A computer's random access memory (RAM) is computing memory that is utilized on demand to store small amounts of data spontaneously in order to run ongoing system processes and applications. The more RAM a computer has, the faster a computer will be able to open new programs, and multitask with many programs open at once. As such, it can be useful to know how many RAM chips a computer has installed, their capacity and how fast the chips run.
Instructions
1. Locate the original purchase info and manual for the computer. If you are attempting to identify RAM modules in a computer you purchased yourself, attempt to located the user manual and other specification material that should have come with your computer. This material should contain information on how much RAM your computer has, and what type of RAM is installed.
2. Run "dxdiag.exe." If you don't find the information you need following step one, there's a quick way to determine how much memory your computer has. Go to the Start menu, and click "Run." In the command prompt, type "dxdiag" and the press "OK." This command will produce a list of vital information about your computer including how much RAM it is using.
3. Use a freeware diagnostic tool to gather detailed information on RAM. There are several useful programs and sites that can find data on your memory sticks and display it for you. For instance Crucial, a popular memory manufacturer, has a free download for a memory scanning program. CPU-Z is another freeware program, which requires no installation, and gives very detailed information about a computer's processor, graphics card and memory. CPU-Z will tell you the manufacturer of the RAM, how many modules are installed, the size of each module, the maximum bandwidth of the memory, and even part and serial numbers.
4. Open up your case and take out RAM sticks. If all else fails, it is possible to identify RAM by opening up your computer case and looking at information printed on the RAM itself. As soon as you open your computer case, you will be able to see how many RAM modules are installed. (They are chips aligned in parallel slots, usually next to a large CPU fan and heat sink attached to your motherboard.) To eject the ram, press down firmly on the two clips at either end of the RAM bay. The RAM stick should have some identifying information printed on it, like a part number and the name of the manufacturer.
Tags: your computer, computer case, detailed information, information about, information printed