Finally, on TechProGeeks, we are going to talk about ‘How to Overclock RAM?’ after on huge demand by our readers and their search preferences, also, we will discuss whether it is beneficial or not.
So many people out there think that Overclocking is only for a processor, but the act is that RAM can also be overclocked to get the best out of it.
With this information, we know that the RAM is capable of much better performance than it usually provides, and to run it at its best potential, we’re gonna have to Overclock it. But should you?
How to Overclock the RAM of your Device?
RAM speed is most often expressed in megahertz; for instance, your RAM kit might be a DDR4 RAM that operates at 2133MHz. This is speaking of clock speed. Simply put, the memory speed informs you of how frequently the RAM can retrieve its stored information per second.
Your device can store data in RAM, commonly referred to as random access memory, although only temporarily. In other words, it simply manages the information that is actively in use before passing it forward to the Processor.
Your system’s efficiency may be improved by speeding up this process.
Tools You Might Need:
There are a few useful tools you should know about if you’re planning on Overclocking the RAM of your device.
CPU-Z:
CPU-Z is a very useful tool, and the good news is; IT’S FREE.
Once you have this tool, you can find and note the DRAM frequency (The number of percentage bits carried/sec on a specific data line) and timing tables (Which are the XMP configurations the BIOS uses) could also be viewed using the SDP section.
Memtest86+:
This tool comes in handy for the purpose of stress testing. This tool offers several configurations needed for stress testing a PC.
XMP (eXtreme Memory Profiles):
XMP is Intel’s pre-configured and verified overclocking solution, which may be activated through a tool or the motherboard’s BIOS. The DRAM power and frequency can be automatically configured by the BIOS, thanks to XMP.
Here, we are done with naming the tools you’ll need. Now we can finally get to the steps required for the overclocking process.
1. Overclock RAM Using XMP
In this section, you’ll learn how to overclock your PC RAM with the XMP tool. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- The very first step is to Download and run CPU-Z on your system.
- Keep track of the DRAM timings, frequency, and tables from the SPD section. (You’ll want to note them with you)
- Reboot your computer, then switch to BIOS mode by pressing the “delete” key on your keyboard while the system is booting. Press it several times, if needed.
- Navigate to the AI Tweaker, Extreme Tweaker, or D.O.C.P. menu once you’ve accessed BIOS.
- Pick an XMP configuration that is compatible with the RAM’s stated requirements.
- Now you can save your settings after completing the appropriate BIOS adjustments, and then reboot the computer.
- Do stress tests using Memtest86+ to evaluate the stability of the computer when it starts. If you find that the system is stable, you’re done with the process.
- Make the needed BIOS adjustments and run the stress test again if things don’t go as planned.
2. Overclock RAM with Manual Settings:
Here, we’ll be increasing the voltage power to make the RAM work more efficiently. To overclock the RAM manually, you need to follow the following steps:
(Note that you have to keep track of the DRAM frequency and timing and have to run the XMP step first)
- Restart your computer and peek into the BIOS, then browse to the AI Tweaker or equivalent BIOS configurations.
- Choose the Manual settings rather than an XMP profile. You’ll be able to access more settings after doing this.
- The DRAM voltage must be adjusted progressively in 0.015V increments.
- In the same manner, raise the CPU System Agent and VCCIO voltages by 0.05V each. (Watch out for overdoing them as it could lead to component failure)
- Check the DRAM timings that you recorded while attempting XMP overclocking.
- Save your modifications after making the appropriate BIOS adjustments, then reboot your system.
- Make the appropriate BIOS modifications and run another stress test if things don’t go as you expected. If your computer is stable, you have succeeded in overclocking your RAM.
Benchmarking RAM to Test Performance
If you’re curious and want to check how your RAM works after the procedure, try benchmarking your entire PC, (including the RAM, of course).
To do this, download UserBenchmark. This will provide you with a summary of your system’s performance.
You can also get a benchmark designed specifically for games, like Unigine Superposition, although you’ll probably need to perform several tests because the error rate has been huge.
Frequently Asked Questions:
At this point, we’re done with discussing the ‘how-to’ part but, it feels like we should be answering a few questions that might bother you if you want to overclock the RAM.
Does RAM overclock Improves Performance?
The whole point of overclocking is to get your RAM to its highest potential, so of course, overclocking is going to improve the performance of your device significantly.
Is Overclocking a RAM Safe?
This is the most common and the most logical question we hear, as playing with your gadgets after it has been manufactured by professionals can be a bit (or very) risky.
As you’ve seen, we have two ways to overclock the RAM; The XMP method, and a Manual method. Well, manual overclocking, which involves increasing the voltage to make the RAM work better is one that comes with a risk.
As they say, “More is not necessarily better”, here too, getting the voltage too high can cause your system to fail.
We advise boosting it in extremely small steps. The ideal jump with each test is 0.015V. Despite being a little time-consuming, this is the most effective way to guarantee that your RAM is protected throughout the procedure.
Will Overclocking Decrease the Lifespan of Your Device?
Overclocking does reduce the lifespan of a device whether you overclock a CPU, GPU, or RAM, but the risk is lowest with the overclocking of RAM and you’ll most probably be scrolling through Amazon looking for a new Laptop by the time the RAM overclock shows its side effects.
On average, you get around 3 years before you’ll notice any problems with your device after you overclock the RAM, so unless you’re planning on keeping your device for a decade, you’re safe.
Is Overclocking RAM Good for gaming performance?
If you think overclocking the RAM will give your gaming experience a boost, you’re wrong.
An 8GB of RAM is the minimum requirement for gaming and for a better experience, a 16GB or higher number is recommended.
So, if you own 4GB RAM and think overclocking it will give you a better experience, you’re wrong. And if you already have good RAM, you don’t need to overclock it for gaming because the impact will be too low to notice.
You can make your CPU and GPU better if you want a real impact on your game’s performance.
