How to Check What Hard Drive & Memory is on a PC
By Ruri Ranbe
All PCs store data to the hard drive and the random access memory (RAM). The computer loads active data into the RAM for faster data processing, and saves long-term data, like user files, to the hard drive. The more RAM a computer has, the faster it can perform. The more storage space a hard drive has, the more data it can store. To determine the hard drive's specifications, use Windows 7's built-in informational tools. To determine your memory's specifications, you can go to the Crucial website (www.crucial.com) and use its no-cost system analyzer.
Check the Hard Drive
Click "Start." Click "Computer" to open Windows Explorer. Right-click "C:" from the left pane.
Select "Properties" from the menu. Click "General" to view the hard drive's full capacity, used space and free space.
Click the "Hardware" tab to view the drives installed to the PC. Click the drive labeled "Disk drives."
Click the "Properties" button to view the name of the hard drive and device driver details. Click "OK" to close the window.
Check the Memory
Click "Start." Right-click "Computer." Select "Properties" from the contextual menu to open System Properties.
Check the information next to "Installed memory (RAM)" to see how much memory is installed on your PC.
Open a browser and go to the Crucial website (www.crucial.com). Click "Scan My System." Read the license agreement. Check the box next to "I agree to the Terms and Conditions."
Click "Download The Scanner." Click "Open" or "Run" to launch the scanner after it downloads to the computer.
Scroll to the "Specifications" table and view the information under "Currently installed memory" to see what kind of memory your PC uses.
Writer Bio
Ruri Ranbe has been working as a writer since 2008. She received an A.A. in English literature from Valencia College and is completing a B.S. in computer science at the University of Central Florida. Ranbe also has more than six years of professional information-technology experience, specializing in computer architecture, operating systems, networking, server administration, virtualization and Web design.