RAM Function and How to Set XMP Profile RAM in BIOS

 

One of the important components that makes your computer function, makes your application work usable, makes the computer display can munucl on the monitor and more complex. This component is called Random Access Memory, henceforth referred to as RAM. RAM allows the processor to read and write data quickly, which is crucial for overall system performance.

Functions of RAM

Let's briefly discuss the functions of RAM first,

• Temporary Storage: RAM stores data and program instructions that are being used by the processor.

• Fast Access: Data in RAM can be accessed faster compared to permanent storage such as hard drives or SSDs.

• Volatile: Data in RAM will be lost when the computer is turned off, unlike permanent storage.

The main functions of RAM are Storing temporary data, Speeding up data access by the CPU, Assisting multitasking, Improving overall system performance. The bigger and faster the RAM, the lighter and faster your computer will perform - especially for gaming, design, editing, or heavy multitasking.

History of RAM

RAM was first used in computers in the mid-20th century. One of the earliest forms of RAM was the Williams tube, which was developed in 1947. It used a cathode ray tube to store data as electrically charged dots on a screen.

Later, in 1949, Jay Forrester of MIT developed magnetic core memory. This technology used small rings of magnetic material called "cores" to store bits of data. Each core could be magnetized in two directions to represent 0 or 1. Early RAMs were not module-shaped as we know them today. Instead, they consisted of large components soldered directly onto a circuit board or assembled in large structures. For example, magnetic core memory consisted of thousands of small rings assembled with wire in a large matrix.

In 1968, Robert Dennard of IBM developed DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). This technology used capacitors and transistors to store each bit of data, which allowed the creation of smaller and more efficient memory chips.

Then, in 1970, Intel released the Intel 1103, the first commercially available DRAM chip. This chip revolutionized the computer industry by providing a cheaper and faster memory solution compared to magnetic core memory.

Magnetic Core Memory

magnetic core memory circuit display

We think it's enough to get acquainted with this RAM, now let's enter the main discussion of this article, namely XMP Profile (Extreme Memory Profile). This article departs from a question from admin hartih who was confused because at that time he bought DDR4 RAM with 2666mhz spec with XMP features, actually we had already discussed it for DDR4 AVEXIR 2x4gb RAM in 2017 but the article went nowhere and just yesterday we got DDR4 3200Mhz RAM with XMP support, it turns out that the original speed of 2666mhz was overclocked to 3200mhz after we tested the error when XMP was activated. Even though when we crosschecked, the motherboard support should have been able to use RAM with XMP features, so we concluded “wow this loss bought 3200 speed RAM but even though XMP” was clearly disappointed because we had high expectations.

Standard JEDEC

It turns out that the standard speed for DDR4 according to JEDEC is in the range of 2133mhz-2666mhz and the higher the spec depends on DDR. The reason XMP exists is to accommodate the JEDEC standard (the institution that determines RAM standards) - which is more conservative and ensures that all RAM can run on all systems. So the XMP feature has been tested and the settings are standardized so that it is supported and safe to use without errors provided that your Motherboard and RAM support XMP.

JEDEC standard table

While JEDEC provides ram speed limits for standards so that RAM can be supported and used on many computers around the world. so we made a conclusion

• 3200 MHz RAM can indeed run at 3200 MHz, but only if you enable XMP.
• Without XMP, the system only runs RAM according to JEDEC safe standards (usually 2133-2666 MHz).
• Manufacturers say “3200 MHz” because that's the official maximum capability of the RAM-not the default speed.

So if you just bought RAM spec'd at 3200 (for DDR4) but when you install it the speed is lower, you'll need to set the XMP Profile first in the BIOS. Before we get into that, we'll answer your question first.

“Can XMP cause errors?” he asked: Yes, depending on your RAM brand, if the brand is fake, it might cause an error and make sure once again that the Motherboard and RAM support XMP.

“Why are there cheap and expensive RAM prices when the speed is the same?” he asks: RAM prices are influenced by several factors-not just frequency (MHz) and capacity, but also other components and features installed by the manufacturer.

The difference between expensive and cheap RAM

Let's first discuss why the price of RAM can be different even though the specifications “look” the same here we present the difference between expensive and cheap ram.

1. IC Chip Quality (Quality Control / Binning)

• RAM manufacturers buy chips from large manufacturers such as Samsung, SK Hynix, or Micron.
• The highest quality chips (high bin) are sorted and sold more expensive because they are more stable for overclocking.
• Example: TridentZ RAM usually uses high-quality chips, so it's suitable for overclockers.

2. Support for XMP/EXPO & OC Profiles

• Expensive brands often provide more than 1 XMP profile with different speed and timing configurations.
• They are also usually more stable when running at high frequencies (e.g. 4000 MHz and above).
• Cheap brands sometimes only provide one XMP profile or are even unstable when XMP is enabled.

3. Heatsink / Cooling Design

• Expensive RAM (like G.Skill TridentZ) has a large heatsink and is made of quality metal, sometimes using anodized aluminum.
• Cheap RAM has small or no heatsinks.
• Cooling affects temperature and stability, especially when overclocked.

4. Design & RGB

• Premium RAM has a cool design & addressable RGB that can be synchronized with software (ASUS Aura, MSI Mystic Light, etc).
• Cheap RAM is usually plain or simple RGB.

5. Branding and Target Market

• Brands like G.Skill, Corsair, or Kingston have a strong reputation among enthusiasts and overclockers.
• Their prices also include R&D (research and testing) costs and long warranties (sometimes lifetime).
• Brands like TeamGroup, V-Color, or Klevv usually fall into the mid-range and value price segments.

6. Latency / Timing

• Sometimes two RAMs are both 3200 MHz, but the timings are different:
• TridentZ: CL14-14-14-34 (more responsive)
• Cheap RAM: CL16-18-18-38 (slightly slower)

Lower latency = better performance (especially for sensitive applications like gaming or rendering).

So the price of RAM is determined by:

1. Chip quality (binning)
2. Number & stability of XMP profiles
3. Cooling (heatsink)
4. Timing / latency
5. Design & RGB
6. Brand and after-sales support

If you only need RAM for light work or casual gaming, cheap RAM will do. But if you want to overclock, heavy multitasking, or PC aesthetics, expensive RAM can be an option.

How to Setup XMP in BIOS

After you understand briefly about RAM and XMP, now we start the tutorial on setting XMP RAM in BIOS, before we start, make sure you have a computer and RAM with XMP features (the motherboard must also support it, if it doesn't support it in the BIOS there is no XMP option).

Let's first check the current RAM speed in Task Manager, enter the Performance tab there is a description of your current ram speed.

RAM speed is still JEDEC standard

now enter BIOS, restart your computer for our motherboard Asrock press F2 or Del when restarting (different keys for each motherboard brand) difficult to enter bios? please How to enter BIOS windows 10 and 11.

Button pressed to enter bios.

You enter the RAM section, but if your BIOS is already UEFI, it is usually directly in simple mode. aka on the front to change the XMP Profile.

BIOS view of XMP settings

before save and restart there will be a notification of the settings you changed

Now let's see the RAM speed after setting XMP. is the speed maximized?

RAM speed is maxed out

Why does this RAM speed need to be maximized? yes because it's a shame, why not use the features that already exist? this RAM speed also helps you when you use work, especially multitasking. For gaming? of course it affects FPS. Admin Harith uses it for editing and the effect is quite a bit from the amount of ram and speed