How to tell what memory is in a desktop pc? (DDR, DD2 etc)

[1vngal]

Hey guys, I'm in the process of replacing some bits on my partners computer basically because his computer is poo. One thing that's a must is to replace the memory. Only I'm not sure what type of memory is in it.

Is there a way to tell if the sticks of memory that are in it are DDR, DDR2 or DDR3? It doesn't say on the sticks themselves. I do know however that there are 2 512's in it. I don't know if that makes a difference.....

Thanks in advance.

[HoldrodeoLT]

How old is the PC?

[1vngal]

About 3-4 years. Roughly.

[HoldrodeoLT]

DDR DDR2 DDR3 will all fit IF it is DDR ram. Which i dare say is more than likely it is.
"SDram" is a diffrent shape and wont fit in your mother board

[Dangerous Dave]

Er, no.. they should all have different keyways in them, as well as differing drive voltages and different onboard controller types

.. DDR is NOT DDR !!! (sounds like an Castrol ad... anyway..)

Download a program called Cpu-Z, it will tell u everything about your machine and what type of RAM you will need .

AND ITS FREE

[HoldrodeoLT]

Wow i was wrong..
i probably shoud of added that its been 7 years since i built my computer... not very up to date with new shiz
My bad...

[levymetal]

yeah run cpu-z or if you have some time, count the pins . ddr has 184 pins, ddr2 has 240.

[STEALTHY™]

lol screw counting pins.

I use PC Wizard, tells me everything i could possibly want to know, and some stuff i'd never need to know aswell (And shows what temps everything is running at)

[D-Man]

Ok easiest way - find out what Motherboard he has. e.g - GIGABYTE P55.

Google that e.g - GIGABYTE P55 recommended Ram modules

you will find that "corsair DDR3 modules" are a recommendation.

from that you can deduce that DDR3 is the ram type you are looking for and the brand is essentially irrelevant.


the Motherboard colour will also tell you what type it is if he doesnt have the mobo box....

[1vngal]

Thanks for the replies guys, we found out that it is DDR2. Now to just get the shit of a thing connected to the internet......