How to Tell What Kind of RAM Is Installed on a PC

Your system RAM interfaces with the central processing unit to store data for quick calculations. RAM is a fast type of data storage, but data stored in RAM is deleted when you power off your computer. To identify what type of RAM you have in your computer, you must open the case and view the information on the chips.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Power off your computer and remove the power cord from the wall. Remove the screws on your case cover using the screwdriver. Slide the cover off of the computer case.

2. 

   Find the RAM chips installed in your motherboard. Depending on the type of memory installed, some RAM chips are installed in pairs. Find the sticker on one of the RAM chips. The sticker has the manufacturer name printed on it. All RAM chips have a sticker located somewhere on the memory board.

3. Identify the type of RAM. SDRAM is older, so you have SDRAM only if you have an older computer. View the notches at the bottom of the RAM. DDR SDRAM has one notch and SDRAM has two. RDRAM has metal casing on one side of the chips. If you can't identify RAM notches, push the levers on both sides of the RAM chip slots to release the memory from the motherboard. Carefully pull the RAM chip from the motherboard to view the notches.

4. Place the case cover back on the computer and replace the screws on your computer case. Power on your computer and boot the computer.

5. Click the Windows "Start" button and right-click the "Computer" icon. Click "Properties." In this window, read the amount of RAM storage in the "Installed Memory" section.

References

• Microsoft: Add More Memory to Your Computer