How to Determine the Type of Memory in a PC

Computer memory, or Random Access Memory (RAM), is one of the most important components of a computer system. The amount and speed of RAM has a large impact on how fast a system runs. Often computers are sold with extra memory "slots" so users can choose whether to add additional RAM to speed up their systems so they can run the latest software. To add memory, it is necessary to know what type of memory your PC has.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check your computer's specifications. In the documentation that came with your computer, you should find a list of its parts, including Hard Drive, Motherboard and Memory type. If you can't find the information in your computer's manual, check online at your computer manufacturer's website.

2. Look for the size, or amount, of RAM and the type. There are two types of memory currently used, DDR2 and DDR3. There are also older RDRAM and SDRAM modules, but these are becoming obsolete.

3. Check the size of the current system RAM. Most PCs now come with 1 to 4GB (gigabytes) of memory. Memory is sold in units from 512MB up to 2GB.

4. Use Crucial or Kingston's Memory Identification Tools to check what type of memory your PC uses. Crucial and Kingston are well-known memory manufacturer and resellers (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• If buying memory for your PC, it is worth it to pay a little more for a well-known manufacturer than paying less for cheap memory that may malfunction.

Resources

• Visually Identify Memory
• Crucial Memory Identification
• Kingoston Memory Identification