If you feel like you’re not getting the full performance out of your Gigabyte system, one of the first things you should check is the XMP setting in your BIOS. Think of it as a one-click overclocking tool for running your RAM at higher speeds.
You canenable an Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)from theAdvanced Memory Settingssection, or from theTweakertab in the BIOS. On some Gigabyte boards, this setting might also be labeled asEOCP(Extended Over Clock Profiles). On newer AM5 socket based Gigabyte boards, this setting might also be labeled asEXPO(Extended Profiles for Overclocking).
As XMP is preconfigured with tested values, you’re able to generally use the profiles without a hitch. But on a couple of systems that I tested, the profiles set the RAM frequency higher than what was supported by the CPU. This ultimately meant that the config reset and XMP didn’t work.
Check XMP Compatibility
To ensure you don’t encounter any compatibility problems like the one I mentioned above, you could verify thatyour components support XMPfrom the product’s specifications page.
The motherboard and RAM obviously need to be XMP-capable. Additionally, your CPU must also support the RAM frequency defined in the profile.
That last part is a bit tricky. For instance, my Ryzen 7 5700G is rated to support RAM speeds up to3200MHz. High-performance DDR4 modules are commonly rated to speeds like3600MHzor4133MHz.
After testing XMP on multiple systems, I found that some CPUs (including my own) would work smoothly with higher frequencies like4133MHz. Others would only support theofficially supported frequencies or lower.
The takeaway here is that if XMP sets the RAM frequency to a value supported by your CPU, you can enable it without worrying. But if it sets the frequency to a high value, yourCPU may or may not support it.
If the XMP config is not supported, it may revert back after restarting. If that doesn’t happen automatically and your PC fails to boot, you canreset the BIOS manuallyto set everything back to default.
Boot to BIOS/UEFI
While there are various ways to configure XMP,doing so via the BIOSis the standard method. On Gigabyte boards, pressDel/F2when booting to access theBIOS/UEFISetup utility.
Alternatively, you can also restart your PC 3 times consecutively to boot to the recovery environment. There, you can selectTroubleshoot>Advanced Options>UEFI Firmware Settings.
Locate XMP Option
The Gigabyte BIOS has two UIs that you’re able to switch between with theF2key –Easy ModeandAdvanced/Classic Mode.
InEasy Mode, you can configure XMP from theDRAM Statussection.
While this is convenient, most users should configure XMP fromAdvanced Modeinstead as that gives you a much better idea of what you’re doing. InAdvanced Mode,go to theM.I.T.tab and openAdvanced Memory Settings.
You’ll find theExtreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.)option here.
The BIOS UI is slightly different on higher-end Gigabyte boards like the AORUS Z690. On such boards, you can configure XMP from theTweakertab.
Enable XMP in BIOS
Depending on the RAM module, you may be able to choose from multiple profiles (different preset configs) or just one.
You can scroll down and check thefrequency,voltage, andtimingsset by the profile you just enabled.
Afterward, pressF10to save the changes and exit.
Test Performance and Stability
Last but not least, you must make sure that the new config is stable. The first test will happen right after you exit the BIOS and restart.
If the XMP profile is at least supported, your PC will boot as usual. If it’s not supported, the config should reset automatically. In case that doesn’t happen and your PC doesn’t boot, you canreset the BIOS manuallyas mentioned earlier.
