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To check your RAM type in Windows 11 or Windows 10, query the computer’s reported memory-device information in PowerShell. The MemoryType field can identify some generations, but Windows may not report a useful value on every system. If it does not, verify the exact PC or motherboard model in its manufacturer specifications or check BIOS/UEFI.

Check RAM type with PowerShell

  1. Open Start, search for PowerShell, and launch it. The query below reads Windows hardware information and does not require a third-party utility.

  2. Paste this command and press Enter:

    Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory |
      Select-Object DeviceLocator, Manufacturer, PartNumber, Capacity,
                    MemoryType, SMBIOSMemoryType, Speed, ConfiguredClockSpeed
  3. Read the output. Each row represents a physical-memory device Windows reports. If the computer has more than one reported device, use DeviceLocator, Manufacturer, and PartNumber to tell the rows apart. Capacity is shown in bytes.

The command queries Microsoft’s Win32_PhysicalMemory class, which exposes physical-memory details mapped to SMBIOS device information. Microsoft also documents PowerShell and WMI approaches for hardware queries in its WMI Tasks: Computer Hardware guide.

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Read the memory-type fields

MemoryType

Check MemoryType first. Microsoft documents 24 as DDR3, with a warning that this value may not be available, and 26 as DDR4. These are CIM values mapped to SMBIOS memory types, not speed measurements.

SMBIOSMemoryType

SMBIOSMemoryType is the raw SMBIOS memory-type field. It is different from MemoryType, which is the CIM-mapped value. The Microsoft reference cited above does not establish a DDR5 numeric mapping, so do not assume a particular number means DDR5 unless you verify it against a current authoritative source.

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Speed and ConfiguredClockSpeed

Speed and ConfiguredClockSpeed describe clock-related information, not the RAM generation. Microsoft describes configured clock speed in MHz and speed in nanoseconds. Do not infer DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5 from a speed threshold alone.

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If Windows does not identify the RAM generation

A blank, zero, or otherwise unhelpful MemoryType is inconclusive. It means Windows has not provided a useful generation value in that field; it does not prove that the computer lacks RAM of a particular generation.

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  1. Check the BIOS/UEFI information for the installed memory details. Firmware reporting can also be incomplete, so treat it as a confirmation path rather than a guaranteed fix.

  2. Look up the exact computer model, or the motherboard model for a desktop, on the manufacturer’s specifications or support pages. Use the model identifier rather than a broad product-family name when possible.

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Task Manager can be a quick first check if it displays a memory-type field on your system, but that field is not established as available on every Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer. If the RAM is soldered or the device’s serviceability is unclear, do not open it just to read a module label; consult the manufacturer’s service guidance.

Quick Recap

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G.SKILL Flare X5 Series DDR5 RAM (AMD EXPO & Intel XMP 3.0) 32GB (2x16GB) Up to 6000MT/s* CL36-36-36-96 1.35V Desktop Computer Memory U-DIMM - Matte Black (F5-6000J3636F16GX2-FX5)
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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