How to Check Your RAM Frequency

RAM (Random Access Memory), along with motherboard, processor, graphics card, and hard disk type, comprises the essential hardware factors in computers.

When choosing a computer, people usually focus on the amount of RAM offered. The more RAM you have, the more things your computer will be able to do simultaneously. But what about RAM frequency (speed)? Here’s more about that.

How to Check RAM Frequency on Windows

To check RAM frequency on Windows devices, you can use either the Task Manager or Command Prompt. Both work identically, regardless of the version of Windows.

Checking RAM Frequency using Task Manager

There are multiple ways to start the Task Manager.

1. The most straightforward one is to right-click anywhere on the taskbar and select Task Manager from the menu that appears. Alternatively, you can use the Windows + X command to open this menu.
2. Alternatively, you can use the Ctrl + Alt + Delete command. Either will open the menu that allows you to lock your computer, switch users, and so on. On the list, you’ll also see the Task Manager option. Click it to open the Task Manager.
   • When you launch Task Manager, navigate to the Performance tab. On the list to the left, you’ll see various entries such as CPU, Memory, Disk 0, Wi-Fi, GPU, and so on. Select Memory. It should be the second entry on the list.
   • Then, in the Memory window that appears on the right side of the Task Manager screen, you’ll see the Speed entry. This number indicates the speed (frequency) of your RAM module.

The keyboard shortcut that will directly take you to the Task Manager is the lesser-known Ctrl + Shift + Esc command.

Checking RAM Frequency using Command Prompt

Like the Task Manager, you can access Command Prompt in a few ways.

1. Either right-click the Start menu or use the Win + X command. However, in some Windows versions, you won’t find Command Prompt this way. The alternative PowerShell option will exist, but you won’t be able to use the same commands to find your RAM frequency.
   • So, another way to run Command Prompt would be left-clicking Start, searching for Command Prompt, and hitting Enter. That should do it. Alternatively, press Windows + R on the keyboard to open the Run function, type in cmd, and hit Enter.
2. Once Command Prompt opens, use the following command to learn about your RAM frequency: wmic MEMORYCHIP get BankLabel, Capacity, DeviceLocator, MemoryType, TypeDetail, Speed.
   • Alternatively, you can use the wmic memorychip list full command. Note that this command works in PowerShell, as well.

How to Check RAM Frequency on macOS

There are two ways to check RAM frequency on Apple computers, as well. It’s all pretty straightforward, like most things on macOS computers.

Checking RAM Frequency using About This Mac

The most straightforward way to check your computer’s RAM frequency is via the About This Mac menu.

1. To display this menu, click the Apple logo located in the upper-left part of your screen.
2. From this menu, find and select About This Mac.
3. In the menu that pops up, you’ll see five tabs: Overview, Displays, Storage, Support, and Service. Select the Overview tab.
4. You’ll see a list of main hardware components for your computer. Under Memory, you’ll see all the specifications of your RAM. For instance, 8 GB 1600 Mhz DDR3.

Checking RAM Frequency using Utility

An alternative method to see your RAM frequency would be the Utility menu.

1. Go to the Applications folder and select Utility.
2. Inside this menu, navigate to System Information.
3. On the left-hand side, you’ll see a list of information, including hardware, network, software, etc.
4. Expand the Hardware option and find and select the Memory entry. When you select it, you’ll see information on the right side of the window. This information will include RAM frequency in MHz.

Checking Your RAM Frequency

Although RAM frequency doesn’t play an essential role in how well your computer performs, it is important, at least to an extent. Knowing which type of DDR you have and at what frequency rate your module works can be useful to know, at least for the sake of motherboard compatibility.

What is your RAM frequency rate? Do you have any other RAM frequency tips? Feel free to join the discussion in the comment section below and share your thoughts, suggestions, and questions.