What is XMP and how to change XMP profiles

When you install memory in a system, your computer memory will run at a set of standardized speeds/timings. This standard is called JEDEC, and all memory manufacturers adhere to these standards. XMP (Extreme Memory Profile, originally created by Intel®) or AMD EXPO™ (Extended Profiles for Overclocking, originally created by AMD) is an extension of the standard JEDEC specifications and allows users to overclock their RAM beyond the default speeds by applying pre-configured and tested profiles with higher frequencies and optimized timings. Intel originally created XMP, but it is used by all memory manufacturers with high-performance memory. 

Depending on the exact part and platform being used, these profiles enable higher-performing speeds or restore performance when users experience a system-level downclocking of their memory to slower speeds. When you purchase XMP-compatible memory, you must also pair it with an XMP-compatible motherboard and a CPU that will support the memory speeds.

When you install memory in a system, there is a set of standardized speeds/timings your memory will run at. This standard is called JEDEC. This is why you see DDR4 and DDR5 memory speeds like DDR4-2133, DDR4-2666, and DDR5-4800. These are standardized speeds that all memory manufacturers adhere to. 

Outside of JEDEC are additional performance profiles available on select memory modules. Depending on your system or motherboard vendor these functions are called XMP or AMD EXPO™ and are used by all memory manufacturers with high performance desktop memory. Depending on the exact part and platform being used, these profiles enable higher performing speeds or restore performance when users experience a system-level downclocking of their memory to slower speeds. 

When you purchase XMP or EXPO compatible memory, you must also pair it with an XMP or EXPO compatible motherboard and a CPU that will support the memory speeds. Typically, the profile must be manually enabled in the BIOS or UEFI settings as well.

If you don't enable XMP in your BIOS, everything will run smoothly and to specification. However, your high-speed memory will run at your system's standard specifications, meaning you're not reaping the full rewards for the high clock speeds on your RAM.

• Simplifying overclocking: Enabling pre-configured settings means that you, as a user, don't have to manually adjust various parameters in the BIOS to overclock your RAM.
• Increased memory performance: Overclocking means that your RAM will allow for higher data transfer rates and improved memory bandwidth. This results in faster data access and retrieval.
• System responsiveness: Improvements to memory performance will result in quicker response times for loading files, multitasking, and running applications.
  

Enabling and changing your XMP profile only takes a few simple steps. For full information please visit the user manual for your computer. This short video will help you get your memory running faster in minutes.

• Enter your BIOS: This is usually done by pressing a key during the system boot process. Common keys include Del, Esc, or F2. But if you need help accessing it, please refer to your motherboard manual for the correct key.
• Navigate to memory settings: Look around in the BIOS for memory-related settings or overclocking.
• Navigate to XMP settings: Now you're in memory settings, find the XMP settings.
• Select the XMP profile: If your RAM module supports XMP, there will be a list of XMP profiles; select the profile you desire.
• Save and exit: Save the changes and exit the BIOS. This is usually done by the exit menu and selecting the option to save changes. Your system will then reboot.
• Check your memory is running at XMP speed: Press CTRL + ALT + Delete and select Task Manager. Go to the Performance Tab, followed by memory, and you will find your improved memory speed in MHz.
  

As you are changing the settings in your system, there is the risk that you may face some issues with instability, including crashes or errors during use. If you start experiencing any problems, experiment with a different profile by following the same steps above.

If you install XMP/EXPO memory in a non-XMP/EXPO motherboard, or don’t have the feature enabled, the memory will simply run at whatever JEDEC timings the computer decides. For DDR5 modules, system-level downclocking due to a combination of BIOS, CPU, and memory architecture can, for example, result in DDR5-4800 running under DDR5-4000 specifications until XMP/EXPO is enabled. This is all okay, since most of our memory is designed to run at multiple speed settings. Even if your memory doesn’t have the frequency or timings that are listed for it on our website, it will often run flawlessly at those parameters. And, if you’re looking for a bigger boost, Crucial’s DDR5 Pro Overclocking DRAM can be a great solution for concerns in lag, speed, multitasking, and more.