How To Identify RAM Type Physically?
If your PC is lagging, then there might be myriad reasons behind it. But one of the most common reasons behind a slow PC is its RAM. As such, you might need to change your RAM. But before you change out your RAM for a better one, you need to learn what kind of RAM you have. So the first question that you need to ask is- how to identify ram-type physically? If you are having trouble recognizing the correct type, then don’t worry. I am here to help you out. But first, you need to know about the various kinds of RAM available.
What Are The Various Types Of RAM Available?
Know that there are mainly DDR and SDRAM available in the market. But SDRAM isn’t used primarily by computers nowadays since it is prolonged compared to the DDR ones. So we will be focusing on the DDR ones here.
- DDR SDRAM: It stands for Double Data Rate SDRAM. Here you will get greater bandwidth while transferring data adequately on the falling and rising edges of a double pumped clock signal. Along with this, the bandwidth in this model is higher than the SDRAM given a single data-rate. Note that this happens without DDR SDRAM is changing its internal clock. Also, know that DDR SDRAM is a first-gen DDR memory, and so the transfer speed you will get is between 266-400 MT/s.
- DDR2 SDRAM: It is known as Double Data Rate Two SDRAM. The significant advantage of using this is that it can use the external present data-bus with twice the DDR SDRAM speed. This is possible because this RAM comes with an enhanced bus signal. Know that the internal transfer rate here can get to 533-800 MT/s.
- DDR3 SDRAM: It stands for Double Data Rate Three SDRAM, and the significant advantage here is that it uses 40% less power than the DDR2 models. But that’s not the only benefit of using this. Note that DDR3 comes with an SRT or Self-Refresh and ASR or Automatic Self-Refresh function. This enhances the refresh rate of memory control as per the temperature variation. Note that the transfer rate offered here is 800-1600 MT/s.
- DDR4 SDRAM: It is known as the Double Data Rate Fourth SDRAM, and it will give you a whopping transfer rate of 2133~3200 MT/s. This model uses the Bank Groups power tech where every power group comes with the ability to carry out the singlehanded operation. DDR4 makes use of 4 of them. Along with this, the model uses other features like Cyclic-Redundancy Check, CA parity, and Data-Bus Inversion.
How Can You Identify DDR RAM Physically?
Now that you know about the different RAM types, it’s time to understand how you can physically identify them. This will help you change it if your computer is lagging due to RAM issues. So, the first step is to remove the CPU case. Then you will be able to see the motherboard with RAM on it. Now here are the ways you will be able to physically identify your RAM:
Notch Distance
A notch refers to the cut-out mark present between the RAM pins. You will notice that DDR1 to DDR4 all have a cut-out notch present in their base.
- DDR1 has its notches beneath the IC.
- DDR2 has its notches beneath the UC too, but it’s a little far from it.
- DDR3 has a different sort of notch.
- The DDR4’s notch is present beneath the IC, but it’s the middle part as well..
Integrated Chip (IC)
- Know that DDR1 comes with an IC that touches the bottom and top of your RAM.
- Note that DDR2 comes with a more significant IC than the one in DDR3, but it’s smaller than DDR1.
- You will find that DDR3 has a square and small IC.
- As for DDR4, you will find its RAM right, in its center. Also, its IC is square and small like that of DDR3.
Pins
- Note that your DDR1 comes with 184 pins.
- Keep in mind that your DDR2 comes with 240 pins.
- Know that a DDR3 comes with 240 pins.
- Now, a DDR4 comes with 288 pins.
RAM voltage
Of course, you can’t use voltage to know about the kind of RAM you are using physically. However, you can use it for putting RAM correctly in your motherboard slot since the RAM voltage gets written down on your motherboard’s RAM slot.
- Note that DDR1 works at 2.5V voltage.
- Keep in mind that DDR2 works at 1.8 voltages.
- Know that DDR3 is operational bat 1.5 voltages.
- You should know that DDR4 works at 1.2 voltages.
Identifying RAM physically is easy if you know what to look at to understand the differences. After all, everything from the notch distance to voltage is different in each one. But if you are facing problems and aren’t sure about the RAM types, it’s advised that you call in a professional to help you.
About the Author Michael E. Yates
Hi! The words you are going to read comes from me! A geek passionately and a writer of 5+ years professionally. If you ask about my likings, well, I love to tag along with upcoming technology trends. Though I also have contributed to many more technology sites through my writings. If you ask about my dreams, then one of them is finding an instant solution for every device malfunction, so I am creating a blog post. A blog post that will help more people like me. I, introduce thepcstuff.com the result of my hard work and patience. Do not worry, with me and my team behind the computers will make sure every vital information related to technology reaches all of you people. So, if you are ready to go on an adventurous ride with thepcstuff.com and me, let's get started!
