Determine Memory Type Without Opening The Computer

RAM Information Tools
With so many different types of RAM these days, purchasing a memory upgrade is not as easy as it used to be. Since there are so many different types, you will want to make sure you know what you need before you place your order. I would like to show you some quick ways that will help you to determine RAM type without even cracking the case.

Windows RAM Identifier

If you are running Windows you can download an app called System Information for Windows (this link takes you to a site you can download it from).

SIW audits your computer and gives you detailed information about your computer configuration. Although it has a wide variety of uses, it is great for getting information about your memory.

Standalone Memory Identifier

SIW is a standalone app so it can run from anywhere on your computer and even from your USB flash drive. To see your memory information, run SIW and click on “Memory” in the left hand menu.

SIW

SIW is a standalone memory identifier

Other options to check memory type

Another way to determine your memory type is to use the Crucial Memory Advisor Tool located at Crucial.com.

An alternative is the Kingston Memory Search Tool at Kingston.com. These tools allow you to either search by the computer manufacturer or by your motherboard manufacturer.

They also give you additional information like the maximum amount of memory you computer can use or how many memory slots your motherboard has. Even if you don’t want to purchase the memory from these sites, you can still use these tools as a reference to determine what type you need.

So there are several options to perform a memory type check. If you know of other ways to check memory type or possibly even an easier way please feel free to share your thoughts.

About The Author

Casey

Casey (Surname withheld for contractual reasons) successfully started his own IT consultancy well over 10 years ago. He started training and mentoring other computer technicians who want to create a part time or full time income as an IT consultant. See the 'About Us' for more.

19 Comments

  • ZoranZ

    Reply Reply February 19, 2007

    Very usefull

  • Daniel

    Reply Reply August 2, 2007

    How about using cpuz, a very nice tool. I even have repackaged it so i can run it directly from my u3 smart drive

  • UNKLD

    Reply Reply August 2, 2007

    Also try- Create a new txt file on desktop, rename it” anything.nfo- (computername.nfo) open nfo file and there you have all the info about that PC that you need. I do this on any new server I set up and leave it on the desk top. if you add memory or anything- it will update when you open it
    D

  • x

    Reply Reply August 2, 2007

    That *.nfo file trick is interesting, though it would have been nice to have a little warning about the whole “possibly corrupt file or unrecognized version” warning box that pops up.

    Even so, a useful little thing to have.

  • Ayal

    Reply Reply September 3, 2007

    You could directly run msinfo32…

  • Scott Trenda

    Reply Reply September 28, 2007

    Accessories -> System Tools -> System Information. Bing bang. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • David

      Reply Reply May 13, 2011

      Haha, awesome! I love how the users always have the best methods, and I love all the other alternatives and work arounds. However, the tool is simple for non-techies as it singles out only the RAM in question. But that’s not me ๐Ÿ™‚

      Thanks guys!

    • Darrell

      Reply Reply October 24, 2012

      Scott… don’t respond if you don’t understand the english language. Type of memory refers to ddr3 etc. The op isn’t asking how much he wants to know what type. Your reply is of no help.

  • Princess Lowstetter

    Reply Reply January 21, 2009

    Great, thanks!

  • Greg Rundlett

    Reply Reply September 14, 2009

    on Linux,
    sudo dmidecode -t 17

    To get a nice printout showing how much memory is installed do this (all one line):
    sudo dmidecode -t 17 | awk ‘/Size:/ { if ($2!=”No”) memtotal+=$2 } BEGIN { memtotal=0 } END { print “Total memory: “memtotal” MB” }’

  • Mr.Aung

    Reply Reply December 26, 2009

    I cannot find to download link of this software. Please show me. I want to get this software.

    Thanks

    • Casey

      Reply Reply December 27, 2009

      You can get there by clicking on the link entitled “System Information for Windows” in the article or you can go directly to this website. http://www.gtopala.com/

  • Cathie

    Reply Reply May 10, 2010

    Hi, this is wonderful…wonderful blog. Thanks.

  • Repair Man

    Reply Reply November 25, 2010

    Speccy is one of the better free products these days which allows you to find out a whole host of information about your machine (which having to open it up). It is created by Piriform – the same guys behind CCleaner and Defraggler so I believe it is a reputable program as well.

  • Calgary computer repair

    Reply Reply December 5, 2010

    I would also recommend CPU-Z. I have used it for quite some time and it is extremely easy to use (even for the computer newcomer).

  • Dorius

    Reply Reply January 27, 2011

    How i can know what my memories type i have like 512 RAM DDR2 or SD RAM

  • Jumanji

    Reply Reply July 14, 2011

    How i can know what my memories type i have like 512 RAM DDR2 or SD RAM????

  • Brent

    Reply Reply September 20, 2011

    Looks like even though gtopala still lists a freeware version, there is no way to download the freeware version. I have been all over the sites pages that concern SIW and can’t find a freeware download.

  • Dustin Mitchell

    Reply Reply November 4, 2016

    Great! Thank you. I have just saved some time with a simple search.

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