Do you want to know what type of RAM you’re using on your Windows 10/11 computer? In this Windows guide, we’ll show you 4 different methods to check if RAM is DDR3 or DDR4 in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Meanwhile, RAM is vital because it organizes the files we want to execute in a logical order and makes them incredibly quick and easy to access for the CPU, so the CPU doesn’t have to travel to the hard drive and look for the programs all of the time.
What are DDR3 & DDR4?
DDR3 is a form of 3rd generation SDRAM that is often used for system memory. This sort of RAM is capable of moving data at a faster rate from one spot to another. DDR3 RAM stands for Double Data Rate Memory.
While on other hand, DDR4 RAM is the most recent RAM variety, and it is widely employed in the next generation of computers. DDR4 can provide maximum efficiency and performance because of its lower voltage and greater transfer rates. DDR4 SDRAM stands for Double Data Rate Fourth Generation Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory in its complete form.
Key Differences:
- In comparison to DDR3, DDR4 uses less power and is quicker.
- DDR3 RAM is backward compatible with previous versions of RAM, however, DDR4 RAM is not.
- A 240-pin interface is used with DDR3 RAM. DDR4 RAM, on the other hand, has a 288-pin interface.
- DDR3 has a clock speed range of 800 MHz to 2133 MHz, whereas DDR4 has a clock speed of 2133 MHz.
Features of DDR3:
- 800 to 1600 MT/s data transmission rate (mega transfers per Second)
- 1.8 V is the operating voltage.
- Lowering the standard for signaling Prefetch with an x8 reduction in power
- Improved write signaling with a dynamic ODT
- Architecture that flies by
- Read/Write Levelling
- calibration of the driver
- Reset the device
- Mirroring DIMM addresses
- The device pinout has been improved.
Features of DDR4:
- Lower signaling standard
- Reduced power x8 Prefetch
- Dynamic ODT for improved write signaling
- Fly-by architecture
- Read/Write Levelling
- Driver calibration
- Device Reset
- DIMM address mirroring
- Improved device pinout
- Data transfer rate 2133 to 3200 MT/s
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So, here are the steps to check if the RAM type is DDR3 or DDR4 in Windows 11:
Method 1. Check RAM Type DDR3 or DDR4 via CPU-Z
The most basic and effective approach to determine whether your RAM is DDR3 or DDR4 is to use CPU-Z. This program is available for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11, and it may provide precise information about your system’s fundamental components, including the DDR RAM generation.
- Click here to download the CPU-Z software on your computer.
- Once downloaded, install the app and then launch it.
- Now, navigate to the Memory tab and check the RAM type next to the Type option. In our case, it’s DDR4.
Check via CPU-Z
Method 2. Check if RAM is DDR3 or DDR4 via CMD
The Command Prompt is a built-in Windows tool that allows you to input commands with a certain syntax to do certain tasks. You may also use it to verify your laptop or desktop’s RAM characteristics, such as DDR generation.
Open Command Prompt.
Type the following command and press enter:
wmic memorychip get memorytype
Check if RAM is DDR3 or DDR4 via CMD
Finally, the result is numerically presented, with different values representing various DDR generations. “20” indicates DDR, “21” indicates DDR2, “24” indicates DDR3, “26” indicates DDR4, and “0” indicates unknown.
Method 3. Check if RAM type is DDR3 or DDR4 on Task Manager
- Open Task Manager. To do so, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously.
- Go to the Performance tab and select Memory.
- In the top right corner of the window, you’ll see if your RAM is DDR3 or DDR4. Unfortunately, in our case, it’s not showing.
Check if RAM type is DDR3 or DDR4 on Task Manager
Method 4. Check Physically to see if your RAM is DDR3 or DDR4
You may also physically check whether your RAM is DDR3 or DDR4 by disassembling your PC. However, it is only applicable for desktop computers, as taking apart a laptop is extremely difficult. Most RAM sticks have parameters printed on them, such as size, speed, and DDR generation, and you can easily disassemble them and examine the specs to determine whether the RAM you have is DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4.
Check Physically to see if your RAM is DDR3 or DDR4
These were the methods to check and determine if the RAM is DDR3 or DDR4 in Windows 10/11. However, knowing your computer’s or laptop’s specs may be quite useful in a variety of situations. Knowing your device is essential for everything from resolving minor issues to getting the most out of your system.
You can determine the type of RAM in your computer or laptop by following the steps in any of the methods listed above; knowing the RAM type is useful in situations where you want to upgrade your RAM or if you are experiencing RAM-related problems that you want to troubleshoot and resolve on your own.
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