The Intel Extreme Memory Profile, or XMP, is a function that customers must enable in order to use their RAM at the specified speeds. XMP was previously used in AMD motherboards, but it is now known as DOCP/EXPO in AM5 socket motherboards supporting the latest Ryzen 7000-series CPUs.
If you do not run your RAM in XMP mode, you are not using the memory at maximum speed. To enable it, the user must go into their BIOS and find the appropriate setting. This tutorial will assist you in doing just that. That being stated, let’s take a look at how to enable XMP on your PC to boost RAM speed.
How to enable XMP in Ram
The procedure for enabling XMP and using your RAM at higher clock speeds is identical for AMD and Intel, with current AMD boards referring to the setting as “DOCP” instead. That being said, let us first define XMP before proceeding to the step-by-step guide.
What is XMP
XMP, which stands for Extreme Memory Profile, is another memory standard developed by Intel for DDR3 RAM. It denotes a set of increased frequencies and timings that a RAM module might employ to improve performance.
While JEDEC memory profiles provide excellent compatibility (they are used by all manufacturers), XMP profiles allow RAM modules to operate at higher frequencies and with faster timings. They also account for the amount of extra voltage necessary. RAM modules that support XMP have already been tested by their makers, and they are guaranteed to run at the speeds saved in their XMP profiles properly. Now that you know what XMP is lets quickly dive into “How to enable XMP in Ram”.
How to enable XMP in Ram
1. Install RAM Module Correctly
While it may appear straightforward, you must install RAM in the exact slots specified in your motherboard manual to ensure dual-channel memory and XMP functionality.
2. Boot into BIOS Mode
Boot your computer by clicking the power button. Enter the BIOS mode by pressing the key, which is commonly “F2” or “Delete” on most PCs. When your computer initially powers up, you will notice a key to enter BIOS. If you need help, use the motherboard manual or your motherboard manufacturer’s website to locate your BIOS key.
3. Access the RAM XMP Settings
Navigate through the various menus in your BIOS to find the XMP feature. On AMD motherboards, it is referred to as EXPO/DOCP/EOCP. The name depends on the manufacturer of your motherboard. Therefore, consult its documentation if necessary. In general, the XMP setting is found in the “Overclocking” section.
XMP was discovered under “AI Tweaker” on the Beebom office’s ASUS Z790-E Strix motherboard. The XMP parameter was also accessible from the main BIOS page. Here, we must navigate to the “AI Overclock Tuner” and pick XMP II, as the explanation stated that XMP II would load the profile as implemented by the manufacturer rather than any additional tweaks. As a result, you’ve enabled XMP on your PC’s RAM.
After you enable the XMP feature, you might notice “XMP” profiles for your RAM, which include an MHz frequency as well as memory timings. Use your arrow keys to choose one of them, then hit Enter. Select the highest RAM speed if you have confirmed that it will work correctly on your motherboard. If you are unsure, test the lower-speed profile first and then adjust the RAM profile if necessary.
4. Exit BIOS Mode After Saving Changes
Then, in the BIOS, navigate to the exit menu. Then, scroll down to “Save Changes and Reboot” and press Enter. After that, your PC will reboot, and your new XMP profile (at full speed) will be applied. In the next part, we will show you how to check if your RAM is working at full speed.
5. Check that the RAM is running at full speed.
Let’s make sure XMP is activated, and your RAM is operating at maximum speed. Right-click the taskbar on your Windows 11/Windows 10 computer to do this. Next, launch Task Manager. The Windows 11 keyboard shortcut “Ctrl+Shift+Esc” can also be used to launch Task Manager.
Go to Performance -> Memory after that. You can observe the pace at which your RAM is working in the image below.
How to know if your RAM is XMP-compatible
Of course, you could read your RAM’s manual or check its technical specifications on the manufacturer’s support website to see if it supports XMP. Yet both methods are complicated, aren’t they? The simplest and most often used tool, CPU-Z, can be used to determine whether you have XMP RAM. On your Windows computer, download it, launch it, and then select the SPD tab. Any (relatively) contemporary computer running DDR3 or DDR4 should have the value XMP 2.0 in the SPD Ext. Field.
How to see if XMP is turned on in your PC
By entering your computer’s UEFI or BIOS, where you can look for the XMP profiles and see which one is set, you can determine whether your computer uses XMP for its RAM. But you might choose to avoid going to UEFI/BIOS for that, or you might prefer to be certain that the settings you made are implemented in Windows. Once more, CPU-Z saves the day.
Check the Timings Table on its SPD tab to see what XMP memory profiles are offered. Compare their values to the current RAM timings displayed on the Memory tab after that. The ones that are active will be the same as or close to those that were established in one of the XMP profiles. The XMP profile utilized by your memory is the one that matches. Here’s an illustration of how we can tell that the DDR4-RAM in our machine is configured to use an XMP-3200 profile:
Why not enable XMP if you discover that your RAM supports it but does not use it? Simply follow the instructions we provided earlier to enable XMP from UEFI/BIOS, and you’ll receive a free memory boost.
Frequently asked questions about XMP
Does XMP damage RAM?
No, XMP profiles are predetermined by the manufacturer and work just fine so long as your computer can handle the overclocked RAM frequency.
Does XMP overclock RAM?
Yes, manufacturers do regard XMP to be “overclocking” RAM.
Why can’t I make XMP active?
If you are unable to enable XMP, see if the feature is supported by your motherboard. You cannot overclock your RAM if the BIOS does not allow you to adjust manual frequencies and timings.
Can XMP damage a CPU?
With XMP, you may easily overclock your memory by typically raising the voltage above the recommended range, usually from 1.35V to 1.5V. Increasing the voltage on the memory has an impact on the CPU as well because the memory controller is a component of the CPU. Voltage fluctuations might result in system instability, which is readily remedied by returning the BIOS to its default settings. Your system will not be covered by the warranty if you do damage it, especially if you overclock the CPU. When discussing its Rocket Lake chipsets, Intel had stated that “XMP is classified as overclocking, so memory overclocking would fall under that same umbrella.”
But you shouldn’t worry too much because switching from stock clock speeds to XMP poses very little risk.