How to find out what RAM is installed in a laptop or computer and how to add RAM modules. Find out the amount of RAM on your PC How to find out your RAM memory

Now the current RAM standard is DDR4, but many computers with DDR3, DDR2 and even DDR are still in use. Because of this type of RAM, many users get confused and forget which RAM is used on their computer. This article will be devoted to solving this problem. Here we will tell you how to find out what RAM is used on your computer: DDR, DDR2, DDR3 or DDR4.

If you have the opportunity to open the computer and inspect its components, then you can get all the necessary information from the sticker on the RAM module.

Usually on the sticker you can find an inscription with the name of the memory module. This name begins with the letters “PC” followed by numbers, and it indicates the type of RAM module in question and its bandwidth in megabytes per second (MB/s).

For example, if a memory module says PC1600 or PC-1600, then it is a first-generation DDR module with a bandwidth of 1600 MB/s. If the module says PC2‑3200, then it is DDR2 with a bandwidth of 3200 MB/s. If PC3, then it is DDR3 and so on. In general, the first number after the letters PC indicates the DDR generation; if this number is not there, then it is a simple first generation DDR.

In some cases, RAM modules do not indicate the name of the module, but the type of RAM and its effective frequency. For example, the module may say DDR3 1600. This means that it is a DDR3 module with an effective memory frequency of 1600 MHz.

In order to correlate the names of modules with the type of RAM, and the bandwidth with the effective frequency, you can use the table that we provide below. The left side of this table shows the names of the modules, and the right side shows the type of RAM that corresponds to it.

Module name	RAM type
PC-1600	DDR-200
PC-2100	DDR-266
PC-2400	DDR-300
PC-2700	DDR-333
PC-3200	DDR-400
PC-3500	DDR-433
PC-3700	DDR-466
PC-4000	DDR-500
PC-4200	DDR-533
PC-5600	DDR-700
PC2-3200	DDR2-400
PC2-4200	DDR2-533
PC2-5300	DDR2-667
PC2-5400	DDR2-675
PC2-5600	DDR2-700
PC2-5700	DDR2-711
PC2-6000	DDR2-750
PC2-6400	DDR2-800
PC2-7100	DDR2-888
PC2-7200	DDR2-900
PC2-8000	DDR2-1000
PC2-8500	DDR2-1066
PC2-9200	DDR2-1150
PC2-9600	DDR2-1200
PC3-6400	DDR3-800
PC3-8500	DDR3-1066
PC3-10600	DDR3-1333
PC3-12800	DDR3-1600
PC3-14900	DDR3-1866
PC3-17000	DDR3-2133
PC3-19200	DDR3-2400
PC4-12800	DDR4-1600
PC4-14900	DDR4-1866
PC4-17000	DDR4-2133
PC4-19200	DDR4-2400
PC4-21333	DDR4-2666
PC4-23466	DDR4-2933
PC4-25600	DDR4-3200

In online stores, most often, RAM is designated using the memory type and effective frequency (for example, as DDR3-1333 or DDR4-2400), so if your memory has the name of the module written on it (for example, PC3-10600 or PC4-19200), then you can translate it using a table.

Using special programs

If your RAM modules are already installed in your computer, then you can find out what type they are using special programs.

The easiest option is to use the free program CPU-Z. To do this, launch CPU-Z on your computer and go to the “Memory” tab. Here, in the upper left corner of the window, the type of RAM that is used on your computer will be indicated. And just below is the total amount of RAM on your computer.

Also on the “Memory” tab you can find out the effective frequency at which your RAM operates. To do this, you need to take the value of the real clock frequency, which is indicated in the “DRAM Frequency” line, and multiply it by two. For example, in the screenshot below the frequency is 665.1 MHz, multiply it by 2 and get an effective frequency of 1330.2 MHz.

If you want to find out more detailed information about the RAM modules that are installed on your computer, you can do this on the “SPD” tab.

By the word computer, users mean a system unit and nothing more. In fact, it consists of different devices, which together are called the system unit. In this article I will talk about one of the devices that is in every computer, and we will also talk about how to find out what RAM is on the computer. In fact, this can be done easily and simply in several simple ways, which I will tell you about now.

First, I’ll tell you how to find out its volume. The first method is to go to “Start”, right-click on “Computer”, and select “Properties” in the pop-up window. This will tell you how many GB of RAM you have available. Since this computer has a 32-bit system installed, after 6 GB. it says that 2.72 is available - we don’t pay attention to this. You only need the first digit.

The same information can be found in another way by going to the same “Start” - “Run” - enter msinfo32, then press Enter.

Or I can suggest another way - press the key combination “Win” + “R”, enter dxdiag in the window that appears. Here, again, opposite the inscription “Memory” you can see its physical volume. This is regarding the number of gigabytes. Now let's figure out how to find out what RAM is on a computer or laptop, and also look at additional characteristics.

Unfortunately, we cannot achieve this using standard Windows tools, so we will have to download third-party software, such as Speccy. A very convenient utility of its kind that displays the characteristics of all modules and boards currently connected to a personal computer. Since Speccy has a free license, downloading it will not be difficult for you.

When the program downloads, install it. Now you can find out what RAM is in your computer using Speccy. After launching the utility, go to the “RAM” section (everything is there in plain sight, anyone can figure it out). You may have to wait half a minute maximum while the program collects data, then you can read the characteristics in detail. This way you can find out the DDR type, volume, number of channels, frequency, what percentage of it is used now, etc. In general, install it and see for yourself.

If you have no desire to understand all these shenanigans with programs and data, then you have a direct route to the system unit: turn off the power, open it, remove the memory modules (if there are several of them) and look at the characteristics directly at them.

When thinking about upgrading their computer, users realize that they do not remember what type their computer is using. If you are also faced with such a situation, then our article should help you. Here we will talk about how to find out the type of computer RAM without opening the system unit. In addition, the article will contain a number of tips that will help you avoid common mistakes when buying new memory for your computer.

The easiest and at the same time reliable way to find out the type of computer RAM without opening the system unit is to use the CPU-Z program. This program is designed to obtain information about the processor, motherboard, video card and RAM. Moreover, this program is completely free, and you can download it from.

So, download the latest version of CPU-Z, install it on your computer and run it. After launch, a window with information about the central processor will appear in front of you. To find out the type of RAM, as well as its other characteristics, go to the “Memory” tab. Here, at the very top of the window, you will see the type of RAM that is used on your computer.

Below you will see the total amount of RAM (the amount of all RAM cards installed on the computer).

And even lower, there will be information about the current clock frequency of the RAM (in the screenshot it is 665.1 MHz) and information about timings.

But this is not all the information about the computer’s RAM that can be obtained using the CPU-Z program. If you go to the “SPD” tab, you can get specific information about each RAM card that is installed on the computer.

On the “SPD” tab, in the upper left corner of the window, there is a drop-down list with which you can select any of the RAM sticks installed on your computer.

After selecting the desired plank, information about it appears on the right side of the window. Here you can find out the type of RAM (in the screenshot it is DDR3), the capacity of the stick (4096 megabytes), manufacturer (Kingstone), bandwidth (PC3-10700), frequency (667 MHz), batch number, serial number, production date, as well as timings.

Thus, by switching between strips using the drop-down menu, you can get all the necessary information about the current configuration of the computer’s RAM.

Selecting RAM for a computer

Users are usually interested in information about the type of computer RAM when they plan to upgrade the system. Therefore, it would not be amiss to give some tips on:

• The main thing in selection is the type of computer RAM. If your computer uses DDR3, then you can install only DDR3, if DDR2, then only DDR2, etc.
• It is also important to remember that desktop computers and laptops use RAM sticks of different form factors and with different connectors. For desktop PCs this is a DIMM slot, and for laptops it is SO-DIMM. Therefore, when purchasing, you need to pay attention not only to the type of RAM (DDR, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4), but also to the connector used (DIMM or SO-DIMM).
• The memory frequency must be supported by and. Information about supported frequencies can be obtained on the official websites of manufacturers. If your computer already has memory installed, then choose memory with the same frequency.
• RAM sticks have compatibility issues. Therefore, when upgrading a computer, it is best to choose exactly the same memory. Try to find memory from the same manufacturer, with the same clock speeds, the same capacity and the same timings. This way you will avoid possible problems. If you cannot find exactly the same memory, then try to find the maximum similar one.
• Before purchasing RAM, make sure your motherboard has free slots. Because the CPU-Z program can mislead you. CPU-Z can display 4 slots, 2 of which are empty and 2 of which are in use. While in reality there are only two RAM slots on the motherboard and both of them are occupied. You can get information about the number of memory slots on the official website of the motherboard manufacturer.

1. Open the context menu of the “My Computer” shortcut (right-click on it once). Next, select "Properties".

As a result, a window will appear indicating the size of available RAM, the type of operating system (for example, 32-bit), etc.

1. An alternative method is to go through Start.

Start – Run.

In the window that appears, manually enter msinfo32 and press Enter.

1. Another method that is based on a combination of function keys.

• Press “Win ​​+ R” and enter dxdiag in the window that opens.
• A new window will appear. Pay attention to the “Memory” line. The physical amount of computer memory will be indicated there.
• All methods describe the free number of Gigabits on your PC.

But how you can find out exactly the RAM of your laptop or computer and analyze its additional characteristics, read below.

I want to immediately warn you that you cannot do this without using third-party applications and utilities. One such program is Speccy. It allows you to access all the characteristics of the modules and boards that are currently connected to your PC.

The utility is free and readily available for downloading from the Internet.

After downloading the program, proceed with installation. The utility is installed using standard methods, without any particular difficulties.

To check what RAM is installed on your PC, do the following:

1. Launch the program.
2. Open the "RAM" section.

And then just read the information that interests you. Everything is described there in an accessible and understandable way. There are characteristics about DDR type, number of channels, volume and frequency. You can also see what percentage of RAM is being used at a given minute and many other useful characteristics. Based on these characteristics, you can decide whether you should

But here is the most direct way to find out the RAM of your computer. If you understand all the system hardware, then:

• turn off the power to the system unit;
• remove the cover;
• take out the memory modules and read the characteristics you are interested in directly on them.

However, this method is only for experienced craftsmen, and not for beginners.

On a note! Recently, if you missed it, I told or. And I also spoke. Be sure to read and do not forget to leave comments on the articles.

That's all for me! Now you know for sure how to find out your computer's RAM. Please write your wishes and comments under the article. I also advise you to subscribe to new blog articles and receive something new directly to your email. I wish all my readers great health and peace!

With UV. Evgeny Kryzhanovsky

Technical requirements for software, and especially for games, are growing every day. Therefore, many users are thinking about upgrading their personal computer. The desire to increase the amount of RAM visited every PC user. The question is how to find out its characteristics, what kind of RAM is used on the computer, its frequency for correct search and better selection.

We will look at several options. Option one, we need to open our system unit or the lid of a laptop computer and take out the RAM stick on which there is a corresponding marking with the type of memory and its characteristics.

But it often happens that the markings are not indicated, or you are not such an experienced PC user to get RAM yourself. To do this, we use the following method: you need to go into the BIOS, then, depending on the firmware version, you can read its characteristics in the Information or Advansed sections. You need to look for everything related to RAM or DRAM (DDR version, DDR2, DDR3, SoDimm, frequency, timings).

If you are not a master in the BIOS issue, then there are many programs that will help you determine your RAM, such as AIDA, Everest, Piriform Speccy.

How to find out the type of RAM on a laptop?

Basic RAM parameters

Before you increase the amount of RAM on your laptop, you should check what type of RAM your PC already has. If you install an unsuitable module, a conflict may arise between the old and new memory sticks, as a result of which the laptop will malfunction, freeze, or even stop turning on. Let's look at what characteristics you need to pay attention to when choosing a new RAM and how to determine the type of RAM already installed on a laptop.

Basic RAM parameters

The first step is to figure out which parameters are considered decisive for random access memory devices. These characteristics are:

Generation (type) is the algorithm by which memory chips operate. The rest of the RAM parameters depend on it (speed and efficiency, supply voltage, etc.). Today there are four generations of RAM – from DDR 1 to DDR 4.
Capacity. Determines how much information can fit in RAM at the same time.
Speed ​​standard. Indicates the module's throughput, measured in Mb/s. These standards have an alphanumeric designation and always begin with the marking “RS”.operativnaya-8
Manufacturer and serial number. Each company assigns a specific marking (part number) to its product.
Timing. Determines the time spent accessing RAM chips. The smaller it is, the better.
Methods for determining the type of installed memory

There are several ways to find out which RAM model is on your laptop:

You can check the amount of RAM by simply going to the properties of the laptop. To do this, right-click on the “My Computer” shortcut and select “Properties” from the list that opens. RAM capacity can be viewed in the corresponding line.operativnaya-7

However, the information obtained in this way is not enough, so you need to find out the remaining RAM parameters. All memory card manufacturers print important data directly onto the card. To check them, you need to disassemble the laptop, remove the RAM from it and carefully read the existing designation.

As an example, let's look at how to find out the model and characteristics of RAM.

Our RAM is produced by the South Korean company Hynix. Slot capacity – 4 GB. By the abbreviation 1Rx8 you can tell that the bar is single-sided (1R), that is, all the chips are placed on one side. Double-sided RAM is designated 2R. The number 8 indicates the number of memory chips.

This model has a throughput of PC3-12800. This allows you to find out the type of RAM (DDR3) and the maximum operating speed (12800 MB/s). To determine what the RAM frequency is, 12800 should be divided by 8, which will be equal to 1600 MHz.operativnaya-5

Let's look at another example - RAM for a Kingston laptop, model KHX6400D2LL/1G:operativnaya-4

RAM type – DDR2;
operating speed – 6400 Mb/s;
frequency – 6400/8 = 800 MHz;
capacity – 1 GB;
2.0V means that the board is powered by a non-standard voltage - 2 V, which must be set manually in the BIOS.
On some storage devices, information is presented in a non-standard form, however, even in such cases, you can find out their parameters. For example, Kingston RAM labeled KHX1600C9D3X2K2/8GX has the following properties:

frequency – 1600 MHz;
C9 – delay 9 cycles;
type – DDR3;
8GX – capacity 4 GB.
Programs for determining RAM parameters

If for some reason you do not want to disassemble your laptop computer (for example, it is under warranty), but you still need to check what RAM it has, you can use additional software.

One of the most effective programs in this area is AIDA64. It allows you to find out not only the type and parameters of the storage device, but also the characteristics of the rest of the hardware. To check what RAM is on your laptop, you need to:

Download and install AIDA64 on PC. The installation procedure is standard, so you should be able to complete it without any problems.
Launch the application. A message will pop up in front of you that this version of the utility is a trial version and is valid for only 30 days. We agree with this.operativnaya-2
The main program window is divided into two parts. The left one contains all the components installed on the laptop, and the right one contains information about them. You need to open the "Motherboard" section and go to the SPD tab. After completing these steps, all information about the RAM installed on the PC will open.