Do you know how to check how much RAM you have? Random-access memory (RAM) is crucial to your computer because it determines how well it will run. It also shows how effectively it can handle your various tasks and programs.
Furthermore, RAM provides faster access to data for computers. This data includes information about the operating system, programs, apps, etc. It also serves as temporary storage for data, which helps make the processor efficient and quick.
Typically, the bigger RAM your laptop or desktop has, the quicker your system can process information and the better it will run multiple applications simultaneously.
This guide shows you how to check RAM on Windows 10/11 and Mac, how to reduce memory usage, and other relevant information you need to know.
Let’s begin.
“I usually check RAM when I’m having performance issues or want to upgrade the RAM because I really hate it when my PC gets slow. So, I check the speed, capacity, and form factor to make sure they are compatible with the hardware. I also check the type of RAM to ensure the motherboard supports it.”
Aziz Hamidov, Tech Writer
Types of RAM
There are two types of RAM. All the other types of RAM, such as SD RAM, RD RAM, etc., fall under these two categories. Let’s find out what they are:
The RAM most popular in computers is called dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and it requires power to keep information stored. Every single DRAM cell stores charge in an electrical capacitor.
The capacitor refreshes every few milliseconds constantly to compensate for charge leaks. A transistor is a gate to regulate access to the capacitor’s value to read or write data.
The information stored in static random-access memory (SRAM) also needs a constant power source. But unlike DRAM, it doesn’t need to be refreshed frequently.
In SRAM, transistors serve as switches rather than capacitors, which are used to store charge. So one position represents a “1,” and the other, a “0.” SRAM uses many transistors to store data, while DRAM just needs a single transistor per bit.
How does the type of RAM affect gaming performance?
Even though the memory type won’t have a massive impact like the processor or graphics card, it can improve the frame rate and time. Beyond that, you can experience smoother gameplay and reduced lag. In short, the faster and more capacity a RAM has, the better. However, you need to balance the memory speed with the CPU and GPU to avoid bottlenecks.
How to Check RAM on Your Windows 10 or 11 PC
The various steps below can help you view your system’s memory. You can go through them and choose the one that best suits your preference.
We’ve grouped them from easy to not-so-easy to make it simple for you:
Method 1: Use the Settings app to check your RAM
If you want to check your total memory on Windows 11 or 10, follow these steps:
- Press the
Win + I keyboard shortcuts, select System, and click About.
- In the right sidebar, under Device specifications, look for Installed RAM; you should see how much RAM is installed on your PC.
Alternatively, open your search box, type “view RAM info,” and press Enter
Method 2: Use third-party software
One of the reliable third-party tools you can use is Auslogics BoostSpeed. It has numerous features to help you optimize your PC. And one of those tools is System Information.
Here’s how to check how much RAM you have using this utility:
- Go to Auslogics official website and download the program if you haven’t already. It only takes a few minutes.
- Launch the program and click on All Tools on the header.
- Then, scroll down and click on System Information.
- That’s it. You should see everything you need to know about your PC, including your RAM.
PRO TIP
Auslogics BoostSpeed goes beyond just giving you numbers. It’s a complete toolkit that analyzes how you use your system’s resources.
Besides monitoring your RAM usage, it helps you to understand where your memory is going and offers specific steps to reduce unnecessary utilization.
Here’s how to find out how much RAM you have using System Information:
- Type
system information into your Windows search bar. Select it to open the app.
- You’ll instantly see all the memory details, including the total and available physical memory. You’ll even see how much virtual memory you have there.
Interesting bit
If you’re an online gamer like me, you probably know how latency can affect your gaming experience. I’ve written a guide on how to fix latency issues and boost your FPS! Check it out (of course, after reading this article!)
Method 4: Use the Task Manager
Let’s go over how to check your RAM using the Task Manager:
- Press the
Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys at the same time to open the Task Manager.
- Click Performance and select Memory on the window.
You’ll see details like the total amount of RAM on your computer, the form factor, and even the number of slots used. This can really be helpful when planning to upgrade your RAM.
Method 5: Use the Command Prompt
Follow the CMD prompts below if you want to know how to find out how much RAM you have:
- Press
Win + R and type CMD in the Run dialog box. Then, hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter simultaneously to open the Command Prompt with admin rights.
- Select Yes when you get a prompt by the UAC to proceed.
- Enter the following commands, depending on the information you want to see:
View the RAM manufacturer: wmic memorychip get devicelocator, manufacturer
Check the part number: wmic memorychip get devicelocator, partnumber
Verify the serial number: wmic memorychip get devicelocator, serialnumber
See the RAM capacity: wmic memorychip get devicelocator, capacity
Check total system memory capacity: systeminfo | findstr /C:“Total Physical Memory”
Determine the memory module speed: wmic memorychip get devicelocator, speed
Check the memory type: wmic memorychip get devicelocator, memorytype
Determine full memory details: wmic memorychip list full
These details are crucial when troubleshooting hardware and software-related issues and contacting technical support.
PRO TIP
All the methods covered give you the basic information you need. However,
Auslogics BoostSpeed goes further than that.
The System Information tool gives you more info on your memory modules if you want to change your memory or fix your slow PC, including other details like your motherboard and more.
How to Check RAM on macOS
Follow the steps below to check the RAM usage on Mac:
- Click Go in the Finder’s menu bar and select Utilities.
- Double-click on Activity Monitor.
- When the monitor opens, select the Memory tab.
- Here, you’ll see your computer’s memory. You can also see all the active processes and how much each program uses.
Bonus Tip
Did you know when your memory is full, your PC can become sluggish, freeze, or crash? Your virtual memory can compensate, but your system will take a hit for the worse. Check our guide on how to clear your memory and decrease its usage.
How to Check RAM: Explained
We’ve shown you how to find out how much RAM you have throughout this article. You can go through the methods and choose the one that works for you.
If there’s a step we didn’t cover, let us know in the comments below!
FAQ
The amount of RAM your system can take depends on your operating system and motherboard. You need to check the specifications on your motherboard in the manual that came with your PC. Another way is to search on the manufacturer’s website.
If you want to correct RAM for your system, check the type of RAM you have and the type your motherboard supports. Also check the maximum speed and capacity the motherboard can take. If you want the best performance, buy the RAM modules in pairs. That will allow you to take advantage of dual-channel memory configurations.
The easiest way to check your memory speed is to use the Task Manager. Just press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it, go to Performance, and click on Memory. You should see your RAM speed.
Several factors can affect how your RAM performs. The common one is the amount of memory you have. The less RAM you have, the more it affects how smooth your PC runs. Other factors include the quality of your RAM, its speed, and software-related reasons like too many processors running in the background.
Generally, when your computer is slow, you may need to upgrade your memory, especially when running many browser tabs or applications. Other signs include frequent crashes, high memory usage for no apparent reason, and apps taking too long to load.
It depends. You can remove the back cover and change the RAM modules for older Macs, like some types of iMacs, Mac minis, and Mac Pros. However, it’s difficult and somewhat impossible for newer Macs, particularly MacBooks, because the memory is soldered.
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