RAM is a volatile part of the computer memory system that stores executable machine code (programs) while the computer is running, as well as input, output, and intermediate data processed by the processor. RAM is one of the most important components of a computer, on which its performance also depends.
Today we’ll talk about how to find out the frequency of RAM in the Windows operating system. I would like to immediately note that for this we will use third-party software. I hope this doesn't cause you any difficulties.
The first program is CPU-Z. This is a utility for displaying technical information about the user's personal computer, distributed free of charge. Download CPU-Z to your computer, install and run. The program needs some time to collect data.
When the program is launched, open the Memory tab. Take a look at the DRAM Frequency item - this is the frequency of the RAM.
Please note that in this case we are talking about the real, that is, the physical frequency of the RAM at which the chip operates. There is also the so-called effective memory frequency, which can be 2, 4 and 8 times higher than the real one. For example, modern GDDR5 video memory typically operates at 4 passes per clock. If the actual frequency is 1000 MHz, then the effective frequency is already 4000 MHz.
Unfortunately, CPU-Z only shows the actual frequency.
If you want to see both the real frequency and the effective one on the screen, you need to use the AIDA64 utility. It is paid, but has a trial period, so you can use it completely free for 30 days.
Download AIDA64 from the official website, install and launch it. In the program window, select the “System Board” section and again “System Board”. Here you find the subsection “Memory bus properties” and see both the real and effective frequency.
I think these two programs will be quite enough for you.
The frequency of RAM affects many computer parameters, including operating speed, video graphics speed, etc. Despite this, many do not know where to look for this characteristic. This article will help you figure it out
In order to find out the frequency of RAM you need to do a few simple steps:
If you need to find out exactly how RAM is used, you can do it as follows:
On the keyboard, simultaneously press Ctrl + Alt + Del. This will allow you to select the task manager. Some versions of Windows, for example ten, after pressing these keys, it may not be the task manager that appears, but another command window. In this window you will need to select the “task manager” tab.
After opening the manager, you need to select the “performance” tab at the very top.
The window that appears shows a graph of the cost and speed of your RAM and gives a clearer picture for analysis.
Now that you know how to view the RAM frequency, you can easily view it on any computer.
And I immediately set up the RAM, because... The default frequency is 1600 mg, and I have 1866 mg, i.e. The BIOS automatically lowered it... Well, it’s not in vain that I overpaid the money, after all, I read the reviews and selected the RAM specifically for my intel i7... In general, now I’ll show you!
To find out the RAM frequency, you need to download the aida64 program:
We launch and go straight to - test - reading from memory. Click update at the top and see your result.
In the pictures we see that in my case I configured everything correctly and, as per the documents, my frequency is 1866 mg.
Attention! Especially for those who doubt, I set the frequency to 1600 and did the test:
And some may ask, what kind of RAM do I have in general, documents may be lost, for example, or something else.
For this we go to motherboard - SPD and at the top, for example, in my case there are 2 identical DIMM2 strips: Kingston HyperX KHX1866C10D3/8GX. From the name it is clear that the memory frequency is 1866Hz
That's all, I hope the article about RAM frequency was useful and interesting to you)
In these 2 videos you can see how to change the RAM frequency in bios manually or using XMP profiles.
The performance of a computer depends on the RAM installed on it. Some PC users may not know that it’s not just the volume, but also the clock speed of the installed boards. It depends on their capacity:
Random access memory (RAM) is the computer's memory. The central processor processes incoming information using RAM, which is considered an intermediate link in the functionality of the motherboard.
Note! If the computer has 2 installed at different frequencies, then the information will be processed at the speed of the smaller chip. Many PC users are unaware of this. By installing several of these boards on the motherboard, you expect more powerful performance from the system.
You can find a RAM module with information about it, both using third-party programs and without using them.
In these methods, you can consider the maximum memory frequency that is installed on the computer.
Step 1. To get to the BIOS menu, turn on or restart the computer or laptop and press the “Delete” button on the keyboard several times. We get to the main menu (MAIN).
Step 2. Use the arrows on the keyboard to move to the OC Tweaker tab.
Step 3. Using the down arrow again, we go down to the Memory Configuration item, and in it, in the first row opposite the Memory Clock, the operating frequency will be located.
Advice! As an additional option, you can get to the same “Task Manager” window through the search form in the “Start” menu, filling in the necessary information and clicking on the option that appears.
There are several options to get to “Computer Information”, where we can see what RAM is on the PC:
There is another long way, for new PC users, through the system settings.
You can purchase the program on the Internet from any distribution resource, preferably from a trusted one. The free version can be downloaded from the official website https://www.aida64russia.com.
Note! If you download from. Aida64 Extreme Edition website, then the version will be free for 30 days, but this will be enough for you to check the RAM on your computer.
There are quite a few programs on the Internet for checking and. It is advisable to download and install those versions that are time-tested and do not contain additional third-party equipment and viruses:
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows Memory Diagnostic Utility | One of the effective programs that works without an OS. The developer is Microsoft. This is the best option for finding errors in RAM |
| MemTest86+ | This program works without loading the OS. Has a high speed of passing tests, shows information about the amount of memory |
| SuperRam | This is a multifunctional utility. It conducts memory speed tests and monitors resources. The main function of SuperRam is the main focus on RAM optimization. The program scans RAM and frees up space that is not being used by the CPU |
| MEMTEST | A very small utility. In the Free version, it diagnoses the declared amount of memory. Other paid versions have advanced functions for displaying RAM information |
| RightMark Memory Analyzer | This utility already has a built-in graphical interface for working with Windows. The main argument of the program is to set the priority of checking RAM without loading the system |
Tests and checks of RAM must be carried out in cases where:
This program takes up virtually no space on your computer and when installing it, it is better to select “Install on desktop” so that after checking it can be easily removed from the system.
A few proven tips:
Motherboards have limitations in the amount of RAM they can accommodate. Older models fit a maximum of 4 GB of RAM, newer models have 16 GB, and currently 32 GB are already available. To find out the capabilities of your motherboard, look at the specifications at the office. manufacturer's website. Pay attention to the frequency of the RAM.
Make sure the memory is working.
It also happens that the RAM was purchased defective or damaged upon delivery, and in order to check, you need to manipulate the motherboard.
Attention!!! All actions with RAM strips must be carried out when the computer is disconnected from the network.
The dies must be removed one by one, plugging one into one connector at a time. Boot your computer and enter the BIOS by clicking the Delete button. The instructions above described how to check the RAM frequency. You can also check the RAM on another computer using the same steps.
Reset BIOS settings.
Attention! Don't forget to unplug your system unit before removing the battery.
This method will not harm your installed OS, it will only lead to resetting the BIOS content itself. There is a round battery on the motherboard. She needs to be pulled out. Wait 15 seconds. and insert into place. To reliably reset the BIOS to factory settings, you can carefully short-circuit the contacts with a screwdriver, as shown in the photo below.
Frequency plays an important role in computer performance. It is even sometimes called the “brains”, because its functionality largely determines the computing power of the PC. Usually, users look at the amount of RAM and do not notice the RAM at all and what does it affect? Let's talk about this.
The frequency of RAM can vary over a fairly wide range. However, recently the most popular values are 1333 and 1600 MHz. They are installed in modern laptops and computers. The first and easiest way to find out what frequency of RAM in your computer involves using the CPU-Z program. It takes up only 1 MB of disk space, and you can download it for free on the official website.
Find this program on the Internet, download it and install it. Now run it and you will see the utility window on the screen. We are interested in the Timings section and the parameter that is specified there. We are talking about the DRAM Frequency parameter. If the value opposite this parameter is 1333 MHz, then this means that the RAM frequency is 1333 MHz. Now you know how to check the frequency of RAM, there is nothing complicated here.
But don't stop at frequency. Using this program, you can also find out what type of RAM sticks are used (the Type parameter is responsible for this), the total amount of memory of all sticks, the number of channels, etc. It is not necessary to use the CPU-Z program. There is also a utility called Aida64, which displays more detailed information about your hardware. But it is distributed for a fee, although there is also a stripped-down free version. It should be enough for this purpose.
There is a second way, which tells how to find out the frequency of RAM. For this we need a Phillips screwdriver. As you already understand, we will unwind the computer case and look directly at the RAM bar itself.
The fact is that information stickers are placed on the strips themselves, which display data about these very strips. Therefore, turn off the computer, open the system unit (you do not need to do this if it is under warranty) and look at what is written on the sticker. Typically, the size of the RAM module and its frequency are always indicated there.
If you have a laptop, then you also need to unscrew it, but in this case everything is a little simpler. Typically, laptops have covers on the bottom panel with screws that cover the compartment with installed RAM strips and a hard drive. You just need to unscrew the screw and remove the cover. There will be RAM modules installed there, which can be checked. If the cover says HDD, then there is a hard drive underneath it, so you don’t need to unscrew it.
This method requires restarting the computer, because otherwise we simply will not be able to enter the Bios. Restart the computer and immediately press the following buttons: Delete, F1, F2, F3, F6, F8. In fact, you only need to click on one of them, but different computers use their own button to enter the Bios. Therefore, press everything and don’t worry, nothing bad will happen. So, you have entered "Bios". Depending on the motherboard model, its interface may differ, so it is impossible to say exactly where to click.
In the Main tab, you will definitely see the amount of RAM, but not its frequency. After walking through the remaining tabs, you will definitely find information about the RAM manufacturer, frequency and even type. Most likely, this information is located in the Advanced tab, although it may be in other sections. When exiting Bios, do not save changes. Suddenly you pressed something there that you shouldn’t have.
Many users are interested in how to increase the frequency of RAM. This can be done in theory, but is not recommended. After all, an increase in frequency will not pass without leaving a mark on the computer. When overclocking RAM, you have to change the ratio between the system bus frequency and the memory bus frequency. That is, an improvement in one parameter entails a deterioration in another.
It’s another matter if yours has a frequency, for example, 2100 MHz, but operates at a frequency of 1600 MHz. In this case, overclocking it simply involves setting its real frequency in the Bios. That is, you can manually specify the frequency and that’s it. However, by default the Bios settings are set to Auto. This means that the system uses the minimum values of RAM, which are registered in a special chip. After setting the desired values, restart the computer, first saving all changes.
Frequency overclocking is done in the same way. Sometimes you can just set the value to, say, 100 MHz higher than the current one and reboot the computer. After a reboot, if the system is stable and programs like Aida64 show a new frequency value, you can try to increase it even more. Go to “Bios” again and set the value to 100 MHz higher. Let's check our computer again. We advise you not to accelerate too much and not to use large steps to accelerate. If, after the next increase in frequency, you notice that the computer, for example, is taking a long time to boot, then it is better to return the value to the previous one. But the symptoms of overclocking may be different.
Is it possible to burn RAM this way? Quite. Therefore, it is not recommended to set a frequency value that would greatly exceed the current one. Overclocking may require installing heat sinks on the RAM strip to remove heat, since the strips themselves will heat up more. That's all. We found out not only how to find out the frequency of RAM, but even how to overclock it.
