Overclocking RAM is something completely essential in any gaming system. If you are now scared and don’t know how to overclock ram easily and fast? You are at the right spot to know the answer of this query.
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In this article, we are going to see how and why we should overclock RAM, both manually and automatically.
Table of Contents
Why RAM Overclocking is important
RAM memories have two parameters that are fundamental when defining how fast they work: frequency and timings.
See Also: What does RAM Memory do
Frequency defines how fast the memory runs (how long it takes one clock cycle to execute) and the timings define how many clock cycles are necessary to execute certain actions.
If one of the timings (such as CL, the most famous timing) is 20, it means that 20 cycles are needed to complete the action defined by said timing.
To improve it, we can increase the frequency (so it will take less time to complete the 20 cycles), reduce the timing (it takes fewer cycles) or, ideally, both.
Knowing this, the popularity of RAM memory overclocking can be explained by a very simple reason: when we install memory in our computer, it runs under a JEDEC profile.
And what is JEDEC? JEDEC is an organization that defines the DDR memory standards (and all its versions) that we use in our computers.
For example, when DDR4 or DDR5 is announced, a list of frequencies and timings (JEDEC profiles) officially accepted by the organization.
To ensure stable operation, these profiles are very conservative: they do not reach very high frequencies, and if the frequency is high, the timings are excessive.
For example, if we go to DDR4 memories (although DDR5 is already here) and see the JEDEC profile for DDR4-3200 (3200MT/s or wrongly called “3200MHz), the CL timings can be 20, 22 or 24.
But the RAM that we see in stores usually have CL16 or CL18, which is much better, and is outside the JEDEC profile. In fact, high-frequency RAMs usually come with the JEDEC profile of 2133, 2400 or 2600 MT/s.
Therefore, as soon as we install them, we will surely see those frequencies in our motherboard BIOS.
We must overclock to overcome the insufficient JEDEC profiles. But don’t worry, it’s very simple: we’ll see right away.
Overclocking RAM gives us Great Performance Improvements
Before seeing how the RAM is overclocked, we must clarify that the performance improvements that we can experience after overclocking.
See Also: How RAM Memory Works
Simply by going from a JEDEC profile to a better one, we can see gaming performance increases of up to double digits. And the same will happen in other applications.
Speed of the RAM memory is fundamental: what is the use of having a CPU or a graphics card with great processing capacity.
If you search anything in your computer system, it all depends on your RAM speed, the better your RAM will be, the earlier results you will see.
How to Overclock RAM and activate it in the BIOS
Well, you may already know how to overclock RAM: the well-known ways of overclocking are Intel XMP or AMD EXPO.
If you don’t know XMP (or EXPO), we’ll explain it quickly. As we have mentioned before, memories with better speeds and timings than those allowed by JEDEC profiles are sold on the market.
How is that possible? Well, simply because what they sell us are memories capable of reaching those numbers.
So, we do not have to perform a manual overclocking, a part of the memories called SPD (Serial presence detect) is used, which has some free space.
In this space, the XMP and EXPO profiles are stored that allow the motherboard to recognize what is the appropriate frequency and timings of the RAM.
To activate it, we only have to enter the BIOS, and go to the overclocking or memory settings, depending on the motherboard.
For example, on MSI motherboards we find it clearly marked from minute 1. We only have to select an XMP/EXPO profile (normally there are 2, but they are usually the same), save the changes and exit.
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Be careful, because to overclock RAM there is a fundamental requirement that the chipset of the motherboard has memory overclocking unlocked.
It doesn’t matter if you can overclock the processor or not, since the RAMs go through a different band. All AMD chipsets with socket AM4 and AM5 support overclocking the RAM memory.
In the case of Intel, the same happens with most recent chipsets, although in the past some chipsets B or H were not compatible.
How to Manually Overclock RAM in BIOS
What if I want to manually overclock the RAM? This is something that makes sense, since it will allow us to get the most out of our memories.
As much as a RAM comes prepared for a frequency of (for example) 3200MT/s, the chip may be capable of achieving more.
In reality, it is a combination of four fundamental factors that determines manual overclocking ability:
- Motherboard BIOS memory support
- The processor memory controller
- The OC capability of the RAM chip (binning)
- Electrical factors such as the layout of the memories or the proximity of the RAM slots to the processor (and other factors)
In fact, if these four parameters are very bad, we may even be unable to make the RAM work under automatic overclocking, although it is not normal.
If you want to do manual overclocking, you should also take into account the voltage to avoid extra problems.
It is not a recommended process unless you have a lot of experience, since you will gain little performance and you may face stability.
See Also: How to change RAM memory on PC
RAM overclockers often test memories for hours and hours with programs to check the RAM memory overclocking.
Conclusions
RAM memory overclocking is something so fundamental and accepted that all motherboards incorporate an automatic overclocking function, the classic Intel XMP, which is compatible with practically all memory modules on the market and even with AMD motherboards as well.
In addition, it is a process that does not pose any real risk and we can do without any concern. Moreover, we must do it.
Enabling XMP/EXPO with a good memory kit can lead to double-digit performance gains, both in games and other applications.
And what about manual overclocking? As we have analyzed, it is something that should be relegated to experienced people.
In any case, if you want to get into overclocking, there are real experts demonstrating their knowledge in hours of videos.
What do you think of the RAM overclocking? Do you think that the automatic XMP is enough? We read you in the comments.
Zahid Khan Jadoon is an Interior Decorator, Designer and a specialized Chef and loves to write about home appliances and food. Right now he is running his interior designing business along with a managing a restaurant. Also in his spare time he loves to write about home and kitchen appliances.