How to find out the type of RAM. What kind of RAM is on the laptop? Dimensions of planks or the so-called Form factor

Computer performance is a combination of several factors, or better yet technical characteristics hardware devices, including main role The processor, hard drives and, of course, RAM, or RAM for short, play a role. On a computer, RAM serves as a kind of intermediate link between the processor that performs all the calculations and the storage device - the HDD or SSD. The processes of all programs and the operating system Windows 7/10, if the volume of application data exceeds the capacity of RAM, the data is cached, for example, in the page file. But in any case, a lack of RAM will cause the computer to run slowly and applications to become less responsive. And on the contrary, the more RAM there is on a PC, the faster data exchange occurs, the faster the system, the more powerful applications you can run.

What are the main characteristics of RAM and why know them?

So, the more RAM, the better, and that is why users often install an additional RAM module on their PC. However, you can’t just go to the store, buy any memory and connect it to the motherboard. If it is chosen incorrectly, the computer will not be able to work, or worse, it will lead to the fact that the RAM will simply fail. Therefore, it is so important to know its key characteristics. These include:

• RAM type. Depending on performance and design features There are DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4 modules.
• Memory. The parameter is characterized by the amount of data that can fit in memory cells.
• RAM frequency. The parameter determines the speed of operations performed per unit of time. The bandwidth of the RAM module depends on the frequency.
• Timing. These are time delays between sending a memory controller command and its execution. As the frequency increases, the timings increase, which is why overclocking the RAM can lead to a decrease in its performance.
• Voltage. The voltage required for optimal operation of the memory stick.
• Form factor. The physical size, shape of the RAM stick, as well as the number and location of pins on the board.

If you install additional memory, it must have the same size, type and frequency as the main one. If the RAM is completely replaced, attention should be paid to the support of the replaced RAM by the motherboard and processor with only one nuance. If the PC uses Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7 processors, matching the memory frequency and the motherboard is not necessary, because for all these processors the RAM controller is located in the processor itself, and not in the northbridge of the motherboard. The same goes for AMD processors.

How to determine the type and amount of RAM visually

Physically, RAM is an oblong board, most often green, with chips located on it. On this board, the manufacturer usually indicates the main memory characteristics, although there are exceptions. Thus, there are memory strips on which nothing is indicated except the name of the manufacturer. If there are markings, it is not difficult to find out what RAM is installed on the PC. After completely turning off the computer and removing the system unit cover, carefully remove the memory module from the slot (the latter may not be necessary) and carefully study the information on the white sticker.

A number with the GB prefix will indicate the amount of memory, a number with the MHz prefix will indicate the frequency, numbers in format X-X-X-X– for timing, V – for voltage. But the type of RAM (RIMM, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, etc.) is not always indicated. In this case, you should pay attention to throughput, usually designated as PC and break it according to the standards specification on the same Wikipedia page ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRAM. The number after PC usually indicates the DDR generation, for example, PC3-12800 indicates that the PC has DDR3 memory installed.

How to find out how much RAM you have using Windows tools

Above, we briefly discussed how to determine what RAM is on a computer by visually inspecting the module; now let’s find out how to find out its volume using the operating system. Windows 7/10 has a built-in utility for this. msinfo32.exe. By pressing the Win+R keys, bring up the “Run” dialog box, enter the command msinfo32 and press Enter.

In the main section of the system information window that opens, find the item “Installed random access memory (RAM)” and see its volume in GB.

Instead of the msinfo32.exe utility, you can use another built-in component to determine the amount of RAM - a diagnostic tool DirectX. It is launched with the command dxdiag, the amount of memory is displayed in megabytes on the first “System” tab.

Third-party programs for determining RAM parameters

The information provided by the standard Windows utility is sparse. It allows you to find out how much RAM is on your computer, but does not display its other important characteristics. If you need more data, it's better to use special programs. The most famous of them is, of course, AIDA64 Extreme Edition. Information about the memory in this program is contained in the menu Motherboard – SPD and include such characteristics as module name, volume and type, frequency, voltage, timing and serial number.

You can also view the RAM using the program Speccy from the developers of the popular cleaner CCleaner. General information information about RAM in the program is available on the main “Summary” tab, and additional information is available on the “RAM” tab. This includes volume, type, timing, channel mode, frequency and some other, less important information. Unlike AIDA64, the Speccy application is free, but it shows less information.

To view the main memory characteristics we can also recommend the utility CPU-Z. The necessary information is located in the “Memory” tab. It includes the type, size, channel mode, ratio of the system bus frequency to the RAM frequency and other additional information. Like Speccy, CPU-Z is free, but it does not support the Russian language, which, however, is not so important.

And finally, we recommend one more program for viewing information about RAM. It's called HWiNFO64-32. Externally and functionally, it is somewhat reminiscent of AIDA64 and at the same time CPU-Z. On the “Memory” tab, the program shows the module type, capacity in megabytes, channel mode (one-, two- or three-channel), clock frequency, timing and other additional information. HWiNFO64-32 is free, the interface language is English, which, as in the case of CPU-Z, is not fundamentally important.

How to find out what RAM is in a computer or laptop?

The need to find out what kind of RAM they use arises among users who work or play on an unfamiliar PC or simply were not interested in this parameter before, but for some reason they needed it.

In principle, Windows tools are sufficient to determine only the amount of RAM.

But to obtain more detailed information (memory type and frequency), you will have to use additional programs, mostly free or shareware.

Why do you need to know the type of RAM?

You may need to find out the size of memory installed on a computer or laptop running Windows, for example, before launching a program that requires a certain amount of RAM to operate.

If it is not enough, you can solve the problem by installing a new or additional memory stick; You can also, if necessary, replace memory that has failed.

In each of these cases, the RAM must be supported by the motherboard and processor.

In addition, if the memory does not change completely, but is supplemented, it must comply with the already established level.

• When the computer boots, press the function key to go to the BIOS (usually F2, F5, Del or Esc);
• find the Memory Information menu (can be located on the Chipset tab).

The new type of BIOS, UEFI, provides complete information about memory (type, size, frequency).

Therefore, if there is such an interface, you will not need to use special programs.

The easiest way to view memory size data is:

• in system properties (“Start” ⇒ “Computer” ⇒ “Properties”);

• when running the msinfo32 utility (Run menu ⇒ entering the msinfo32 command).

The last two options allow you to find out the amount of working, not installed, memory.

So, if the computer has 32-bit Windows installed, and the RAM exceeds 3 GB, this amount will be determined and strictly used - 3 GB.

A larger volume, firstly, is not shown by the system, and secondly, it will not be used during operation.

To improve the efficiency of your computer, it is worth reinstalling the OS - replacing it with a 64-bit (64-bit) one, which will “see” your amount of memory.

Determining RAM using third-party programs

If you can’t get any details about memory using standard tools, you will have to download and run one of the applications that collects information about the system.

Specialized programs such as CPU-Z, AIDA64 and HWiNFO32-64 will determine the memory frequency, its size and type.

In addition, as a result of their use, you can find out the number of slots for memory sticks on your motherboard and what RAM is installed in each of them.

CPU-Z

A convenient and useful utility called CPU-Z can be easily found on the Internet.

It is best to download it from the manufacturer’s official website, where not only working ones are located, but also the latest versions.

To find out memory data after launching the application, follow these steps:

• go to the Memory tab;
• Read information about the type and frequency of RAM.

On the tab General you'll find basic memory information, including type and total capacity.

And on the menu Timings– its timing and operating frequency parameters.

To find out exactly how many sticks are on the computer and in which slots they are located, you should go to the following SPD tab:

• select the SPD tab;
• open the list of memory slots in the window that appears;
• Having selected a specific connector, look at the data about the module installed in it.

Using this information, you can easily select not only the appropriate type of RAM, but also ensure dual-channel mode, in which the computer runs faster.

Advice: the system will remain operational even if the memory sticks are different in size and their number is odd.

However, it is more convenient to arrange modules in pairs and of the same size - for example, 2 x 8 GB or 4 x 4 GB.

AIDA64

The AIDA64 application is an improved version of the more old program Everest, however, is intended for 64-bit systems.

The set of utilities is paid, but the user is given the opportunity to use its resources for free for 30 days.

To use the program, you need to download it (preferably from the official website of the Russian representative of the developer) and check the computer resources:

• launch the application;
• wait for the system application to scan;
• find the “Motherboard” item on the left side of the menu that opens;
• select the SPD sub-item.

The window that opens provides as much memory information as possible, including:

• module volume;
• memory type and speed;
• model, manufacturer and release date;
• bus width.

Here you can also find out other information that you will need if the task of determining memory parameters was to install a new module.

It is possible that the motherboard supports more powerful RAM (DDR4, not just DDR3, increased frequency), as a result of which, after replacement, you can increase the speed of the computer.

HWiNFO64-32

Another universal program for obtaining system data, including information about RAM, is HWiNFO32-64.

It has approximately the same capabilities as AIDA64, but differs from it in the ability free download a full-fledged version and the presence of a portable version, which you don’t even have to install on your computer.

conclusions

After determining the volume, type, frequency and other parameters of memory, you can select the modules that are suitable for your computer.

As a result, the performance of the PC will either be restored (if the task included replacing a damaged stick) or improved (if RAM is added).

And, given the simplicity of all these methods and the relatively low cost of memory compared to other computer parts, you will spend a minimum of time and money on this.

Helpful video:

Question from one of the users

Tell me how to find out what RAM is installed on my computer. The fact is that I have 2 GB of memory (I found out through the properties in “My Computer”), and I want to add another 2-4 GB, but I don’t know which stick to buy.

By the way, I disassembled the system unit and took out the memory stick itself - but there are no stickers or any other markings on it. Therefore, simply rewriting the markings from the old memory and taking exactly the same ones is not an option...

Good afternoon everyone.

In general, to be honest, almost any memory from a more or less well-known manufacturer has markings and designations. If there is no such sticker, most likely, either someone “torn it off” (for example, it could have been poorly glued), or the memory is from some little-known Chinese manufacturer...

I will consider below several options for determining the type and amount of memory.

Determine the type and amount of memory without disassembling the computer

I think this is the most popular and popular way to determine the type of RAM, both for a desktop computer and a compact laptop (netbook, etc.). It is enough to run 1-2 utilities and find out everything you need.

For further work, you need one of the utilities to determine the characteristics of your PC. I wrote about them in one of my previous articles - link to the article below. I recommend choosing Speccy or Aida.

To help!

Utilities for determining computer characteristics -

And so... When you launch Speccy, you will see quite a lot of different data: processor model, motherboard, temperature of the main components, etc. You need to open the section RAM(arrow 1 in the screenshot below).

What you will learn in it (I will comment on the screen below):

1. Memory Slots - slots for RAM. Total memory slots- how many slots are there (i.e. there are 2 of them on my laptop); Used memory slots- how many slots are used (2 are also used); Free memory slots- how many free slots are there - 0 (i.e., there’s simply nowhere to buy and insert another memory stick!). Important! This information is not always reliable (especially on laptops, where there may be a slot, but it may be sealed - and the program reads it as a working one);
2. Type - DDR3, type of RAM. On your home computer you can also find DDR4 or DDR 2 (DDR 1 is already a rarity, although you may see it ☺);
3. Size - 16384MB, amount of RAM, volume (i.e. 16 GB);
4. Channels - Dual. Operating mode: single-channel and dual-channel. If you have several sticks of RAM, then it is ideal, of course, for them to work in dual-channel mode (gives better performance in some games and programs);
5. DRAM Frecuency - 798.1 Mhz. RAM operating frequency. The higher the better! However, just a disclaimer: the frequency must be supported by the motherboard (processor);
6. Slot 1 and Slot 2 (arrows 4 and 5 in the screenshot below) - here you can find out in more detail about each specific strip: its type, size, manufacturer, speed, serial number, timings, etc.

In general, the information provided in the utility is more than enough for most users. If you want to buy an additional RAM stick for your computer, you can simply buy one with the same characteristics as the one you already have installed.

For laptops: Note two things. First: check if you have an additional slot (sometimes programs may show its presence, but it may be sealed, or there may simply be a place for it, but there may not be a slot itself!). And second - pay attention to the memory type - DDR3 and DDR3L(For example).

In general, they are backwards compatible, but some laptops refuse to work with the wrong memory. To determine what kind of memory you have, pay attention to Voltage in Speccy, when revealing detailed information about the memory stick (Slot #1): if 1.35V means DDR3L, if 1.5V means DDR3.

You can also obtain detailed information about memory using other similar utilities - for example, it is very convenient to work with Aida. An example is shown below in the screenshot. In principle, all the same information is presented, in a slightly different layout, so I am not commenting.

Designation and markings on the RAM stick

In general, there is usually always a sticker on the memory stick with all the necessary information: manufacturer, memory size, operating speed, memory type, timings. I’ll look at one of the planks as an example (so that they are all similar, and once you disassemble one, you’ll figure out the rest without me ☝).

2GB 1Rx8 PC3-12800S-11-11-8B2 - what do these numbers mean:

• 2GB - amount of memory (the more, the better);
• 1Rx8 - single-sided memory rank (for example, 2Rx8 - double-sided). Often this information is not indicated at all, and many do not pay attention to it;
• PC3-12800 - the throughput of the bar (roughly speaking, the speed of operation). By the way, this memory stick does not indicate its type (DDR3, for example), but PC3-12800 indicates that it is a DDR3 type (if there was a PC2... then it would be a DDR2 type);
• 11-11-B2 - timings (this is a big topic, and I won’t cover it in this article, I’ll just say that they affect the performance of your memory).

By the way, using the table below, you can translate the designation PC3-12800- into the standard name - DDR3-1600 (which, by the way, is also sometimes indicated on RAM sticks).

Standards Specification Table (DDR3)

How to distinguish DDR2 and DDR3?

Quite often you hear questions about how to distinguish between different types of memory, for example, DDR2 and DDR3 (especially novice users are afraid when buying additional memory for their PC).

In general, the simplest option is to use and read the markings on the memory stick. If there are no markings on the stick itself, my advice is to avoid purchasing such memory altogether!

Also, before buying memory, check which memory is suitable for you (more on this above), look at what kind of memory you already have in your PC, in one of the utilities for determining PC characteristics - see what memory bandwidth your processor (motherboard) supports ).

To help! An article on how to choose the right RAM for a laptop -

In addition, please note that the slats different types(the same DDR2 and DDR3) also differ in geometry! The photo below shows a ruler and strips of different types.

Ddr1 DDR2, DDR3 - how to distinguish the strips (size in cm)

By the way, the memory bar for a laptop is shorter than for a desktop computer. It is usually designated SO-DIMM(for PC just DIMM). Please note that the bar from the laptop through the special. The adapter can be put into a computer, but you won’t be able to put a bracket from a PC into a laptop - it simply won’t fit into the compact body of the device!

"More than 640 KB of memory personal computers will never be needed." Bill Gates, 1981.

RAM is one of the most important components of any computer and certainly a guarantee of operating speed. IN modern world Even the processor frequency does not affect the overall perception of speed as much as the RAM. But in order to replace or add this component, you need to thoroughly know all its characteristics - and RAM has a lot of them. So, how do you find out what RAM is in your computer? In this article.

How to find out what RAM is on your computer

RAM has several division branches:

• the first is volume, a fairly obvious characteristic. The more the better, but look at the processor and motherboard - they support the increase up to a certain ceiling;
• the second characteristic is type. An ancient SIMM, a slightly less ancient SDRAM... Well, this is unlikely, of course, although it is not excluded. And modern DDR standards - from first to fourth;
• and finally the memory frequency. Here, as in the case of processor frequency, the higher the better. However, again make sure that your processor runs at this frequency. If it doesn't start, it will be quite a shame.

So, let's start studying these signs.

Simple inspection

The most obvious way to find out your computer's RAM type is without even turning it on. In many cases, it allows you to determine the required characteristics with absolute accuracy, but it also has a number of significant disadvantages. You will have to open the computer - for some this is a significant stopping factor. The sticker on the memory stick may not correspond to reality, be insufficiently informative, as with many not very well-known manufacturers, or be completely absent. However, this method can be used quite well.

Note. There is another labeling standard. Pay attention to the picture above. In brackets on the sticker you can see the inscription PC3 10600. These are nothing more than encoded characteristics, excluding volume. PC3 - DDR3, 10600 - frequency. To get the usual value in megahertz, you need to divide this number by 8. You get the familiar 1333.

You can also add that the type of memory can be determined by the location of the contacts and cutouts on the bottom edge, but this is a rather complicated and unnecessary method, so we will bypass it.

Diagnostics in BIOS

This is also quite a convenient method. There is no need to open the computer, but at the same time there is no need to clutter the system with all kinds of diagnostic programs. Simple and tasteful. On the downside, not all BIOSes can display complete information about memory, but this is a rare case these days.

How to decipher such an inscription - see the note to the first method.

Operating system tools

The simplest of all methods. However, it is also the most limited. If it is enough for you to know only how much RAM you have, this is for you, because on its own the system cannot determine either the frequency, much less the type of RAM. But this is only about Windows - macOS can do more.

In the case of macOS:

If you have Windows, then everything is not so smooth:

The processor and the system bit capacity are indicated there, but very little is written about memory - only the volume. So you won't have much fun.

Find out detailed information about the components of your PC in the article -

Third party diagnostic apps

Space for work. Many third-party diagnostic utilities that can thoroughly determine everything, including the exact model of your boards and their location in the slots of the motherboard. It’s not possible to cover them all, so let’s consider at least a couple.

AIDA64

A diagnostic utility that is popular among many. Distributed in both free and commercial versions.

CPU-Z

Second most popular third party application. It has the same intuitive interface, and in general duplicates the functions of the previous example, with the exception of a rather important detail - it has a portable version. You don't have to install it.

As in the previous case, in the program interface we look for the “Memory” and “SPD” items. In the drop-down list, we select information about which slot we want to view, and the program will immediately display all its characteristics. Everything, down to details like the serial number.

Ready! We hope these methods helped you find all the information you need. Good luck!

Video - How to find out what RAM is worth

Hello everyone, today I want to write an article that concerns. Many people ask this question: how to find out the type of RAM on your computer? But that's not the only question they ask. You can often hear or see the question of how to choose the right RAM, how much RAM does it cost, how can I find out in which mode it works - single-channel or dual-channel, and which purchase option will be most acceptable - one 8 GB stick or two 4 GB sticks? Today, in this one article we will try to sort out all these points.

How to find out the type of RAM

If you want to find out the necessary information about RAM, for example, frequency, volume, type of RAM, then this is usually marked on the module itself; if this is not there, then you will have to look for information about and. Sometimes this can be difficult and time-consuming.

• I want to explain a few points. If you have a processor Intel Core i3, i5 or i7, then you should know that the RAM controller is located in the processor, and previously it was located in the north bridge of the motherboard. Therefore, all RAM modules, if there are Intel Core processors, are controlled by them.

• Now there's another one important point. From the above it follows that now it doesn’t matter what RAM frequency your motherboard supports, you need to look at what RAM frequency your processor supports. For example, Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors support the following RAM specifications: PC3-8500 (DDR3- 1066 MHz), PC3-10600 (DDR3- 1333 MHz), PC3-12800 (DDR3- 1600 MHz). These frequencies are the ones at which the RAM will operate. If the motherboard supports, say, a frequency of 2400 MHz, then this does not matter.

• If you have a processor with an unlocked multiplier, this is when there is a "" at the end TO", For example, Intel Core i7 6700K, this means that the RAM sticks will operate at the highest frequency, for example, 1866 MHz or 2400 MHz. In an overclocked processor, RAM can operate at a frequency of 2400 MHz. If you install RAM sticks with the maximum frequency, and your processor has a locked multiplier, then in the best case, the RAM will operate at a frequency of 1600 MHz, or the computer will not boot at all. Therefore, when choosing RAM, always pay attention to these points.

In the screenshot below we see a RAM bar with some information written on it, how can we read it?

Here are the notations:

• 4GB– RAM capacity 4 GB.

• 1Rx8- this is Rank - which means a memory area that is created by several or all of the module's chips. For example, 1Rx8 means single-sided memory rank, and 2Rx8 means double-sided.

• The type of DDR2 or DDR3 is not indicated on the bar, but there is a bandwidth - PC3-12800. PC3 stands for Peak Bandwidth, which only applies to the DDR3 type. (If there was PC2, it would belong to the DDR2 type).

As you can see, this RAM stick is DDR3 type, and the bandwidth is PC3-12800. The number 12800 needs to be divided by 8, then you get 1600 MHz, which is the frequency of the RAM.

Here is a table of standards specifications to make it more clear about other types of RAM.

Let's look at another RAM module.

In the example we see that the RAM has a capacity of 4 GB, type DDR3 and throughput RS3-10600. Divide the number 10600 by eight and get a frequency of 1333 MHz.

Well, we actually figured out how to determine the type of RAM by appearance.

It is worth noting that all RAM sticks, depending on the type, differ in the size of the contact pads and the location of the cutouts. Thus, you will not be able to install a RAM module into a slot that is not intended for it. Let's say you have a DDR3 module. It will no longer be possible to install it in a DDR2 slot.

Here is a diagram that shows everything clearly:

It happens that necessary information there is practically nothing on the module, and if you remove it, the warranty will be void. Fortunately, we can determine everything we need by the name of the module itself.

Let's say we are given a module with the name Kingston KHX1600C9D3X2K2/8GX. Each characteristic in the name of this module means the following:

• KHX1600– module frequency is 1600 MHz.
• C9– Timings (the fewer there are, the faster the RAM works) 9-9-9.
• D3– DDR3 type
• 8GX– The amount of RAM is 4 GB. The letter X at the end means support for the XMP profile.

If you couldn’t determine anything at all or there is completely different information written there, then you can type the name of the memory stick into a search engine and determine the necessary information. You can also determine the type of RAM. It will show you in detail about all the components of the computer.

Is it possible to install RAM of different frequencies?

They say that the frequency of RAM on the slats should be the same, in fact, this is not a necessary condition. The motherboard will set the frequency for all modules to the slowest level. Sometimes, the computer may be unstable with different RAM speeds.

Is it possible to install RAM modules at a frequency higher than that supported by the motherboard?

You need to remember that RAM modules must be supported by your processor and motherboard. If you installed modules with a frequency of 1866 MHz or even 2400 MHz, and the motherboard supports 1600 MHz, then in the best case, the module will operate at a frequency of 1600 MHz, and in the worst case, the module will operate at 1866 MHz, but the computer will reboot frequently, all sorts of errors and blue screens appear. In this case, you will have to manually set the frequency to 1600 MHz.

What are timings?

RAM timings determine how often the processor accesses RAM. If you have a 4-core processor with a 2nd level cache, then you should not pay attention to high timings special attention, since the processor accesses RAM less. Timings may vary on memory modules. The motherboard will still set the timing to the slowest module.

What is needed for dual-channel operation?

Before you buy new memory modules, it is worth studying the characteristics of the motherboard in great detail. Usually all this can be found out from the documentation offered for it; if it is not there, then you can find it on the official website of the motherboard. Modern motherboards most often support dual-channel mode.

If the slots on the motherboard are colored different colors, this means that it supports dual-channel operation. Thus, you can install two RAMs with the same characteristics in slots of the same color.

Look, maybe your mate. The board supports dual-channel mode, then you can buy more RAM. Remember, the strips must have the same characteristics.

What is the difference between dual channel and single channel mode?

The note! If you install RAM modules of different sizes, the dual-channel mode will still work for them. Let's say one stick has 1 GB, and the second 2 GB, then the motherboard activates the dual-channel mode for the 1 GB stick completely, and for the second stick also 1 GB, the remaining 1 GB volume will work in single-channel mode.

In what mode does my RAM work - single-channel or dual-channel?

To determine this you need to download a special utility CPU-Z. Let's launch it and go to the tab "Memory", there we see a point "#Channel", which matters Dual. This means that the RAM operates in dual-channel mode. If it were there Single, that means there would be a single-channel mode.

There is also a three-channel mode - Triple Mode, but it is used quite rarely.

What will work better, two 4 GB modules in dual-channel mode or one 8 GB module in single-channel mode?

A rather controversial issue, but after some observations it turned out that during normal work on a computer there will be no difference, but when using large graphics and video editors the difference will be noticeable; in our case, two 4 GB sticks will work faster.

Is it permissible to install memory modules with different sizes and frequencies?

That's all, if you have any questions, ask them in the comments.