RAM (Random Access Memory), as most people know, is a vital computer component. It is a hardware that directly affects the performance of the computer, delays, startup times and the general operation of the computer.
RAM is a volatile type of memory. So what does this mean? When you shut down or restart your computer, all information on it is lost. When you open a program or file, data is first transferred to RAM for quick access by the processor. The data transfer rate and latency values of the memory can increase the performance and responsiveness of the computer.
How fast your system RAM is actually depends on frequency, bandwidth, total number of channels, amount, double data rate (DDR), latency, and It even depends on various factors such as the speed/general architecture of your processor. When most people talk about “RAM speed” they are actually referring to memory frequency (the number of instructions it can process per second). However, let us point out that there are different factors.
Your Memory May Be Working Slowly
There is something we need to talk about before anything else. For example, you purchased a RAM advertised as DDR4-3200. When you install these RAMs into your system, they may not operate directly at 3200 MHz.
The performance difference between RAM speeds varies depending on the usage scenario. However, when we use faster RAM, applications and games load faster. However, we also feel its effect when running more programs simultaneously. All aside, it can directly affect the performance of the application or game you use.
In order to use the memory to its full potential, you need to activate the XMP, EXPO or DOCP settings in the BIOS, depending on the motherboard. So how do we check at what frequency the memories operate?
How many MHz do the RAMs in my system operate at?
You can easily find out the speed of RAM through Windows, but you can also use additional utilities for more details.
Task Manager
If you just want to check memory speed, the easiest way is to use Windows 10 and Windows 11’s built-in Task Manager:
- To open the Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click the taskbar and then click Task Manager. ±n.
- Click on the Performance tab.
- Then, when you enter the Memory section on the left pane, you will see some information. As you can see in the screenshot “Speed: 2667 MHz”.
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- We need to make a reminder. Depending on your operating system version and build, half of your memory speed may appear in the Task Manager. For example, while my memories were running at 2666 MHz, I could see a value of 1333 MHz here. In such cases, do not forget to multiply the value by two.
Command Prompt
- Press Win + R keys simultaneously to open the Runs dialog box.
- Type “cmd” in the box and press Enter.
- Type the following command without quotes and press Enter.
“wmic memorychip get speed” ![]()
Windows PowerShell
- Right-click on the Start menu and click on “Windows Powershell (Administrator)”.
- Then type the following command without quotes and press Enter:
“Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_PhysicalMemory | Format-Table Devicelocator, Manufacturer, Speed” - Depending on the product, the RAM manufacturer and the slots it is installed in will also appear here:
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CPU-Z: How to Learn RAM Information?
CPU-Z is a very practical software to access detailed RAM information. You can download it from here and you can access information instantly.
In the CPU-Z Memory tab, the “DRAM Frequency” section shows the instantaneous operating frequency of the memory. Due to the “Double Data Rate” operating principle of the memory, we see half of the current speed here. Multiply the value you see by 2.
Memory Tab
- Type: RAM type of the computer. (DDR2, DDR3, DDR4)
- channel: In which channel mode our current memories operate.
- To you: The amount of memory currently used in the system.
- NB Frequency: Speed of the North Bridge.
Timings
This section contains the speed and delay values at which the existing memories operate.
- DRAM Frequency: These are the frequency values at which RAMs currently operate, and as they increase, they have a positive effect on performance. Adjust this value to get the full result. It is necessary to multiply by 2.
- Latency (CL): It is the delay value at which RAMs currently operate. It is better for this value to be low, and as the value decreases, it will have a positive effect on performance.
- trCD, trP, trAS, tRFC: These values represent the lower layers of the delay. It is better for these secondary and tertiary delay values to be low, and they also have an impact on performance.
SPD Tab
This tab contains all the fine details of the memories installed in our system. Likewise, this tab is also very important for us when buying new RAM.
- Memory Slot Selection: From here you can switch between available RAMs and select the memory whose details you want to view. Additionally, the memory type is included next to the #Slot options. (DDR3-DDR4 etc.)
- Module Size: Capacity of the selected memory.
- Max Bandwidth: Maximum bandwidth speed supported by the memory. Here repeat the hour value in parentheses. with 2Â We multiply.
- Module Manufacturer: The name of the company that produces the memory.
- DRAM Manufacturer: The name of the company that produced the chip inside the memory.
- Part Number: Batch number of the produced RAM. This number can be very easy when finding the memory model.
- Serial Number: Serial number of manufactured RAM
- voltage: Voltage value at which the memory operates.
Checking RAM with BIOS
Once you enter your BIOS, your RAM speeds are usually shown on the first screen. However, depending on the motherboard model and software, you may need to enter a different menu.
Mac Devices: How Can Apple Control Users?
- You can easily view RAM information with the System Information utility tool in the macOS operating system. You can see important information about your Mac’s memory, including its RAM speed, by going to the System Information window.
- Click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
- Click About This Mac in the drop-down menu. Next to memory, you’ll see how much RAM your Mac has and its specs.
What is the Difference Between MHz and GHz?
RAM speed usually appears in MHz (megahertz), but don’t be surprised if you see values in GHz (gigahertz) in some diagnostic tools or reports. Even though it looks different, the measurement is the same.
1 GHz directly equals 1,000 MHz. Therefore, a RAM speed of 1867 MHz can be represented as 1.9 GHz and rounded up. The use of GHz, which you see frequently in CPUs, only makes large numbers easier to understand by consumers. That is, just like using GB instead of MB when defining storage space or file size.
How to Overclock RAM?
If you want to run your memory at higher speeds, you can visit our article below:
