Type in your System

Many times, we get into the situation, where we want to know the RAM type in our system and we do not know how to check RAM type.

RAM type means DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 or DDR4.

This question comes to our mind when we are thinking to upgrade our system RAM and we do not know whether it’s a DDR2 or DDR3 or could be DDR4 RAM in our system.

So, how do you identify DDR1, DDR2, DDR3 RAM for PC?

There are many ways to check RAM frequency in your system.

In this article, I will tell you the two best ways to check the RAM of your computer.

Whatever you feel convenient or suitable for you, go with that method.

With Speed Rating

Using Software Utility

Method 1

Check RAM Type with Speed Rating

The first method is to check your system RAM type by the label on the RAM itself.

For this method, you need to be a bit technical person. Because it is very sensitive work.

With this, you need to open the cover of your desktop tower or laptop and safely remove the RAM from the motherboard slot (make sure your system is completely turned off and unplugged from the power).

Now see on RAM, there is a printed label on RAM that will tell you the RAM type.

In case if you do not see the RAM type printed on it, check the system RAM type with the speed rating mentioned on RAM itself:

PC-1600 to PC-3200 – DDR

PC2-3200 to PC2-8500 – DDR2

PC3-6400 to PC3-17000 – DDR3

Method 2

Check RAM Type using Software Utility

This method is very simple and easy. You do not even need to open the system cover or to be a technical person.

CPU-Z is a utility that helps us to know the RAM type in any Windows PC.

It is a very simple software application and easy to install. CPU-Z installation will take quick seconds to install and then, quickly gather your system information along with the system RAM type.

Download CPU-Z

Once you are on your computer screen, it will show all your system information like- CPU, cache, mainboard information, Memory (RAM), Graphics, etc.

If you specifically check the system memory only (RAM), it will show you RAM type, RAM size, channel used for RAM, NB frequency, etc. Check out the image below for more information:

check RAM type

NOTE: This method is tested and worked with Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

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