To use XMP, you first need to head into your computer’s BIOS with a keyboard combination on start-up. This can vary depending on the motherboard manufacturer, however, it’s typically either F1, F2, F10, F12, or DEL. Once inside, you’ll be able to enable XMP from a drop down menu option, which will usually be called Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) with its own dedicated sub-menu, but this will vary depending on the BIOS in question.
As outlined above, XMP 2.0 only gives you the options of two profiles; the first will be quoted RAM timings and frequency of the memory sticks you’ve bought, and the second may give you more customization by comparison, including options for a better clock speed, lower voltages, and more. Depending on your BIOS, the second option could be classed as the “extreme” or “enthusiast” option, which may not be as consistent as the first option.
XMP 3.0 gives you greater access to a total of three stock XMP profiles with varying settings, but also two that can be customized and re-written with specific settings. You can think of this as a way to quickly fine-tune how your DDR5 RAM performs with differing timings and frequencies up to what’s stated on the box. You’re also able to rename the two custom profiles, which can make their effects easier to remember if you’re trying them all out. This is due to an increase from 102 bytes of control in XMP 2.0 to 384 bytes for XMP 3.0.
The three XMP 3.0 profiles can generally be understood as XMP 1 being the default as-advertised timings and frequencies, XMP 2 as a further overclock with higher frequencies and tighter timings, and XMP 3 (or XMP Tweaked) usually being specific to a motherboard company’s BIOS with settings tailor made for that hardware combination, usually being a little less stable. It’s not always the case, but that’s generally what to expect. XMP 3 is the experimental extra that can give you a little extra push.
Once a configuration is set, you’ll be free to exit the BIOS and then launch your computer as usual. You shouldn’t have any problems with the first two/three profiles as they’re tested by the manufacturer before shipping, but if it doesn’t boot or you’re having issues, you may have to clear the CMOS. If that doesn’t work, you can try reseating the RAM. Your BIOS may also have to be updated first just to prevent any irregularities from occurring.
After your PC boots up as normal, the next important step is to check that the XMP profiles are working properly. You can check your RAM’s timings and frequencies by opening Windows 11’s Task Manager or through third-party software such as CPU-Z. Alternatively, you can run something like MemTest86 to check for instabilities should you suspect things may not be running at 100%. It’s good to diagnose early before opening the computer up, after all.
