How do you know how much RAM is on your computer? How much RAM is needed for normal computer operation.

Do you know how to find out the amount of video card memory installed in your computer? If you know well! If not, I'll tell you how to find out. This question was asked to me by one of the readers of the site. I answered him immediately in private correspondence, but in order to have a quick answer to this question, I decided to write a small article.

I note right away that a video card is an integral part of any personal computer. There is a video card both integrated (into the motherboard or into the processor) and discrete. A discrete video card is made as a separate module (board) that can be installed on a motherboard.

There are several options for determining the amount of video card memory built into your computer or laptop. The methods I have described are suitable for both desktop and laptop users.

These methods can be performed without using a third party software, which will allow you to find out the information you need in the shortest possible time.

Find out the amount of video card memory using display properties

This is the simplest and quick way, by which you can determine not only the amount of memory of the video card, but also find out the resolution of your monitor and its frequency.

Right-click on the desktop and select the menu item “ Screen resolution”

In the window that opens, information about the resolution of the monitor screen and its orientation is provided, but we are interested in the button “ Extra options”

By clicking on it, the video subsystem properties window will open, in which you can clearly see that I have an integrated video card with a memory capacity of 1760 MB.

I want to note right away! Until the drivers are installed on the video card, be it integrated or discrete, you will not be able to find out the real amount of memory! The system will show something about 32 MB.

First of all, there will be no drivers installed on the video card, and it will be very noticeable even when working with office programs. Secondly, the playback will be frame-by-frame.

Find out the amount of video card memory using DirectX diagnostic tools

One more interesting way, click WIN + R or click “ Start”And in the“ Find programs ”field enter the following:

dxdiag

Then press Enter and wait for the diagnostic tools to start. In the window that opens, open the “ Screen”And find out the amount of memory from the information provided.

Now you know how to find out the amount of memory of a video card. There will be questions, ready to discuss in the comments.

Before increasing the amount of RAM on a laptop, you should check what type of RAM is already available on this PC. If you install an unsuitable module, a conflict between the old and new memory sticks may occur, as a result of which the laptop will malfunction, freeze, or even stop turning on. Consider what characteristics you need to pay attention to when choosing a new RAM and how to determine the type of RAM already installed on a laptop.

Basic parameters of RAM

The first step is to figure out which parameters are considered decisive for random access memory devices. These characteristics are:

Ways to determine the type of installed memory

You can find out which model of RAM is on a laptop in several ways:

By visual inspection of the RAM.
Check with additional software.

Visual inspection of the RAM strip

You can check the amount of RAM with a simple call to the properties of the laptop. To do this, on the shortcut "My Computer", click the RMB and select "Properties" in the list that opens. The RAM capacity can be viewed in the corresponding line.

However, the information obtained in this way is not enough, so you need to find out the rest of the RAM parameters. All memory card manufacturers stamp important data directly on the strip. To check them, you need to disassemble the laptop, remove the RAM from it and carefully read the existing designation.

As an example, consider how to find out the model and characteristics of RAM, appearance which is shown in the figure.

Our RAM is produced by the South Korean company Hynix. Slot capacity - 4 GB. By the abbreviation 1Rx8, you can find out that the bar is one-sided (1R), that is, all the microcircuits are placed on one side. Double-sided RAM is identified by the 2R mark. Number 8 indicates the number of memory chips.

This model has throughput RS3-12800. This allows you to find out the type of RAM (DDR3) and the maximum operating speed (12800 MB / s). To determine what the RAM frequency is, 12800 should be divided by 8, which will be equal to 1600 MHz.

Let's consider another example - RAM for a laptop from Kingston, model KHX6400D2LL / 1G:

RAM type - DDR2;
speed of work - 6400 Mb / s;
frequency - 6400/8 = 800 MHz;
capacity - 1 GB;
2.0V means that the board is powered from a non-standard voltage - 2 V, which must be manually set in the BIOS.

On some storage devices, information is presented in non-standard form, however, in such cases, you can find out their parameters. For example, Kingston RAM labeled KHX1600C9D3X2K2 / 8GX has the following properties:

frequency - 1600 MHz;
C9 - 9 clock cycle delay;
type - DDR3;
8GX - 4 GB capacity.

Programs for determining the parameters of RAM

If for some reason you do not want to disassemble the laptop (for example, it is under warranty), but you still need to check what kind of RAM it has, you can use additional software.

One of the most effective programs in this area is AIDA64. It allows you to find out not only the type and parameters of the storage device, but also the characteristics of the rest of the "hardware". To check what kind of RAM is on the laptop, you need to:

Having figured out the parameters of the RAM, you can independently increase its volume, thereby improving the performance of the laptop.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is an essential component operating system... She means by herself volatile device, which allows you to store executable machine code, as well as input and intermediate instructions processed by the processor. This device works only when the module is energized i.e. while the computer is running. Interrupting the work of the PC leads to the destruction of the stored information. In this material, we will take a closer look at how a user can find out the RAM of his computer and what characteristics need to be paid attention to.

First of all, you may need to find out the RAM in the case when needs to be replaced bar in order to increase the amount of RAM or when it is out of order. The amount of RAM primarily affects the overall performance of your computer. The larger its volume, the faster the programs will run.

When an application is launched, it uses some of the RAM to store the executable code. If there is not enough memory, the system uses the paging file (space on the hard disk, which is used if there is not enough RAM to carry out full-fledged work). The disadvantage of using a paging file is that data exchange rate this memory is significantly lower in comparison with the operative one. The computer starts to slow down and talk about comfortable work not necessary.

To choose the right bar, you need to know the RAM specification, frequency, voltage, volume, timing, voltage, form factor.

Determining our RAM

standard... Depending on performance and design features, modern memory is divided into the following types: "DDR2", "DDR3" and "DDR4". Nowadays, as a rule, module manufacturers use "DDR3" and "DDR4";
volume. This parameter refers to the amount of data that can be stored in memory locations;
frequency... The parameter means the speed of execution of operations per unit of time;
timing... These are the time delays between sending a controller command and executing it;
voltage... Voltage required for optimal bar performance;
technical product standard... The physical size, shape of the RAM strip, as well as the number and location of contacts on the board.

Visual inspection

Random access memory is a rectangular bar, most often green, with chips located on the surface. Typically the manufacturer glues a special sticker on the surface where the characteristics of the device are indicated.

In some cases, manufacturers may not provide any additional information. Benefits this method is that the user receives detailed information about the specification of the module. The disadvantages include the fact that not all manufacturers provide information on the characteristics of RAM and laptop owners will have to remove the back cover.

In order to find out what memory is installed on the computer DDR2 or DDR3 and other characteristics, you will need to perform the following steps:

we disconnect the computer or laptop from the network;
after that, remove the side cover with system unit... On a laptop, you will first need to remove the battery and open the service cover on the back panel;
carefully remove the module from the connector and examine the sticker.

Let's take Crucial's RAM (laptop) as an example and take a closer look at it.

We are interested in the inscription "2GB 204 - PIN DDR3 SODIMM PC3 - 12":

« 2 GB"Is the amount of installed memory;
« 204 – PIN"- form factor (number of contacts);
« DDR3"- type of RAM;
« SODIMM»- form factor (this bar is intended for laptops);
« PC3 - 12»- module type and bandwidth. In this case, the bandwidth is 12.8 GB / s.

Now let's look at the RAM bar for a personal computer from the manufacturer ADATA.

Here we will be interested in the line "DDR4 2133 (15) 4GBx8 U-DIMM":

« DDR4"- the type of RAM. On this moment is the most productive solution. Works at high frequencies;
« 2133 »- frequency in MHz;
« (15) »- timing (the amount of delay between the arrival of the command and its execution);
« 4GBx8"- 8 modules of 4 GB each;
« UDIMM"- a type of DIMM memory, the prefix" U "means no buffer - this increases the risk of errors when accessing cells. Moreover, such errors are not critical for ordinary personal computers. Therefore, there should be no problems with non-registered "UDIMM" memory.

Consider another type of RAM, where the manufacturer indicated the following data on the sticker.

The manufacturer of the module in this case is GOOD RAM. Here we see the following line: "DDR2 1GB PC6400 DIMM";

« DDR2»Type of RAM. At the moment, it is practically not used. But on some PCs and laptops it is still found;
« 1 GB" - volume;
« PC6400»- bus frequency. In this case, it is 800MHz;
« DIMM»(Dual In-line Memory Module) - double-sided memory module. In it, the contacts are located on the wallpaper parts of the module and are independent of each other.

Also, the RAM strips differ from each other in the number of contacts, let's take a closer look at these examples:

Specification table:

ModulesDDR4:

Through the BIOS and through the UEFI interface, you can see the characteristics of the installed memory. First, let's look at the process for BIOS:

Let's take a look at the process for UEFI:

Advantages:

thanks to this way multiple RAM modules can be tested;
UEFI gives you quick access to the information you need. This is possible thanks to the intuitive interface.

Disadvantages:

difficult navigation... If the user has no experience in using BIOS, then it will be difficult to find the necessary information;
in older versions of BIOS, the required information may not be specified.

Using standard Windows tools

Find out how much RAM is on Windows computer 7/8/10 is possible using standard operating system tools. They cannot show detailed memory parameters, only some data. In the Windows 10 operating system, you can get much more data than in the lower editions. Next, let's look at the main methods.

How to find out the specifications for Windows 10:

The second method involves using information about the computer:

The third way is to use the utility " System information»:

Third Party Applications

For the operating room Windows systems there are enough applications that can diagnose the system and find out detailed characteristics. Next, we will consider applications that allow you to get all the necessary information about the installed RAM.

CPU-Z

A small program that allows you to find out the detailed characteristics of your computer. When using it, there will be no difficulties. Plus CPU-Z does not require installation.

Instructions:

AIDA64

A functional utility that allows you to complete computer diagnostics and also perform system stability testing. Through the use of monitoring, users can find out what resources are being used by the system at a given time.

Instructions:

HWINFO64-32

Simple and convenient application to diagnose the system and hardware components. At the same time, users can install the Portable version of the software, which does not require installation.

Instructions :

download the program HWINFO64-32;
unpack the archive to the desktop and run the executable file;
then go to the section " Memory»Which provides detailed information about the installed RAM.

Free software that allows you to get detailed information about the system and hardware components. In addition to the free version, there is also a PRO version with extended functionality.

Information:

Open the context menu of the shortcut "My Computer" (right-click on it once). Then select "Properties".

As a result, a window will appear, where the size of the available RAM, the type of operating system (for example, 32-bit), etc. will be indicated.

An alternative method is to go through the "Start".

Start - Run.

In the window that appears, manually enter msinfo32 and press Enter.

Another way, which is based on a combination of function keys.

Press "Win + R" and in the window that opens, enter dxdiag.
A new window will appear. Pay attention to the line "Memory". The physical amount of computer memory will be indicated there.
All methods describe the free amount of Gigs on your PC.

But how you can find out exactly the RAM of your laptop or computer, read its additional characteristics below.

I want to warn you right away that you cannot do without the use of third-party applications and utilities. One of these programs is Speccy. It allows you to access all the characteristics of the modules and boards that are currently connected to your PC.

The utility is free and available for download from the Internet.

After downloading the program, proceed with the installation. The utility is installed in standard ways, without much difficulty.

To check what kind of RAM is installed on your PC, do the following:

Run the program.
Open the "RAM" section.

And then just read the information you are interested in. Everything is described there in an accessible and understandable way. There are characteristics about the type of DDR, the number of channels, volume and frequency. You can also see how many percent of the RAM is used at a given minute and a lot more. useful characteristics... Based on these characteristics, you can decide whether or not you should.

And here is the most direct way how you can find out the RAM of your computer. If you understand all the hardware of the system engineer, then:

turn off the power supply of the system unit;
remove the cover;
pull out the modules with memory and read the characteristics you are interested in directly on them.

However, this method is only for experienced craftsmen, not for beginners.

On a note! Recently if you missed I was telling or. I also spoke. Be sure to read and do not forget to leave comments on the articles.

That's all for me! Now you surely know how to find out the computer's RAM. Please write your wishes and comments under the article. I also advise you to subscribe to new blog articles and receive new ones directly to your mail. I wish all my readers great health and peace!

From Uv. Evgeny Kryzhanovsky

Random access memory (RAM, or RAM) is one of the main components of a computer. It depends on its volume how many utilities the user can run simultaneously without losing performance. In addition, the vast majority of games and programs require a certain amount of RAM for normal operation. That is why inexperienced users often wonder where to look at their RAM and how to find out its size.

RAM volume

If you are interested in the amount of RAM, you can find it out in a few seconds using the built-in functions OS Windows .

Specifications

Many users are concerned not only with the capacity of RAM, but also with its detailed characteristics - first of all, the frequency at which the RAM operates. This is due to the fact that, when planning to buy additional RAM, it is imperative to check how compatible it is with other equipment - the motherboard and the processor. The fact is that adding a RAM strip with an unsuitable frequency to a PC is fraught with problems:

If the purchased RAM operates at lower frequencies than the one already in the system unit, motherboard will automatically set the frequency of operation of all strips according to the slowest module - the one that you purchased. In other words, you will spend money, but you will not notice the expected increase in performance.
If the new RAM strip operates at high frequencies that are not supported by the motherboard and processor, in best case will be the same as in the previous paragraph (ie, the system will automatically lower the frequency of the new equipment), and at worst, the module will operate at its own frequency, but the PC will constantly reboot and periodically display "screens of death". In the second case, you will have to go into the BIOS and manually set the required frequency for the bar.

If you are thinking about purchasing a new RAM module, the first thing to do is to check the characteristics of the installed hardware using special programs. The most popular are:

Decoding information

By far the easiest way to get reliable information about a memory module is to remove it from the motherboard slot (of course, with the PC turned off) and read the information indicated on it. But this method has one difficulty - an ordinary user will almost certainly not be able to decipher the received data. In fact, it is not as difficult as it sounds.

For example, let's take a Kingston RAM with the following information: Kingston KHX6400D2LL / 1G. It stands for it like this:

Kingston is the name of the manufacturer.
6400 - bandwidth, measured in GB / s.
D2 is a type of DDR2 RAM.
1G - the volume of the module is equal to one gigabyte (more precisely, 1024 MB).

To find out the frequency at which the RAM operates, you need to divide its bandwidth by 8. In this case, divide 6400 by 8 and get 800 MHz.

If you need more detailed information about RAM (voltage, presence of a radiator, number of contacts, etc.), you can simply drive its data into a search engine and view the characteristics in all details.