Your computer’s RAM (Random Access Memory) plays a vital role in its performance. Knowing details about your RAM such as its serial number, manufacturer, type, speed, etc. can be useful when troubleshooting issues, verifying authenticity, upgrading, or even selling your RAM modules.
This comprehensive guide will teach you multiple methods to find the serial number and other details of your RAM sticks without needing to open up your computer.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need to Know the RAM Serial Number?
Here are some common reasons why you may need to lookup the serial number and other details of your RAM:
- Troubleshooting Performance Issues: Knowing your RAM specs can help narrow down software/hardware incompatibilities causing system instability or crashes.
- Verifying Authenticity: RAM serial numbers help verify whether a RAM stick is genuine or counterfeit. This is useful when buying/selling used RAM.
- Warranty Claims: RAM serial numbers are required for warranty claims in case your module gets damaged within the warranty period.
- Replacing Faulty RAM: If a RAM stick goes bad, you can use the serial number to find an exact replacement module.
- Upgrade Planning: Checking your current RAM specs helps determine compatible upgrades for capacity/speed.
Methods to Find RAM Serial Number in Windows
Windows provides multiple ways to lookup details about your installed RAM sticks without needing to open up your PC.
Using Command Prompt
The Command Prompt provides access to detailed RAM information through the wmic command.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type
cmdand press Enter to launch Command Prompt. - Enter the command
wmic memorychip get serialnumber, partnumber, devicelocator, manufacturerand press Enter.
This displays a table with the serial number, part number, slot location, and manufacturer for all RAM modules installed on your system.
Using Task Manager
Task Manager’s Performance tab shows high-level RAM details like capacity, speed, slots used, etc.
Follow these steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Performance tab.
- Check the Memory section on the right pane.
Using System Information
The System Information utility provides in-depth technical data about your computer’s hardware.
Follow these steps:
- Type
msinfo32in the Windows search box and press Enter. - Go to Components > Memory.
- Check the RAM modules list to view serial number, manufacturer, speed, etc.
Using Third-Party Tools
Apps like CPU-Z and Speccy can also help retrieve your RAM serial number and other specifications.
Such tools directly access and decode the RAM’s SPD data to show details like voltage, timings, clock speed, etc. They are especially useful for advanced users.
Finding RAM Details Physically
If the above software methods do not display the serial number, you will need to physically remove and check the RAM label instead.
Warning: Handle RAM sticks carefully to avoid damage from static discharge.
Follow these steps:
- Shut down your computer and disconnect power cables.
- Open the CPU cabinet and locate the RAM slots on the motherboard.
- Gently press the release clips on both sides of the RAM stick and pull it out vertically.
- Check the label sticker on the RAM for a serial number printed near the barcode.
- Note down the specifications before carefully reinserting the RAM back into the slot.
Conclusion
Finding your RAM serial number and other details is now easy on modern Windows PCs, without requiring physical access or hardware tools.
The wmic command provides the most convenient way to lookup RAM serial numbers from Command Prompt itself. Third-party system information utilities like CPU-Z and Speccy offer more advanced technical data as well.
Knowing your RAM specifics helps with computer troubleshooting, upgrades, warranty claims and ensures you get maximum performance.
So next time you need to find RAM serial numbers, use one of the simple methods listed in this guide to retrieve it right from within Windows.
