How to Check RAM Speed Quick Guide for Windows Users

There are multiple reliable methods to check your RAM speed (operating frequency) on Windows. Here's how:

Method 1: Using Task Manager (Simplest)

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click on the Performance tab.
3. Select Memory from the left-hand menu.
4. Look for the Speed field in the lower-right section.
5. The value displayed (e.g., 3200 MHz, 2666 MHz) is your current RAM speed.

Method 2: Using Command Prompt or PowerShell

1. Open Command Prompt (cmd) or Windows PowerShell as Administrator (Right-click Start menu > Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin)).
2. Run the command:
   wmic memorychip get speed
3. This lists the speed of each installed RAM module in MHz.
4. Alternatively, run the command:
   

   

   Get-CimInstance -ClassName Win32_PhysicalMemory Format-Table Speed, DeviceLocator

5. This shows speed paired with the module's slot location.

Method 3: Using System Information (msinfo32)

1. Press Win + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to System Summary.
3. In the right pane, scroll down and look for Installed Physical Memory (RAM) entries.
4. Find the entry named Speed. The value is your RAM speed in MHz.

Understanding the Results

• MHz Value: This number represents the effective data transfer rate (e.g., DDR4-3200 operates at 1600 MHz clock speed but achieves 3200 MT/s due to Double Data Rate). For checking compatibility or performance, the displayed MHz value (like 3200, 2933, 2666) is the crucial metric.
• Multiple Values: If methods show different speeds per module, ensure all sticks are rated for the same speed. Your system will run all RAM at the speed of the slowest module.
• Dual Channel: Checking slot numbers or DeviceLocator can indicate if modules are installed correctly for dual-channel operation, but doesn't change the speed reading.