Why Can’t I Enable XMP in BIOS? SOLVED

After high-end users like gamers, animators, renderers, and video editors wanted RAM with more speed than the standardized one, the concept of overclocking came. Intel created XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) for this purpose. Other hardware manufacturers have also implemented the idea.

Someone new to overclocking may be unable to use this feature for some reason. In this article, I will try my best to clear your concepts about XMP and BIOS/UEFI and teach you how to enable Intel’s XMP in BIOS/UEFI so you can enjoy the maximum speed that your RAM can run.

Why Can’t I Enable XMP in BIOS/UEFI? SOLVED

You cannot enable XMP in BIOS/UEFI for two reasons. Firstly, some motherboards do not have this firmware installed on them at all. Secondly, some CPUs and motherboards with a specific frequency limit do not allow you to enable this feature because they can burn out in such a case.

• Increase Performance
  XMP profile gives a tremendous performance boost. You can enjoy high-end components without any performance issues. It also enables developers to some extent. 
• Give Boost To Games
  If you love playing games but don’t know how to make them run smoothly on your system, enable XMP. XMP gives a boost to your CPU, which leads to an overall performance boost. 
• Give Easy Access to Overclocking
  You can easily access the overclocking menu and adjust the ra by enabling EMP profiling. Some software doesn’t work without an XMP-enabled profile. 

To enable XMP in Intel motherboards, you only need to enter the BIOS/UEFI by pressing the “F2” or “Delete” key and selecting “Profile#1” from the drop-down menu under the title “XMP.” To enable the XMP in AMD motherboards, enter the BIOS/UEFI and select “Profile#1” under the DOCP text. 

You can enable XMP to increase the performance of your computer system. Because without allowing it, your RAM will never run at the maximum speed defined by the manufacturers. The Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) has different ways and names in various motherboards. Select your mobo in the headings below to enable XMP or DOCP in BIOS/UEFI. 

What is XPM in BIOS/UEFI?

XMP stands for Extreme Memory Profile, and this profile was created by a well-known company named Intel. XMP allows you to run your RAM quickly, defining its CAS latency, frequency, and voltage. This feature resembles AMD’s EXPO (Extended Profiles for Overclocking).

Overclocking refers to increasing the frequency and voltage of hardware to increase its speed. Sometimes, overclocking is certified by the manufacturers using specific programs such as Intel’s XMP and AMD’s EXPO. But sometimes, it is not recommended by the company to overclock their hardware.

For example, the fundamental frequency of DDR4 RAMs is 2133 MHz. But increasing this frequency to increase your computer system’s speed or performance by enabling XMP will be called overclocking. 

BIOS/UEFI is an abbreviation of Basic Input/Output System. It is a firmware installed on all computer’s motherboards for managing data flow between the operating system (OS) such as Windows 11 and all other devices connected to a computer.

Enabling XMP in an AMD Motherboard using EzMode

If your AMD motherboard allows you to enable XMP (Extreme Memory Profile), then you can do it by using the following steps:

Press the “Delete” or “F2” key to enter your mobo BIOS/UEFI as you switch on your computer. Usually, it is mentioned on the screen that you are pressing which key will lead you to BIOS/UEFI. 

If you have an AMD motherboard, you will see a title saying “XMP Disabled.” Click on it using your mouse or press the Enter key after focusing on it.

After that, the title will change to “XMP Profile 1”. Congratulations, you have enabled the XMP. You will see the operating voltage and frequency right at the top of the title. For example, DDR4-3600 means that your 2133 MHz RAM is now operating on 3600 MHz. Do press the “Save & Exit” button to save the progress of enabled XMP before exiting the BIOS/UEFI.

Enabling XMP in an AMD Motherboard using Advanced Mode

It is possible that your AMD motherboard may not give you the option to enable Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) in the “EzMode,” so here is the way to allow it to use the “Advanced mode”:

First, Reboot or start your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI by pressing the “F2” or “Delete” key, depending on your motherboard.

After that, press the button named “Advanced Mode.” You can press the “F2” key to enter the advanced mode.

There will be multiple tabs where you need to go to the “Tweaker.” Then navigate to the title in the list saying “Extreme Memory Profile (XMP)” and enable it by pressing the “Enter” key.

Ultimately, switch to the “Save & Exit” tab and choose the “Save & Exit” options. It is essential because if you exit without saving, the XMP will remain disabled.  

Enabling XMP/DOCP in an ASUS Motherboard for AMD Processors using EzMode

The ASUS motherboards for AMD processors have different terminology for XMP. They call it DOCP (Direct Overclock Profile).

First, press the “Del” or “F2” key to enter the BIOS/UEFI as your computer system starts. Here, you will see “DOCP” on the left side of the UI. Click the drop-down menu and select the “Profile#1” option. It will be equal to enabling the XMP in BIOS/UEFI. In the end, save the changes before exiting the BIOS/UEFI so you can keep the progress of allowing DOCP.

Enabling XMP/DOCP in an ASUS Motherboard for AMD Processors using Advanced Mode

In ASUS motherboards for AMD, processor XMP is known as DOCP (Direct Overclock Profile). It is because the term XMP is under the copyright of Intel. Let’s enable your overclocking so you can enjoy your favorite games:

Enter the BIOS/UEFI by pressing the “F2” or “Del” key when your computer starts. As you enter the BIOS/UEFI, click on the “Advanced Mode” option in the bottom right corner of the UI. You can press the “F7” key to enter the advanced mode.

Here, select the tab named “Ai Tweaker.” A list will appear where you will see “Ai Overclock Tuner” on “Auto” by default. Open this drop-down menu and select the “DOCP” option equivalent to enabling XMP.

Don’t forget to save the changes when you exit the BIOS/UEFI because without saving the progress, the DOCP will remain disabled. Don’t be confused with the word “Reset” in the “Save Changes & Reset” option. It will reset your computer system, not your settings. 

Enabling XMP in an Intel Motherboard for Intel Processors using EzMode

If your Intel motherboard allows you to enable XMP, I have mentioned the steps below to enable the profile. As you start your PC, you will see an option to enter the BIOS/UEFI by pressing a specific key. In most of the latest motherboards, it is “F2” or “Del.”

You will see the “XMP” option in the middle left part of the user interface (UI). Select the “Profile#1” option from the drop-down list below and press “F10” to save and exit. Congratulations! You have successfully enabled XMP in BIOS/UEFI. If you see a message when saving and exiting the BIOS/UEFI that shows you the old RAM frequency, then you need to upgrade to a CPU with a higher frequency.

Enabling XMP in an Intel Motherboard for Intel Processors using Advanced Mode

You may want to enable the XMP using the advanced mode. This process is very simple and easy as well:

First, reset your PC, open the BIOS/UEFI, and enter the “Advanced Mode” by pressing “F7”. Then, switch the tab “Ai Tweaker” tab and find the “Ai Overclock Tuner” in the list below.

You will find a drop-down menu in front of the latter option saying “Auto.” Open the menu and select “XMP” from the list. Don’t forget to select “Save Changes & Reset” from the “Exit” tab to save your choice.

Does All DDR4 RAM Support XMP?

Yes, all DDR4 RAMs support XMP (Extreme Memory Profile). Even the DDR3 RAMs allow you to overclock them by enabling XMP or DOCP. The only difference is their speed after enabling the XMP called DOCP (Direct Overclock Profile) in AMD motherboards.

All DDR4 RAMs from well-known manufacturers have an IC chip (Integrated Circuit) embedded in them, known as SPD. These chips can be controlled through the BIOS firmware on the motherboard. By enabling the XMP, you allow your DDR4 RAMs to work at the maximum speed they have been built to work on.

If you are curious about the IC chip on DDR4 RAM called SPD (Serial Presence Detect), then it is a firmware that stores the RAM configurations you change through BIOS or UEFI. SPD is approved and standardized by JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council). 

Should I Enable XMP in Intel?

Yes, you should enable XMP on the Intel motherboard. Because without allowing it, you cannot run your hi-speed DDR4 RAMs to get the maximum speed. If the Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) is disabled in BIOS/UEFI, your RAMs will not be at the maximum frequency you bought them for.

XMP is Intel’s feature that allows you to run your RAMs at a very high speed. This feature is best for gaming, animation, rendering, video editing, exporting, etc. If your RAM’ rate does not increase even after enabling the XMP, you need a CPU with the higher or same frequency as your RAMs.’

Does XMP Affect CPU Temp?

Sometimes, you have to lose something to get something. After enabling XMP/DOCP, the CPU temperature rises from about 5 to 10 degrees. CPUs with higher frequencies don’t bother you much, but those with the same frequency as the RAMs enable multi-core enhancement automatically.

If you want to enable XMP, your computer system must be placed in a room with average temperature. The ventilation system and the fans’ speed should be good enough to dissipate the heat in the air. The best thing I can recommend is to install a liquid cooling kit to prevent your hardware from burning out.

Conclusion

Intel’s XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) is a tool for increasing performance by overclocking RAM. Before enabling XMP, check to see if your computer supports it. Any Intel or AMD motherboard should have the option to enable XMP in the BIOS/UEFI, though the specific steps required to do so may vary by manufacturer. In addition, your computer needs proper cooling and ventilation to avoid overheating.