A bigger RAM is undoubtedly means faster performance, but there is more to the RAM than just the size. One such aspect is the data transfer speed which brings us to today’s topic- how to check RAM type DDR3 or DDR4 in Windows 10.
You will find DDR3 or DDR4 RAMs in a majority of modern computers, with the latest RAM type being DDR5. Knowing the RAM type in your device is essential; the information comes in handy when upgrading RAM because RAM type isn’t forward or backward compatible.
Therefore, learn how to check RAM type in Windows 10 below.
How To Check RAM Type DDR3 Or DDR4 In Windows 10
You can check whether your computer has a DDR3 or DDR4 RAM in Windows 10 using built-in services or third-party software. The built-in services to use include Command Prompt and Task Manager. On the other hand, third-party software you can use include HWinfo64 and CPU-Z. Alternatively, you can check the RAM type physically if you do not mind taking the computer apart.
How To Check RAM Type DDR3 Or DDR4 In Windows 10 Using Built-in Services
Use the following built-in services to check the RAM type.
1. Command Prompt
The command prompt application lets you execute different operations by entering commands through special syntax. Besides Windows 10, Command Prompt is also available in Windows 8 and 7.
Follow these detailed steps:
1. Access the Run box by typing “Command Prompt” on the search bar or pressing Win + R
2. Type cmd and tap Enter
3. Type this code wmic memorychip get memorytype, then hit enter. The results displayed will be in numerical form. DDR generations are represented by different numbers, with 21 representing DDR2, 24 being DDR3, and 26 being DDR4. So, if the number displayed is 24, your computer has DDR3 RAM.
4. If you want additional details, add more aliases:
Name, Capacity, Configuredlockspeed, DeviceLocator, FormFactor, Manufacturer, Serialnumber, Speed, ConfiguredVoltage, DataWidth, MaxVoltage, CreationClassName, InterleavePosition
5. Type WMIC MemoryChip List /? then check under the “FULL” segment
2. Powershell
Follow these steps.
1. Right-click the start menu and choose Powershell. Administration privileges are not necessary.
2. Type this code
Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_PhysicalMemory | Format- Table Capacity, Manufacturer, MemoryType, FormFactor, Name, Configuredlockspeed, Speed, Devicelocator, Serialnumber -AutoSize
3. Task Manager
You can use the task manager on windows 10 to see if the RAM is a DDR3 or DDR4. Follow the steps below:
- Use the search bar to type the phrase “Task Manager,” then open the app by clicking on it. Alternatively, hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc. You can also press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then tap Task Manager
- Select Performance
- Tap on Memory
The RAM type will be displayed on the screen’s top-right corner. Besides that, you can see extra RAM specifications such as size, speed, available space, in use, cached, form factor, and hardware reserved.
How To Check RAM Type DDR3 Or DDR4 In Windows 10 Using Third-Party Services
Besides the built-in programs, you can also discover your computer’s RAM type using third-party services.
a) CPU-Z
This is a professional tool for checking RAM that helps you find out the type of RAM in your computer. The upside is that this application is free; all you have to do is download, install, and then run it to discover a wide array of your PC’s hardware information.
Unlike the built-in methods, you will hardly face problems using this application. Therefore, CPU-Z is highly recommended for checking RAM type.
Besides being free, CPU-Z is easy to install. Below is how to use it to check RAM type.
- Open CPU-Z
- Click Memory. It is the 4th tab on the window
- The field called “Type” shows the RAM type
This app also provides more information about the RAM, including the size, channel, uncore frequency, and timings.
b) HWinfo64
HWinfo64 scans the components of a PC and provides information on the RAM, storage, and operating system. It also offers tech-centric data like memory speed and battery-wear level.
The information given by this app is accurate and reliable. The data is segmented into three windows: active sensor readings, a full report, and a system summary. HWinfo64 is available in different versions for various use cases and systems.
Regardless, you don’t need to pay for any version of this app, provided it’s for non-profit making and personal use.
- Download HWinfo64 and open it
- Go to the window known as “Motherboard”
- Look for the field named “Type,” as it specifies the RAM type in the PC
Check RAM Type DDR3 Or DDR4 Physically
This is an effective approach, but it involves taking your computer apart, which is not only time-consuming but also challenging, especially if it is a laptop. Typically, the RAM specifications are printed on the sticks. These include size, DDR generation, and speed.
You can find the information you need by taking the computer apart, taking out the RAM, then examining the specifications. It will tell you whether the RAM is DDR2, DDR1, DDR4, or DDR3.
In addition, various DDR generation RAMs look different. Check the chart below to learn how to differentiate them.
| DDR Generation | Notch Location | Number of Pins | Shape and Location of IC |
| DDR | Right under the IC | 184 | Touches the RAM’s bottom and top |
| DDR2 | Slightly far from the IC | 240 | Found at the center. It’s tinnier than DDR1 but larger than DDR3 |
| DDR3 | Nowhere close to the center | 240 | Square and small |
| DDR4 | Nearly directly under the IC | 288 | It resembles DDR3, but it’s in 2 rows |
Concluding Thoughts
In-built services and third-party applications are ideal for checking RAM type if you’d rather not take apart your computer. However, if you don’t mind opening it up, check the specifications provided on the RAM stick to uncover whether you have a DDR4 or DDR3 RAM.