Find out which RAM is suitable. How to find out the model (type) of computer RAM. What is needed for dual-channel operation

Technical requirements interest in software, and especially games, is 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 what its characteristics are RAM used on a computer, its frequency is for correct search and better selection.

We will look at several options. Option one, we need to open our system unit or cover laptop computer and get a RAM stick that has the corresponding marking with the type of memory and its characteristics.

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

If in BIOS issue you are not a master 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. When installing an unsuitable module, a conflict may occur between the old and new memory sticks, resulting in laptop computer will work with glitches, freezes, or stop turning on altogether. 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 throughput module, 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 certain 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 using easy handling in laptop properties. 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 find out 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 maximum speed functioning (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 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 section " Motherboard» and go to the SPD tab. After completing these steps, all information about the RAM installed on the PC will open.

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 does not matter what RAM frequency your motherboard supports, you need to look at what RAM frequency your processor supports. For example, Intel processors Core i3, i5 and i7 support the following characteristics RAM: 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, then this means that the RAM strips will work on the most high 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 maximum frequency, and you have a processor with a locked multiplier, then best case scenario, the RAM will run at 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 bar does not indicate the type DDR2 or DDR3, 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 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 required condition. The motherboard will set the frequency for all modules to the slowest level. Sometimes, the computer may become unstable with different frequencies RAM.

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 appear, blue screens. 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 painted in 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?

If you do normal work on a computer, such as working in text editor or surfing the Internet, you won’t see much of a difference, but if you play powerful, modern games, render, work in Adobe Photoshop, then you will definitely feel the difference.

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 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, then it 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?

Enough controversial issue, but with some observations it turned out that when regular 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.

Often, when upgrading and repairing a computer, it is necessary to determine which one is in the system unit or laptop. This operation is often difficult for beginners, but nothing special is required to perform it. The article will describe several methods that will help you find out everything about the RAM used in your PC.

Main characteristics of RAM

RAM type or generation (DDR1, DDR2 or DDR3).
Volume. Measured in gigabytes. Determines how much data can be stored in RAM at one time.
Number of modules, their manufacturers and serial numbers.
Timings (Latency). Characterize the delays that necessarily occur between different RAM chips. The lower the timings, the better.
Frequency. Memory bandwidth depends on it. The higher the value, the faster and more stable work computer.
Voltage. For regular user this characteristic does not play a big role. Important mainly for overclocking practitioners.

In addition to this data, specialized software may give out a lot of other information, but it is not that important.

AIDA64

One of the most popular applications for viewing information about computer hardware is AIDA64. After installation and launch, the main program window will appear on the screen. It consists of two parts. The left one shows the components in a tree form. On the right is a table of details.

How to find out what RAM is in a PC using AIDA64?

Click on the "+" icon next to the "motherboard" line.
Go to the "Memory" tab. Here in the very top line will be indicated overall volume RAM.
Then click on SPD. After this, the screen will display details about each of the strips installed in the system.

There is a link at the very bottom of the table. By clicking on it, you can view all the data about the module available on the manufacturer’s official website.

CPU-Z

CPU-Z - no less popular app. The main advantage of the product is that it is absolutely free to use. You can download it from the manufacturer's website. No installation required. However, the program is entirely English language.

How to find out what RAM is in your PC? Download and launch the application. It is a single window with several tabs.
First of all, click on Memory. In it you can find out what parameters the RAM is working with right now.
The SPD tab provides data on the values set by the manufacturer and information recorded in a special RAM chip. Moreover, for each bar separately, to switch to next module, you should expand the menu under Memory Slot Selection.

As noted earlier, this is entirely in English, so it's worth giving more information about each item describing RAM.

Memory Tab:

Size - the total amount of installed RAM.
FSB:DRAM - frequency ratios system bus to RAM frequency.
CAS Latency, RAS to CAS Delay, RAS Precharge, Cycle Time, - timings.
Frequency - frequency.

SPD tab:

Module Size - the volume of a separate RAM stick located in a specific slot.
Max Bandwidth - maximum frequency.
Manufacturer - manufacturer.
Serial Number -
Voltage - voltage.

PC Wizard

Like two previous applications, PC Wizard is made in order to obtain maximum data about the equipment installed inside the system unit or laptop. The product is absolutely free, you can download it from the official website. In this case, it is advisable to choose the ZIP version rather than SETUP, because it does not require installation.

How to find out what RAM is in your computer?

Launch the program. Wait for it to finish scanning devices.
Click on the motherboard icon located on the left side of the window. If this icon is not there, you should first click on the “Hardware” inscription.
Now select " Physical memory". After this, detailed information about the RAM modules will be displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Speccy

This product was developed by the team working on the popular CCleaner. For home use Speccy is absolutely free to use. After downloading the application from the official website, you will need to install it. Installation is as simple as possible; the only thing worth paying attention to is the choice of language. The menu with options will appear in the very first step, so it is very easy to miss it.

How to find out what RAM is in your computer using Speccy? To do this, you need to launch the application and select the desired item in its window. It's called "RAM". Apart from this, nothing needs to be done.

HWiNFO

HWiNFO - small free but extremely powerful program. When downloading it, be careful, because there are two versions. One is 32-bit, and the second is 64. Accordingly, the latter will not work under 32-bit control operating system. There is no need to install the product.

After launch, a small utility will appear on the screen, in which you should press the RUN button and wait a few tens of seconds. After scanning the system, the application will show complete data about it.

Where can I see what RAM is installed in the system unit? Notice the lower right corner of the System Summary window. It has two areas. Memory Modules shows information about each stick separately. Memory displays the total amount of RAM, the frequency at which the modules are running right now, and real timings.

If this data is not enough, go to the window called HWiNFO and double-click on Memory.

SiSoftware Sandra

SiSoftware Sandra is software that is primarily used for comprehensive testing computer, but it is also possible to obtain information about system components using it. To use the application, you must purchase it, but the manufacturer allows you to download a trial version from its website.

Before you see what RAM is installed in your computer, you should install the application. This process is simple, even a beginner can handle it.

After launching the application, a window with several tabs will appear on the screen. Go to the one called "Devices". Double-click on the icon that says "Motherboard". In the table you will see several subheadings with a name. Under each of them information about the RAM strips is recorded: volume, type, serial number, manufacturer, frequency, timings, power supply, possible modes work.

The obvious way

If the computer cannot be turned on, the software will not help. In this case, you will have to investigate yourself physical device. Disconnect the computer from the network and remove the system unit cover. Open the latches that hold the RAM stick in place, and then pull the module toward you. How to determine what RAM is used in a computer?

There should be a sticker directly on the RAM. It often contains all the basic data - volume, maximum possible frequency, generation, timings, voltage. If this data is not available, the serial number and model should be written on the bar. For example: CMP4GX3M2C1600C7. It is often impossible to judge what is hidden behind the numbers, however, knowing the model of the module, it is easy to find out information about it using any search engine.

For laptop users

The first thing you should do when figuring out what RAM is installed in your laptop is to look at the user manual that should come with it. If you can't find detailed information there, you can at least find out which trim models were installed at the factory.

Users often ask questions like: “The user manual is lost, how can I see what kind of RAM I have?” In this case, you should arm yourself with a screwdriver.

Completely disconnect the laptop: unplug it and remove the battery. Look at the back of the case. There should be several small covers on it. Usually the RAM is hidden behind one of them. Others are used to quickly replace hard drives and other devices. It's quite difficult to guess which one is hiding behind necessary equipment, so unscrew each one one by one until you find the one you need.

To remove RAM, unclip the latches and easily pull the strip out of the slot. When the free play ends, the side of the board farthest from the contacts should be lifted. About what kind of RAM is in a laptop, as in the case of desktop computer, the sticker will help you find out. It is not always necessary to remove RAM from a laptop. If there is only one module, all data from it can be read by simply removing the cover.

Be very careful and careful when working with hardware. Even a small scratch or damage often leads to unstable work PC. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is best to turn to professionals. This will save time and money.

By the word computer, users mean a system unit and nothing more. In fact it consists of different devices, which is collectively 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” and click right click Click on the “Computer” item 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, standard using Windows we won't achieve this, so we'll 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 connected to currently To personal computer. Since Speccy has 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 currently used, etc. In general, install it and see for yourself.

If you have no desire to understand all these machinations with programs and data, then you have a direct path to 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.

In this article, we have explained in detail for dummies how to find out what RAM is installed in a computer or laptop, how to easily and simply look at its type, frequency, timings, in order to buy a suitable upgrade stick or add one compatible with an existing one. installed modules RAM.

Random access memory (also called RAM, RAM or RAM for short) is the most important thing in a computer. Both in itself (because without it the PC will not turn on), and its volume (the larger, the more comfortable). If you came to read this manual, it means you are planning to add RAM by adding or replacing modules. We all know that gone are the days when 4GB of RAM was cool. Now the browser alone can “eat” 2-3 gigs of RAM. So it's time to upgrade your RAM.

If modules are replaced, then it is enough to find out only the type, i.e. memory generation - DDR3, DDR4 or God forbid DDR2. And if you add RAM strips to those already installed, then this is a more difficult task - in some cases, the modules may not make friends with each other. By the way, we once wrote about an excellent utility for testing RAM modules for compatibility called. We recommend using it even if you find clearly identical modules on sale. Anything can happen, in the end, there is a manufacturing defect, and even more often - careless handling in the distribution network.

It's quite easy to make a mistake when purchasing, especially if you are not a computer expert. Moreover, some consultants do not differentiate between memory types. Therefore, a little erudition in this matter will definitely not hurt you.

Below we will tell and show how to understand what RAM is installed in a laptop or computer. You will learn to determine the type, generation, frequencies, timings, etc. detailed information about memory modules in order to buy yourself the right stick that will fit in motherboard, make friends with already installed RAM and finally speed up your computer.

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

Method 1: View RAM Information in CPU-Z

CPU-Z from the developer CPUID is free utility, which will simply give you what is called comprehensive information about your computer’s RAM.

In the screenshot above we see the following information about the memory modules of your PC ( desktop computer, laptop, netbook):

Type (or generation) random access memory - DDR3.
Marking — PC3-10700 with frequency 667 MHz. Big number means faster chip speed.
Manufacturer —Kingston.
Part number. In some cases useful thing. If we're talking about about laptop, brand workstation or server, then components can be accurately purchased according to the part number. This will come in handy if you need to purchase exactly the same stick of RAM as those already installed in the computer.

Method 2: open your computer or laptop and look at the memory live

If you don't want to use programs, you can read the type and frequency directly on the bar itself. Anyway, sooner or later you will need to disassemble your PC. And if you want to take memory to the store as an example, this method is the way to go.

How to extract memory

The modules must be removed carefully, one at a time. Turn off your PC, wait until all the fans stop and the lights turn off. Only then remove the modules, simultaneously pressing on both latches of a particular strip.

Precautionary measures

RAM is afraid of static electricity. Therefore, it will be very good if you spray your hands with antistatic agent before touching the memory. Store modules removed from a computer or laptop in special packaging or an antistatic transparent bag.

What memory to buy as a replacement, how to add identical modules and what is the maximum volume

If you plan to remove existing RAM modules and completely replace them with new ones, then to go to the store you only need to know the markings and type of computer - desktop or laptop. It’s already clear from the markings what generation the memory is. PC2 means DDR2, PC3 means DRR3, etc. Therefore, if you install any memory with the same markings as it was, only of a larger capacity, then the computer will work with it. The only exceptions are some older netbooks produced before 2012, which may not detect sticks larger than 2 GB due to an artificial limitation. Therefore, if you are too lazy to understand the types of RAM, you can buy 8 GB instead of 4 GB of PC3-10700 memory and call it a day. The main thing is, tell me, for a desktop PC or laptop.

But, if you want to buy the maximum fast memory, which can be installed in current computer, it makes sense to go to the official website of the motherboard manufacturer and download (or view) the list of supported RAM modules. By the way, this will also be required if it turns out that there are no memory sticks with exactly the same speed on sale and you need to find out which ones are suitable from those that are available. I show the example of the motherboard of my old computer from 2009:

There is no point in buying such top-end modules for the sake of speed, but if they are the last ones that can be found on sale from the outgoing memory generation, then there is no choice. In total, if the motherboard has 4 slots, you can install a maximum of 16 GB of RAM (4 x 4 GB).

Where you can get confused

You can get confused in the markings, for example DDR3 PC3-12800- this is the same as DDR3-1600. 1600 in in this case means twice the bus frequency, and 12800 is the bandwidth expressed in GB/sec.
Modules for desktop PCs (DIMM) and laptops (SO-DIMM) different sizes, but can be marked the same, for example PC4-12800.
There is low voltage memory, but it looks no different. Indicated by the letter L (low voltage). Example DDR3L. If it is installed in a motherboard designed to work with conventional DDR3 modules, the components may fail.

Is it possible to add RAM modules from another manufacturer, with different frequencies and timings?

Yes, you can. If only the memory was of the same form factor (for example, for a desktop PC) and generation (for example, DDR4). Only after this you need to test them all together for compatibility for about a day. Purely theoretically, when using modules of different speeds, the faster ones should reduce the frequency to the frequency of the slower ones and work successfully. But in reality, the modules may not become friends. And conflicting strips cause chaotic reboots, i.e. make your computer unreliable and your life unbearable. Therefore, install whatever you want, just test it in Memtest+.

I once added a SO-DIMM PC3-8500 Transcend 4GB module given to me to an existing PC3-10700 2GB Samsung and everything started up with a bang and is still working to this day. Lucky. Although everything about them is different - the manufacturer, the timings, and the frequencies.

Good luck with the upgrade!