Find RAM Serial Number: 4 Ways to Check
To find your RAM serial number, you can use the Command Prompt or PowerShell on Windows, the Terminal on macOS or Linux, or physically inspect the memory modules themselves. The easiest software method on Windows is running a single command in Command Prompt that reveals the serial number for each installed memory stick.
Why You Might Need the RAM Serial Number
RAM serial numbers are rarely needed for everyday use, but they become important in a few specific situations. If you are building a PC, upgrading memory, or troubleshooting random crashes, the serial number helps you identify the exact module. Warranty claims often require it—manufacturers use serial numbers to verify purchase date and model. If you have multiple identical-looking sticks and one fails, the serial number tells you which slot it came from. It also helps when checking compatibility with your motherboard’s QVL (Qualified Vendor List) or when selling used RAM.
Method 1: Use Command Prompt on Windows
This is the quickest method—no third-party software needed. Open the Start menu, type cmd, right-click “Command Prompt� and choose “Run as administrator.� Then paste this command and press Enter:
wmic memorychip get devicelocator, serialnumber
You’ll see a table with two columns: DeviceLocator (the slot name, e.g., “DIMM_A1�) and SerialNumber. If the serial number is all zeros or blank, your motherboard or BIOS may not be reporting it—this happens on some systems, especially laptops. In that case, try the PowerShell method below.
Method 2: PowerShell (More Detailed)
PowerShell gives you more fields, including part number and capacity, which can help confirm you’re looking at the right stick. Open PowerShell as administrator and run:
Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory | Select-Object DeviceLocator, SerialNumber, PartNumber, Capacity
This returns each module’s slot, serial, part number, and capacity in bytes (divide by 1,073,741,824 to get GB). If the serial is still blank, try the physical method.
Method 3: Physical Inspection
If software fails, you can read the serial number directly from the RAM stick. Power down your computer, unplug it, and open the case (desktop) or bottom panel (most laptops). The RAM modules are long, thin sticks plugged into slots. Look for a small white sticker on the side of the module—it usually contains a barcode, the part number (e.g., “M471A1K43CB1-CRC�), and a serial number (often starting with letters like “S/N� or “SN�). You may need to remove the stick to see the sticker clearly. Be careful with static electricity; touch a metal part of the case first. If you have multiple sticks, note which slot each came from.
Method 4: Third-Party System Info Tools
If the built-in tools don’t show a serial number, free utilities like CPU-Z or HWiNFO can often read it. These tools are widely used and trusted, but always download them from the official websites. In CPU-Z, go to the “SPD� tab—you’ll see a dropdown to select each memory slot, and the serial number appears under “Serial Number.� HWiNFO shows it under “Memory� in the sensor or summary view. These tools also display timing, voltage, and manufacturer, which is useful for matching RAM when upgrading.
What to Do If the Serial Number Is Blank or All Zeros
This is a common issue, especially on prebuilt systems and laptops. The motherboard’s BIOS may not pass the serial number to the OS. Your options:
- Check the BIOS/UEFI itself. Restart your computer and press the key shown on screen (often Del, F2, or F12) to enter setup. Look for a “Memory� or “DIMM� section—some BIOSes list serial numbers.
- Physically inspect the stick as described above—this always works if the sticker is present.
- If the stick has no sticker (rare on branded RAM, common on OEM modules), you may not be able to get the serial without contacting the manufacturer with the part number and capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find the RAM serial number without opening my computer?
Yes, usually. The Command Prompt and PowerShell methods work on most Windows systems. If they return blank, you might still get it from the BIOS or a third-party tool. Only if all software methods fail do you need to physically open the case.
Is the serial number the same as the part number?
No. The part number (e.g., “F4-3200C16D-16GTZR�) identifies the model and specs. The serial number is unique to each individual stick. Both are printed on the sticker, and both may be needed for warranty claims—the part number identifies the product, the serial number identifies your specific unit.
Why does my RAM show serial number 00000000?
This usually means the motherboard or BIOS doesn’t report the serial number to the OS. It’s not a fault with your RAM. Try the physical inspection or check the BIOS. Some older or budget motherboards simply don’t expose this data.
Does the serial number help me know if my RAM is compatible?
No. For compatibility, you need the type (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5), speed (e.g., 3200 MHz), and capacity (e.g., 8GB). The serial number is only for identification and warranty. Use the part number to look up specs online.
Can I use the serial number to check if my RAM is genuine?
You can contact the manufacturer’s support with the serial number to verify authenticity, but there is no universal database. Counterfeit RAM often has fake or reused serial numbers, so physical inspection and testing with a tool like MemTest86 is a better way to verify reliability.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.