The frequency of RAM plays an important role in computer performance. It is sometimes even called "brains", because its functionality largely determines the computing power of a PC. Typically, users look at the amount of RAM and do not notice the frequency at all. How to find out the frequency of RAM and what does it affect? We’ll talk about this.
How to find out the frequency of RAM?
The frequency of RAM can vary in a fairly wide range. Recently, however, the most popular values are 1333 and 1600 MHz. They are installed in modern laptops and computers. The very first and easiest way to find out what frequency of RAM is in your computer involves using the CPU-Z program. It takes up only 1 MB of disk space, and you can download it for free on the official website.
Find this program on the Internet, download and install it. Now run, and on the screen you will see the utility window. We are interested in the Timings section and the parameter that is indicated there. It's about the DRAM Frequency parameter. If the value of 1333 MHz is opposite this parameter, then this means that the frequency of RAM is 1333 MHz. Now you know how to check the frequency of RAM, there is nothing complicated here.
But do not stop at the frequency. Using this program, you can also find out what type of RAM strips are used (the Type parameter is responsible for this), the total memory size of all the strips, the number of channels, etc. It is not necessary to use the CPU-Z program. There is also a utility Aida64, which displays more detailed information about your hardware. But it is distributed for a fee, although there is also a stripped-down free version. It should be enough for this purpose.
Method 2
There is a second method that talks about how to find out the frequency of RAM. To do this, we need a Phillips screwdriver. As you already understood, we will spin up the computer case and look directly at the RAM strip itself.
The fact is that information stickers are glued onto the strips themselves, on which data about these same strips are displayed. Therefore, turn off the computer, open the system unit (you do not need to do this if it is under warranty) and see what is written on the sticker. Usually, the volume of the RAM module and its frequency are always indicated there.
Does this method work on laptops?
If you have a laptop, then you also need to unscrew, but in this case everything is a little easier. Typically, laptops on the bottom panel have lids on the screws that cover the compartment with installed RAM strips and a hard drive. You only need to unscrew the screw and remove the cover. There will be installed RAM modules, which can be checked. If the cover says HDD, then there is a hard drive under it, so it does not need to be unscrewed.
How to find out the frequency of RAM in the "BIOS"?
This method requires a reboot of the computer, because otherwise we simply won’t be able to go to BIOS. Reboot the computer and immediately press the following buttons: Delete, F1, F2, F3, F6, F8. In fact, you only need to click on one of them, but different computers use their own button to enter the "BIOS". Therefore, press everything and do not worry, nothing bad will happen. So, you have entered the "BIOS". Depending on the model of the motherboard, its interface may differ, so you definitely can’t say exactly where to click.
In the Main tab, you will definitely see the amount of RAM, but not its frequency. Walking through the rest of the tabs, you are sure to find information about the manufacturer of RAM, frequency and even type. Most likely, this information is in the Advanced tab, although it may be in other sections. When exiting BIOS, do not save changes. Suddenly you pushed something there, which was not worth it.
Is it possible to overclock the frequency?
Many users are interested in how to increase the frequency of RAM. This can be done in theory, but is not recommended. After all, an increase in frequency will not pass without a trace for a computer. When overclocking RAM, you have to change the ratio between the frequency of the system bus and the frequency of the memory bus. That is, an improvement in one parameter entails a deterioration in another.
Another thing is if your RAM has a frequency, for example, 2100 MHz, and works at a frequency of 1600 MHz. In this case, its acceleration involves simply installing in "BIOS" its real frequency. That is, manually you can specify the frequency and all. However, by default, the BIOS settings are set to Auto. This means that the system uses the minimum RAM values that are prescribed in a special chip. After setting the necessary values, restart the computer, after saving all the changes.
Frequency overclocking is done in the same way. Sometimes you can simply specify a value, say, 100 MHz above the current one and restart the computer. After rebooting, if the system works stably, and programs like Aida64 show a new frequency value, you can try to increase it even more. Again, go to the "BIOS" and set the value to 100 MHz higher. Check your computer again. We advise you not to overclock strongly and not to use large steps to disperse. If, after the next increase in frequency, you notice that the computer, for example, began to load for a long time, then it is better to return the value to the previous one. But the symptoms of overclocking may be different.
Is it safe?
Is it possible to burn RAM in this way? Quite. Therefore, it is not recommended to set a frequency value that would greatly exceed the current one. Overclocking may require the installation of radiators on the RAM bar to remove heat, since the strips themselves will heat up more. That's all. We figured out not only how to find out the frequency of RAM, but even how to disperse it.