Can You Overclock RAM with a Locked CPU?

Locked CPUs are computer processors that are not built to be overclocked.

All RAMs and Central Processing Units (CPUs) have a certain frequency to operate properly. This frequency defines their speed. Overclocking allows your hardware to operate on a higher frequency than normal. Most of the latest computer manufacturers have kept this feature in their motherboards.

This article discusses whether you can overclock your RAM with a locked CPU. The locked CPUs do not have the feature of overclocking. For better performance, you must overclock all of your hardware simultaneously. Otherwise, you will experience bottlenecks. Let’s start our topic now.

Can You Overclock RAM with a Locked CPU?

Yes, you can do this. The first method is to increase the FSB (Front-Side Bus) speed, while the second technique is to unlock and increase the multiplier manually. You must be careful in both cases, as too much increase can easily fry your hardware. It can also cause severe overheating.

Overheating is fatal for your computer hardware. It can not only affect the performance and efficiency of your computer, but it can also damage your hardware permanently. That is why an advanced cooling system is recommended before enabling overclocking. RAMs produce way less heat than processors.

It is possible to overclock RAM without overclocking the CPU, as both are different hardware with different functionalities. Enabling memory overclocking increases your computer’s overall performance and efficiency because it is the only hardware your CPU can directly communicate with at a very high speed.

Overclocking your RAM is not enough for better performance and efficiency. Memory size also plays an important role in this phenomenon. More memory allows you to store more apps and games simultaneously when your CPU or GPU executes them.

RAM is one of the vital computer hardware resources. It stores data and program instructions when you run an app or game. CPU processes that data and instructions to execute them. Hence, both communicate with each other during this. If the operating speed of RAM is slow, then the processing occurs slowly.

To solve this issue, computer manufacturers have designed an amazing feature in the latest computer, which is known as Memory Overclocking. It allows a user to boost the operating frequency of their RAM so the data transfer rate can be increased. As a result, the program execution becomes faster and smoother.

The Intel motherboards have an XMP Profile to overclock your RAM, while the AMD motherboards call it EXPO, DOCP, or EOCP. You can easily enable these to enable memory overclocking on your motherboard. You can do this by entering your computer’s UEFI/BIOS.

All digital circuits operate on a certain frequency, which defines their speed. Memory modules also lie in this category. That is why they have normal and maximum frequency ratings in MHz. Normal frequency tells us about their speed in the case of normal operations. In contrast, the maximum frequency defines their overclocking speed.

There are two kinds of computer processors in terms of overclocking present today. Clock-locked CPUs and clock-unlocked CPUs. As the name shows, the unlocked processors can be overclocked, but the unlocked ones can not. All of the latest AMD and Intel CPUs are unlocked.

Can All RAMs be Overclocked?

Overclocking is not limited to CPUs and GPUs; you can also overclock RAMs. All of the latest memory modules can be overclocked. This feature is embedded in the latest DDR4 and DDR5 RAMs. There are tips and tricks to overclock your old DDR3 RAMs, but they are risky as they can burn them out.

AMD and Intel are famous computer manufacturers that allow you to enable memory overclocking using compatible memory modules. Their motherboards are intelligent enough to sense and fetch any features in your RAM in terms of overclocking, such as the operating frequency, voltage, and timings.

You must enter your computer’s UEFI/BIOS to enable memory overclocking. You can easily do this by restarting your computer and pressing the “Delete,” “F2”, or “F10” keys. The next thing you need to do is to find an overclocking option named “Ai Tweaker,” “Extreme Tweaker,” or “Ai Overclock Tuner,” etc.

Can Overclocking Damage RAM?

No, if your RAM supports overclocking, it will never damage it. But forcing overclocking will burn it if it does not support overclocking. Most computers detect the overclocking compatibility of your memory modules. It allows them to enable or keep it disabled according to the RAM’s nature.

RAMs do not generate as much heat as CPUs and GPUs, but heat is dangerous for them. This heat can be because of your computer’s poor ventilation system with slow-spinning fans. It can also be because of your room’s high temperature, especially in a hot area without air conditioners.

You must have noticed a metal heatsink on your RAMs. Its only purpose is to absorb heat from the IC chips of your memory module and dissipate it into the air inside your computer case. Finally, your computer case fans throw this hot air out of the body, inhaling the fresh and cooler air.

Can You Overclock RAM with a Non-K CPU?

You can overclock your RAM with a non-K CPU, but it is not recommended. Such CPUs are not designed for overclocking. Hence, you should not force them to overclock using tools from unknown publishers. It will overheat your hardware and burn out, especially when your room temperatures are high.

The best way to overclock your RAM is to buy a computer whose hardware is designed to support overclocking. Most computer manufacturers have put this amazing feature in their computer motherboards. Otherwise, it will be very risky to overclock your RAM and other hardware that does not support overclocking.

How To Overclock RAM on AMD Motherboard?

The latest AMD motherboards allow you to overclock RAMs without any problem. Memory overclocking increases the operating frequency of your memory modules, measured in Megahertz (MHz). As a result, it increases the data transfer rate dramatically. It helps your CPU perform operations faster.

To overclock RAM on an AMD motherboard, check whether your memory modules are compatible with overclocking. You can download a free tool with the stats about your RAMs. Knowing your hardware, you can search on the internet for its features.

After the confirmation, restart your computer and enter your UEFI/BIOS by pressing the “Delete,” “F2”, “F10,” or “F12” keys. You see the key to enter your UEFI on the screen before starting your operating system (OS). After this, enter the “Advanced Mode” or “Advanced Settings” of your UEFI.

There, you need to navigate the “OC,” “OC Tweaker,” “Ai Tweaker,” or “Extreme Tweaker” options, which can vary depending on your computer motherboard. Either set it to “Auto” or select another memory overclocking profile. Save changes after enabling memory overclocking.

Memory Frequency is the speed at which your RAMs operate. It is represented in MHz (Megahertz). Setting them to the maximum frequency is enough. Memory Timings are the delays or latencies. Keeping them low increases the RAM speed. In the end, more Memory Voltage boosts your memory speed.

How To Overclock RAM on an Intel Motherboard?

Nearly all of the latest Intel motherboards allow you to enable memory overclocking. It boosts your RAM’s operating speed, allowing your CPU to process data and program instructions faster. As a result, your computer’s performance and efficiency boost dramatically.

You must enter your computer’s UEFI/BIOS for overclocking your RAM on the Intel motherboard. It allows you to enable overclocking by enabling an XMP profile. It also controls other hardware-related tasks. Ensure that you have XMP-compatible memory modules installed in your computer system.

Otherwise, you won’t be able to enable memory overclocking. To enable this amazing feature, restart your computer and enter the UEFI/BIOS by pressing the “F2”, “F10”, or “Delete” keys. After this, enter the advanced mode by pressing the F7 key. Next, go to the tab named “Extreme Tweaker.”

Then, expand the “Overclocking” presets option from the list on this page. Navigate the “Ai Overclock Tuner” option. Next, open its dropdown menu and select “XMP I” or “XMP II.” It will show you the stats about overclocking. Save changes before leaving the UEFI/BIOS and let your operating system (OS) start.

If the overclock is unstable when selecting “XMP II,” switch to “XMP I.” Different overclocking options allow you different performance levels. But some options might make your computer unstable, and you might experience crashes. You can always change to the most appropriate profile for you later.

Nearly all Intel motherboards can detect the features of your memory and set overclocking values accordingly, especially when your RAMs are XMP-compatible. You only need to select from different memory profiles until you find the most suitable profile for you and your computer.

Conclusion

The latest Intel and AMD motherboards enable RAM overclocking, especially when your RAM is XMP-compatible. For this, you have to enter the UEFI/BIOS at the time of startup of your computer. You can press F2, F10, F12, or Delete keys depending on your computer motherboard.

Ai Overclock Tuner, Extreme Tweaker, OC or OC Tweaker, Ai Tweaker, etc., are the terms your UEFI uses for memory overclocking. There can be more than one memory profile in your motherboard, but you should select the one that doesn’t make your computer unstable. As a result, your apps will start crashing.

Nearly all the latest DDR4 and DDR5 RAMs are XMP-compatible, allowing you to increase their operating speed and voltage and change their timings. Overclocking does not damage your computer RAM as it is a built-in mechanism supported by the latest computers. It is heat that causes the damage.

If you have enabled overclocking for your RAM, CPU, and GPU, they will emit huge amounts of heat. It can easily damage your RAM, directly or indirectly, if not managed properly. Ensure to improve and maintain your computer’s cooling system as it will need badly during enabled overclocking.