How to Tell What Type of Memory a Computer Has

Your computer's memory is the space your computer dedicates to running programs, system processes and other applications. It is also referred to as RAM (random access memory). The more of this memory you have, the more programs you can run simultaneously, and it also helps with games and other processor-intensive tasks. Whether you want to find out what type of memory you have so you can upgrade it, or simply because you are curious, the process takes just a few short steps.

Instructions

1. Visit the Crucial System Scanner page (see Resources). Crucial System Scanner is a simple, free tool that will show you what type of memory your computer is using.

2. Click "Download the scanner" and save the file to your desktop. There is no install process; this is simply a shortcut that allows the website to scan your computer for its specifications.

3. Double-click on the "CrucialScan" icon on your desktop. If a warning window pops up, allow it to run. Your browser will open a new window or tab that shows your system specifications and details what type of memory your computer is using, as well as how much of it you have available.

4. Delete the scanner when you are finished, unless you want to keep it. Since there is no install process, you can delete the scanner simply by deleting the icon on your desktop.

References

• Microsoft: Add more memory to your computer
• University of Wisconsin KnowledgeBase: How do I know what kind of memory I have?

Resources

• Crucial: System Scanner