Knowing your RAM type (DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5) matters when you want to upgrade memory, because new modules must match what your motherboard supports. Windows 10 can tell you the RAM type, speed, and capacity with a single command in Command Prompt or PowerShell, no extra software required. This guide shows the commands, how to read the codes they return, and other ways to check.
Quick Answer
Open Command Prompt and run wmic memorychip get devicelocator, capacity, speed, smbiosmemorytype. In the SMBIOSMemoryType column, 24 means DDR3, 26 means DDR4, and 34 means DDR5. In PowerShell, use Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory | Select-Object DeviceLocator, Capacity, Speed, SMBIOSMemoryType.
Method 1: Command Prompt (wmic)
- Click Start, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.
- Type this command and press Enter:
wmic memorychip get devicelocator, capacity, speed, smbiosmemorytype - Read the results. Each row is one memory module (stick).
Microsoft has deprecated the wmic tool, and it may not be available on some newer Windows builds. If you see "wmic is not recognized," use the PowerShell method below.
Method 2: PowerShell
- Right-click Start and choose Windows PowerShell.
- Run:
Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory | Select-Object DeviceLocator, Manufacturer, PartNumber, Capacity, Speed, SMBIOSMemoryType
The PartNumber is useful: search it online to find the exact module specifications.
How to Read the Results
| SMBIOSMemoryType | RAM type |
|---|---|
| 20 | DDR |
| 21 | DDR2 |
| 24 | DDR3 |
| 26 | DDR4 |
| 34 | DDR5 |
| 0 or 1 | Unknown or Other (check another method) |
- Capacity is shown in bytes: 8589934592 = 8 GB, 17179869184 = 16 GB.
- Speed is in MHz (really MT/s), such as 2666, 3200, or 4800.
- DeviceLocator shows the slot, such as DIMM1 or ChannelA-DIMM0.
Speed also hints at the type: DDR3 usually runs up to 1866 or 2133, DDR4 typically 2133 to 3200 or more, and DDR5 starts at 4800.
Other Ways to Check
Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, open Performance > Memory, and look at Speed, Slots used, and Form factor (DIMM for desktops, SODIMM for laptops). Some versions also show the DDR type at the top right.
System Information
Run msinfo32 for total memory and your PC model, which you can look up on the manufacturer's site for supported RAM.
Free tools
Well-known system information tools such as CPU-Z show RAM type, timings, and more on the Memory and SPD tabs. Download only from the developer's official site.
Check the module
The sticker on the RAM module lists its type and speed, if you can safely open the PC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix DDR4 and DDR5?
No. Motherboards support one type, and the modules are physically different.
Why does the command show 0 for memory type?
Some systems do not report it correctly. Use the speed, part number, Task Manager, or a system information tool instead.
Does this work in Windows 11?
Yes. The PowerShell command works in Windows 11; wmic may not be installed on newer builds.
Summary
- Run
wmic memorychip get smbiosmemorytype, speed, capacityin Command Prompt. - Or use
Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemoryin PowerShell. - 24 = DDR3, 26 = DDR4, 34 = DDR5.
- Confirm with Task Manager, the part number, or your PC maker's specs before upgrading.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.