Firstly, what is XMP? XMP stands for Extreme Memory Profiles. It was originally developed and created by Intel as a way to increase system performance by overclocking the memory. The profiles can be enabled by the user to select higher performing speeds or restore back to default speeds.
To enable XMP on your system, users must first use XMP compatible memory and intall them on a motherboard that supports XMP. And then with a simple one-click option in the BIOS/UEFI of the motherboard, you can achieve the highest performance the memory has to offer.
NOTE: In order to run your memory in XMP mode, you MUST first install your ram modules on DIMM slot A2 and B2. XMP mode can not be initiated if you install the memory in other DIMM slots such as A1 and B1, or in the wrong configuration. If you do so, your system may not boot up or crash. Trust me, I’ve spent many hours trying to figure out why my system wouln’t boot up!
On one of Gigabyte’s motherboard, they’ve intuitively printed the instructions on which slots needs to be populated first. That’s great 🙂
ASRock’s Z790 Taichi Lite motherboard also informs you to install the memory kits on DIMM slots A2 and B2 first.
If your memory kits come in 2 modules, make sure you only populate and install them on DIMM slots A2 and B2 to enable XMP to work.
Of course what ever you do, it goes without saying, you need make sure that you have a compatible motherboard and memory kits that support XMP. And also check the motherboard’s Qualified Vendor List (QVL). It’s a list (supplied by the motherboard manufacturer) of the memory that has been tested and confirmed by the manufacturer to work in their hardware.
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