How To Update Ram Drivers

Is your computer running slower than expected, freezing during multiple tasks, and showing random errors even though you have already installed plenty of RAM? Many users think that issues lie in hardware, but in reality, outdated or missing RAM drivers could be a reason.

If you are facing this issue, we can provide you with expert guidance in this regard. But the interesting fact is that RAM does have a specific driver for itself. You don't directly update the RAM drivers in the same way as we update other drivers, i.e, graphics, network, etc. 

Now the question is which drivers should be updated that help boost our RAM functionality. In this blog, we will guide you on how to update or upgrade your RAM, how to see their version, explain their relationship to BIOS updates, and also explore related drivers such as hard drive, USB, and monitor drivers.

What are RAM Drivers?

RAM drivers are a hardware component that help your operating system to interact with memory modules, CPU, motherboard, and other elements.

RAM does not get Driver updates directly. The software that is needed for RAM is integrated into motherboards and the OS (operating system). It comes with chipset drivers or BIOS firmware that controls how memory works with the processor. Their performance is tightly connected to the drivers and firmware that manage your system.

Why Does RAM Not Have Drivers?

RAM is a hardware component that works directly with your CPU and motherboard. Unlike a graphics card, keyboard, or printer, it does not require its own driver, so how can we update RAM drivers in a laptop?  It depends on : 

• Chipset drivers
• BIOS/ UEFI firmware
• Operating system memory management 

Chipset drivers 

• Chipset drivers are a kind of software that ensures that the OS communicates properly with the motherboard's chipset.

BIOS/UEFI firmware 

• This firmware initializes RAM during Boot and sets important parameters, i.e, speed, timing, and voltage.

Operating system memory management 

• Operating system memory management plays a crucial role in how RAM is used. Windows, macOS, or Linux allocates, optimizes, and frees up  RAM dynamically for running smoothly even when multitasking.

Signs or Symptoms That You Need RAM Updation

You should look for warning signs that show that your drivers or firmware drivers are outdated. The signs are given:

• Frequent system crashes or freezes. 
• RAM is not fully detected, i.e, you installed 32GB but only show 16 GB.
• Poor performance in gaming and multitasking.
• Show Errors when running diagnostic tools.
• Random blue screen( BSOD) Errors in Windows.

How to Update RAM Drivers in Windows 10/11

Although RAM does not update drivers itself. You need to update those drivers to enhance the performance of the RAM. Here are the RAM-related drivers that you need to update:

Update Chipset drivers 

You can update chipset drivers through Device Manager. Steps to update chipset drivers are : 

• Press Win+X and select Device Manager.
• Expand System devices, right-click on your chipset controller or Intel R chipset devices.
• Click on update drivers, and tap on ok.
• Choose search automatically for updates.. It will automatically install the drivers if any updates are available.

Update BIOS/UEFI firmware 

BIOS /Firmware drivers are built into the motherboard firmware. They allow hardware recognition during boot-up before the operating system uploads.

• Steps to update BIOS/firmware drivers are simple
• Tap on the settings icon, search, and type Device Manager. 
• Expand the firmware from the given options. Right-click on it and click on Update. 
• Search for and choose automatically. It will automatically install the drivers if any updates are available. 

Update USB drivers or flash drivers 

• Updating USB drivers updates all USB drivers, including flash drivers 
• Open Device Manager 
• Expand universal serial bus controllers.
• Right-click on it and choose Update Driver. 
• Or use manufacturer utility (Intel USB3.0 driver, AMD chipset drivers, etc ).

Update Hard Disk

• Steps to update the Hard disk are : 
• Open Device Manager 
• Expand the Driver disk 
• Right-click on it and choose Update Driver 

Update Monitors

Monitors do not directly boost RAM, although they help in working efficiently with the graphics system. Updating monitor drivers improves communication between RAM, GPU, and monitor for smoother visuals. Helps in preventing flickering or black lines on laptop screens or crashes that force RAM to reload the process.

Steps to update monitors are ;

• Open the settings, search, and click on Device Manager
• Expand the Monitors and right-click on it
• Click on Update Drivers.

Why update RAM-related Drivers? 

Updating RAM-related drivers, e.g, chipset, BIOS, enhances PC performance. It ensures  : 

• Better system performance.
• Improved stability under heavy workloads.
• Compatibility with newer RAM modules.
• Reduced crashes or blue screens.

Enable XMP/DOCP for full RAM speed.  

By default, RAM may run slower than it is shown. For example, it may run 2133 MHz instead of 3200 MHz.To make RAM run at its actual speed, you need to enable XMP (Intel)or DOCP (AMD). Steps to enable XAMP /DOCP are:

• Restart your PC, press Del/F2 to enter BIOS. 
• Go to overclocking /memory settings.
• Enable XMP (Intel)or DOCP (AMD). 
• Save and exit, Windows will now use the full speed.

How to check whether XMP/DOCP is enabled or not?

• You can confirm it from the task manager, click Performance, then Memory, and check the speed. If it matches your RAM speed, then it is enabled; if it is much lower, i.e., 2133 or 2400Hz, then it is disabled.

Use Windows Update 

You can simply update your RAM through Windows Update. You need to open the settings, go to Windows updates, and select the CPU and chipset.

Updating Cipset or processor driver, click on check for updates. Steps are:

• Press Windows + I and open Settings.
• In Windows 10, go to Update and Security, then click on Windows Update 
• In Windows 11, go to Windows updates. 
• Then the last step is to click Check for updates.
• If any updates are available for the chipset or USB drivers, then they will install automatically.

How to Check the Version of RAM 

Have you ever thought about what type of RAM your computer is running? Knowing the version of your RAM is important when upgrading, troubleshooting performance issues, or checking compatibility with new hardware. Windows, macOS, and  Linux provide a  Straightforward way to check your RAM version from the system.

On Windows 07 

You can check your RAM in Windows 7 by following the given steps:

• Step 01: Open Task Manager  

Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager directly.

• Step 02: Tap on Performance 

The next step is to go to the performance tab.

• Step 03: Check the details 

Under physical memory (MB), you will see total, cached, and available memory.  But in Windows 07 Task Manager, you won't see RAM speed or slot information.

On Windows 10/11

You can check your RAM version on Windows in three different methods 

• Through Task Manager
• Using the command line
• Using a third-party tool 

Through Task Manager

 If you want to check the RAM version on Windows, you need to open Task Manager, tap on Performance, then click on Memory. Steps are :

•  Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. 
• Go to the performance Tab and click on memory.
• You will see the details like RAM type(DDR3, DDR4 ), speed (MHz), and the slot used.

Using the Command Line 

• Type this command to see your RAM features :  

Wmic memorychip get devicelocator, manufacturer, partnumber, speedtimings, and channels.

This shows the manufacturer, part, and speed of your RAM.

Using Third-party Tools

CPU-Z is a free software tools for Android and Windows that provide information about hardware components, CPU, motherboard, and RAM. 

Visit CPU-Z  from the official site, i.e, www.cpuid.com, click on Download.

• Open it and tap on the memory option.. It shows the DDR version, or speed. 

 On macOS 

Steps to check the version of RAM on macOS are:

• Step 01: Click on About This Mac

Go to the Apple menu and click on About This Mac. 

• Step 02: Click on overview 

The next step is to tap the Overview option.

• Step 03:Check the memory section.

Tap on the memory section, and it will display your RAM  how much it is used, and how much is available.

For checking RAM type and specs on Mac

• If you want to see the RAM Type on your MAC, Then Click on the Apple and search for system information.

• Go to hardware and choose memory. It shows the RAM type and speed.

On Linux 

• Steps to check the version of RAM on Linux are : 
• Run this terminal.

sudo dmidecode –type memory |grep “Type:”

•  Type this command will give a lot of information about each RAM stick that is installed on your PC.

How to Upgrade or Install RAM (Windows 7/10/11)

One of the easiest ways to boost speed and overall performance is by upgrading its RAM. You need to check your current RAM type by opening the task manager. Buy a compatible RAM, shut down the PC, open the case, locate the RAM slots, and insert it.

How to upgrade RAM in a HP Laptop 

You can upgrade RAM in Windows by replacing it with new RAM. Following the given steps;

Check your current RAM. 

 Open Task Manager By  Pressing  Ctrl+Shift+Esc, click on Performance, and then click on Memory. You will see the details of RAM, note the total size, speed, e.g, 2400 MHz, and the slot used.

 For upgrading RAM in an HP laptop, you need to visit the HP support site to confirm the maximum supported RAM and RAM type.

Buy compatible RAM

• Buy DDR Type (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5).
• Check the current speed (MHz)
• Check the maximum supported RAM in your motherboard manual. 
• For HP RAM, check from the HP support page.

Upgrade or Install RAM 

• Shut down the PC and turn off the power supply.
• Open the case, locate the RAM slots.
• Push the side clips outward, and insert the RAM sticks firmly until they click.
• Close the case and restart the PC.  

How to Increase RAM Without Buying New Ones 

If you are not ready to buy new RAM, there are several ways to optimize your existing memory and improve performance.

• Close background Apps 

Shut down the unnecessary programs running in the background to free up active memory.

• Disable Startup programs 

Prevent the apps from launching automatically when you start your laptop.

• Clear the Cache and temporary files. 

Freeed up the cache memory or temporary files. Regular cleanup reduces memory usage and boosts speed.

• Scan for malware 

Viruses and malicious software often consume RAM and slow down the PC.Use trusted antivirus software like AVAST, Windows Defender, etc, to regularly scan your laptop.

Conclusions

Updating your RAM is one of the easiest methods to increase the responsiveness of your PC. But RAM does not have a specific driver for itself, although we can update those drivers that help boost the RAM.

You can also upgrade your RAM by replacing it with new ones or without replacing it. All the methods are given in our blog. We provided both options, either you can update from within the system or replace it with new ones. By following our guide step by step, you will be able to update or upgrade your RAM safely and efficiently.