How to overclock RAM? Program for overclocking RAM. Configuring RAM in BIOS

RAM is just as important to a computer's performance as the central processing unit and video card. And if we have already figured out how to overclock the processor, then why don't we reveal the question of how to overclock the RAM on the computer? I think this question is no less relevant. Hello, however!

Of course, you will need a little knowledge of working with the BIOS, but there is nothing terrible in this, especially if you have already tried it. And here you can and without going into BIOS, it is enough to use the free MSI Afterburner program, but today is not about that.

Well, I think it's time to get down to business. Roll up your sleeves and slide the keyboard closer.

Before overclocking the RAM

In theory, no matter what you do with your RAM during experimentation and overclocking, you cannot harm it in any way. If the settings are critical, the computer simply will not turn on or will automatically reset the settings to optimal ones.

However, do not forget that any increase in the performance of RAM reduces its lifespan. Yes, so in life, bodybuilders are not centenarians.

It is also very important to understand that overclocking a computer's RAM is not just about increasing its clock frequency! You will have to do a lot of experimentation in tuning and fine-tuning parameters such as clock speed, voltage, and latency timings. If you increase the frequency, then the timings will also have to be increased, but the RAM, as you know, works the faster, the lower these latency timings. A double-edged sword.

That is why, overclocking the RAM, it will not be possible to find the optimal settings the first time. Although, if you have some well-known brand of RAM, then most likely someone has already tried to overclock this model of RAM and, most likely, posted useful information somewhere on the Internet in specialized forums. You just need to search a little.

Note also that even if you found on some forum the optimal parameters for overclocking your RAM, this does not mean at all that in your case these parameters will also be optimal and maximally productive. A lot depends on the bundle CPU-Mother-RAM... Therefore, if you want the optimal parameters for overclocking RAM right away, then it will be useful for you to have some information about your computer in service. Try to answer the questions:

1. What is my RAM? Manufacturer and model. And if the memory is from the budget class, then you just need to know the frequency, latency timings.
2. What processor do I have? Model, frequency, size of L2 and L3 cache.
3. What is my motherboard? And on it?

Having answered these questions, feel free to go to the forums and look for bundles similar to yours. But again, it’s best to experiment and find out which settings and parameters will be optimal for your particular system.

Overclocking RAM (RAM DDR3, DDR4) via BIOS

In principle, there is no fundamental difference whether you want to overclock DDR3 or DDR4 RAM. Searching for settings in BIOS and subsequent testing will look about the same. And the overclocking potential will depend more on the manufacturer and quality of the RAM, and also on the motherboard and processor.

I also want to note that on most laptops, the BIOS does not provide the ability to change the parameters of the RAM. But all this "overclocking", in fact, is based on adjusting the parameters.

Overclocking RAM in BIOS Award

Before you start overclocking RAM in BIOS Award, you need to press the key combination Ctrl +F1 to display the advanced setting menus. Without this "trick" you will not find the RAM parameters that we need so badly anywhere.

Now look for the item in the menu MBIntelligentTweaker (M.I.T.)... Here are the RAM settings we need, namely SystemMemoryMultiplier... By changing the frequency of this multiplier, you can increase or decrease the clock speed of your RAM.

Please also note that if you want to overclock RAM, which works in conjunction with an old processor, then you will most likely have a common multiplier for RAM and processor. Thus, by overclocking the RAM, you will also overclock the processor. Unfortunately, this feature of old platforms cannot be bypassed.

You can also increase the voltage supply to the RAM right there. However, this is fraught with consequences, so tension should only be touched if you understand what you are doing and why you are doing it. Otherwise, it’s better to leave it as it is. And if you still decide, then do not understand the voltage by more than 0.15V.

After you have decided on the frequency (so far it seems to you) and voltage (if you decide), go to the main menu and look for the menu item AdvancedChipsetFeatures... Here you can choose the latency timings. To do this, you first need to change the value of the parameter DRAMTimingSelectable from Auto on the Manual, that is, manual configuration.

Overclocking RAM in UEFI BIOS

Bios UEFI is the youngest bios of all, and therefore looks almost like an operating system. For the same reason, it is much more convenient to use it. It is not devoid of graphics, like its ancestors, and supports different languages, including Russian.

Dive directly into the first tab under the abbreviation name M.I.T. and go there in " Advanced frequency settings". Thanks to the Russian interface, you will definitely not get confused here. Everything is similar to the first option - adjust memory multiplier.

Then go to " Advanced memory settings". This is where we manage tension and timings. I think everything is clear with this.

I don't see any point in dwelling on bios longer. If you have any other bios, then either by scientific poking you will find the necessary item, or read the manuals for your bios.

Correct overclocking of RAM (formula)

Yes, of course, in order to find the best parameters and increase the performance of RAM and the system as a whole, you need to experiment and test the system for performance and stability each time.

But I’ll tell you a secret, you can find out the best performance not only empirically, but also mathematically. However, stability tests are still not canceled.

So how do you get the RAM efficiency factor? Very simple. It is necessary to divide the working memory frequency by the first timing. For example, you have DDR4 2133 MHz with timings 15-15-15-29. We divide 2133 by 15 and get a certain number 142.2. The higher this number, the theoretically higher the efficiency of RAM.

As you know, when overclocking the RAM without increasing the voltage, raising the frequency, most likely, you will have to raise the timings by 1 or 2 clock cycles. Based on our formula, it is possible to understand whether raising the frequency is justified or not. Here's an example of setting the same RAM bar:

DDR4-2133 CL12-14-14 @ 1.2V
2133 / 12 = 177.75

DDR4-2400 CL14-16-16 @ 1.2V
2400 / 14 = 171.428

DDR4-2666 CL15-17-17 @ 1.2V
2666 / 15 = 177.7(3)

So it turns out that if the 2400 MHz frequency requires raising the timings by 2 clock cycles in comparison with the standard timings, then this is absolutely not profitable for us. But with a frequency of 2133 and 2666 MHz, you can conduct tests of system performance and stability in order to choose which one is optimal for us.

Testing system performance and stability after overclocking RAM

After each adjustment of the RAM in the BIOS (that is, after overclocking), save the BIOS settings and start the system. If the system has started, that's good, if not, the computer will reboot with factory settings. And if the computer does not turn on at all, then the settings can be reset manually by closing the Clear CMOS (JBAT1) contact on the motherboard with any metal object or jumper.

After that, you will need check the system for stability by running one of the special tests (for example, in AIDA64 or Everest) or by running a game that can seriously load the system. If the computer does not turn off, does not reboot, does not give an error, does not freeze and does not appear the blue screen of death, then these settings for overclocking the RAM are right for you.

Weed out those combinations of settings in which the computer is unstable. And those that work stably, check for performance and compare.

You can use numerous benchmarks (including those built into AIDA64 or Everest) and check with what settings how many points your system will score. Or you can use the good old archiver. Create a folder for the test, throw all the junk into it (files of medium and small size) and zip it with an archiver. At the same time, note how long it will take. The winner, of course, is the setting at which the archiver will cope with the test folder as quickly as possible.

Testing my RAM in the Everest benchmark

Summary:

How can you summarize this article. The first thing I want to tell you is overclocking RAM is not that easy... And, if you have read even 20 articles on this topic - that's still doesn't mean you know how to overclock RAM.

Second, overclocking your RAM won't improve your system's performance as much as it would if you don't have an AMD Ryzen processor. In the case of this line of processors from AMD, the speed of the RAM greatly affects the speed of the processor. This is due to a fundamentally new processor architecture, in which the processor's cache memory turned out to be a weak link.

RAM is not the most expensive thing in a computer. Think about it, maybe you'd better not overclock, but just?

In any case, good luck with your experiments and share your results, we are interested too!

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Almost all users want to get the best possible performance from their personal computer. A good way to improve the speed of your PC is to overclock your RAM. This is done through the BIOS settings of your motherboard. Correct overclocking has several subtleties, and they are described in this article. Next, you will learn how you can overclock your RAM, how to find out the overclocking results and how to determine the optimal parameters.

Preparation for work

"I have new RAM - how do I know what to do next to increase its frequency?" - users usually ask. Installing RAM brackets in the corresponding slots of the computer is a fairly simple matter and is not covered in this article. After you plug it in, the RAM will start working at the minimum speed. Manufacturers try to configure everything so that it works as reliably as possible.

Any increase in the speed of the computer is at the same time a decrease in stability. Overclocking the memory correctly means experimentally determining the optimal frequency and timings.

If you do not want to experiment, you can find out which assembly will be optimal on thematic forums or in special articles.

In order to look for the necessary information on the forum, you need to find out the answers to the following questions:

• What kind of RAM do I have?
• What kind of processor do I have?
• Which motherboard do I have?

Only then can experienced users know which configurations are optimal for you. The installed processor greatly affects the frequency of the RAM, and different motherboards can produce different indicators of stability of work with the same settings.

BIOS settings

In order to overclock the clock frequency of any computer components, users need to go to the BIOS configuration menu. To do this, follow a few simple steps described in this manual:

Checking and re-setting

If, after trying to overclock the PC, it does not start, then you have set very high rates. In this case, you need to close the special Clear CMOS (JBAT) contact located near the RAM slots with a metal object to reset the settings. In this case, set options slightly closer to the original profile.

After Windows boots up, users will need to run some stability tests on their computer. This can be done using benchmarks such as Everest or AIDA64. Also try running the most demanding video games and playing them for a few hours. If no errors occur, then this assembly is stable and you can try to overclock again.

By default, all characteristics of the computer's RAM are determined by BIOS and Windows completely automatically, depending on the hardware configuration. But if you wish, for example, trying to overclock RAM, it is possible to adjust the parameters yourself in the BIOS settings. Unfortunately, this cannot be done on all motherboards; on some older and simpler models, this process is not possible.

You can change the main characteristics of the RAM, that is, the clock frequency, timings and voltage. All these indicators are interrelated. And therefore, you need to be theoretically trained in setting up RAM in BIOS.

Method 1: Award BIOS

If your motherboard has Phoenix / Award firmware installed, the procedure will look something like the following. Please be aware that parameter names may vary slightly.

1. We reboot the PC. We enter BIOS using the service key or a keyboard shortcut. They are different depending on the model and version of the "hardware": Del, Esc, F2 etc.
2. Press the combination Ctrl + F1 to enter advanced settings. On the page that opens, use the arrows to go to the item "MB Intelligent Tweaker (M.I.T.)" and press Enter.



3. In the next menu we find the parameter "System Memory Multiplier"... By changing its multiplier, you can decrease or increase the clock frequency of the RAM. We choose a little more active.



4. You can carefully increase the voltage supplied to the RAM, but not more than 0.15 volts.



5. We return to the main BIOS page and select the parameter "Advanced Chipset Features".



6. Here you can adjust the timings, that is, the response time of the device. Ideally, the lower this figure, the faster the PC's RAM functions. First we change the value "DRAM Timing Selectable" With "Auto" on the "Manual", that is, to the manual adjustment mode. Then you can experiment by decreasing the timings, but not more than by one at a time.



7. The settings are complete. We exit the BIOS with saving the changes and run any special test to check the stability of the system and RAM, for example, in.



8. If you are not satisfied with the results of the RAM setup, repeat the above algorithm.

Method 2: AMI BIOS

If the BIOS on your computer is from American Megatrends, then there will be no cardinally significant differences from the Award. But just in case, let's briefly consider this case.

Method 3: UEFI BIOS

Most modern motherboards have a UEFI BIOS with a beautiful and convenient interface, support for the Russian language and a computer mouse. The possibilities for configuring RAM in such a firmware are very wide. Let's consider them in detail.

1. We go into BIOS by clicking Del or F2... Other service keys are less common; you can find them out in the documentation or from the hint at the bottom of the screen. Next, go to "Advanced Mode" by clicking F7.



2. On the advanced settings page, go to the tab "Ai Tweaker", we find the parameter "Memory Frequency" and in the drop-down window select the desired clock frequency of the RAM.



3. Moving down the menu, we see the line DRAM Timing Control and clicking on it, we get to the section for adjusting various RAM timings. By default, all fields contain "Auto", but if you wish, you can try to set your own response time values.



4. Back to the menu "Ai Tweaker" and go to DRAM Driving Control... Here you can try to slightly increase the RAM frequency multipliers and speed up its work. But this must be done consciously and carefully.



5. Again we return to the previous tab and then observe the parameter "DRAM Voltage", where you can change the voltage supplied to the RAM modules. You can increase the voltage by minimum values ​​and in stages.



6. Then we exit to the advanced settings window and move to the tab "Advanced"... We visit there "North Bridge", page of the north bridge of the motherboard.



7. Here we are interested in the line "Memory Configuration", on which we click.



8. In the next window, you can change the configuration parameters of the RAM modules installed in the PC. For example, enable or disable error control and correction (ECC) RAM, define the interleaving mode of RAM banks, and so on.



9. Having finished the settings, we save the changes made, leave the BIOS and boot the system, check the operation of RAM in any specialized test. We draw conclusions, correct errors by re-adjusting the parameters.

As you have seen, setting up RAM in BIOS is quite possible for an experienced user. In principle, in the event of your incorrect actions in this direction, the computer simply will not turn on or the firmware will reset the erroneous values ​​by itself. But caution and a sense of proportion will not hurt. And remember that the wear of the RAM modules is correspondingly accelerated at higher rates.

Since Intel Q6600 processors overclock quite well, the bus frequency was immediately increased from 266 MHz to 333 MHz:

However, since not only the processor frequency but also the memory depends on the bus, it also overclocked. Here we used 800 MHz DDR-2 memory modules, for which 1000 MHz can be overwhelming. To avoid overclocking, the frequency of the RAM should be lowered using one more setting - the memory multiplier (for some platforms it is more correct to use the word “divider”) memory.

In BIOS of Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R this setting is called System Memory Multiplier. By multiplying the bus frequency by this factor, the frequency of the RAM is determined. Since after overclocking the bus will operate at 333 MHz, the required memory multiplier can be determined by dividing the initial memory frequency by the bus frequency: 800/333 = 2.4. We set this value in the BIOS settings:

The motherboard warns in red text that the settings have been changed from factory to others. Nothing wrong with that. The memory worked at 800 MHz and still works. To overclock it in this case, you just need to set a larger multiplier value (but not too large):

Overclocking from 800 MHz to 833 MHz is, of course, not serious, but the next multiplier value after 2.5 is immediately 3.0, which is too much. It would be more successful to overclock with the possibility of increasing the processor multiplier: in conjunction with the selection of the required bus frequency, the system can be configured more flexibly. In this case, an attempt was made to reduce the multiplier from 9.0 to 8.0. To reach a frequency of 3000 MHz, the bus must work at 375 MHz, and with a memory multiplier equal to 2.4, the RAM will receive a frequency of 900 MHz. The memory could not cope with such overclocking - the PC was constantly freezing. With a memory multiplier of 2.0, we get only 750 MHz - below the nominal. Therefore, it was decided to stop at the 333x9.0 variant as part of the first overclocking attempt.

Successful and significant overclocking often requires a slight increase in voltage. By 5-10%. We select the item CPU Voltage Control, go into it, set, for example, 1.35 V:

Thus, the processor was overclocked over the bus from 2400 MHz to 3000 MHz (333x9) with a slight increase in voltage.

To overclock the RAM, in some cases, just like for the processor, it is necessary to slightly increase the voltage. This is done in a similar way. We select the required item:

Set the voltage increase to +0.1 V, press Enter.

Before exiting the BIOS, we check all the settings:

If everything is in order, press the F10 key, then Enter.

When starting the PC, we observe the new processor frequency:

If overclocking is obtained, the system may not start. In this case, on the board, you should find a plastic jumper near the round silver battery. The Clear Cmos jumper shorts two of three pins by default. We rearrange it for a few seconds so as to close the middle contact with another, which was previously free. Then we return the jumper to its original place, start, re-configure the BIOS, because after such a manipulation, the motherboard will reset all settings to the factory settings.

This is how you can add 600 MHz to the processor frequency in a couple of minutes. But this is still only the first approximation to the desired result.

On motherboards with AMI BIOS, everything is done in the same way. It looks like this:

To overclock, go directly to the "Advanced" section:

The settings of interest to the overclocker are collected in the "CPU configuration" and "Chipset configuration" tabs. We go to the first:

The bus frequency is referred to here as "CPU Host Frequency". By analogy with Award BIOS, switch to manual control, to Manual.

After that, you can tackle the frequency. The rest of the parameters (voltages, memory multiplier / divider, and so on) change in the same way:

In addition to AWARD and AMI, there is a relatively recently appeared UEFI BIOS. Its main features include a graphical interface with mouse support and the ability to work with hard drives with a capacity of 3 TB or more.

Random access memory is an important component of a computer or laptop, which partly determines its performance and capabilities. Few people know that the performance of devices can be significantly improved without having to replace the main elements. This is done by "overclocking" the installed microcircuits, including RAM. Overclocking is different from boosting processor power or video memory. We will tell you how to do it right without making mistakes.

Many IT professionals point out that manufacturers often set limitation on the possibility of artificially increasing productivity... In addition, the increase in the speed of RAM is often carried out after overclocking the installed processor. Separately, both important components of a computer are rarely overclocked, since their work is responsible for the main functions. As for the video card, it is also overclocked separately - it all depends on what kind of data is being processed for the performance increase.

One of the main characteristics of RAM is considered the volume, which is usually measured in gigabytes. However, performance is affected by operating frequency, bandwidth, and other characteristics that are rarely mentioned in a computer brief. Under "overclocking" is meant the inclusion of special operating modes due to:

1. Increasing the clock rate... Typically, this parameter is changed when the process is overclocked, which allows it to use its full processing power.
2. Changes in the number of timings that occur during one cycle... With a decrease in this indicator, the exchange of electrical signals will take place much more often, due to which the throughput of the installed strips will increase.

Some IT specialists highlight a method of increasing productivity, which is associated with a change in the electrical voltage indicators in the installed microcircuit.

Best Overclocking Techniques

When manufacturing a microcircuit of this type, a variety of architectures can be used, in most cases you can only maximize the clock frequency or bandwidth - both will not work at once. Some choose compromise combination installed settings.

1. When you increase the clock frequency, you will have to slow down the timing, otherwise the computer will not work stably and there is a possibility of information loss.
2. When accelerating the timing, it is recommended to leave the clock frequency at the factory level.

In addition, after overclocking the computer, you may notice that it starts to work slower. This is because not every processor and RAM is designed for overclocking. In some cases, with factory settings, they work much better and more stable.

What you need to know about RAM frequency

Overclocking ddr3 or other type of RAM is carried out by many to increase the clock frequency... Its indicator determines how many operating cycles the installed microcircuit produces per second. With an increase in this value, the microcircuit begins to work faster, the time between the user's action and the device's response decreases.

DDR RAM manufacturers specify two types of clock speeds:

1. Real.
2. Effective.

The effective indicator, as a rule, is twice the real one. The indicator of the real clock speed can rarely be found in the description of RAM; to determine it, you have to look for a detailed specification or use a computer performance monitoring program.

Working voltage

All parts of the computer work exclusively under their own voltage, for some it can be changeable. This point should be taken into account when considering the overclocking process. The previously common type of DDR 2 memory runs at 1.8 volts.

Today, the common memory type is DDR 3 at 1.5 volts. Experts say that these thresholds can be exceeded insignificantly. For DDR 2, the value is set to 2.2 volts, for DDR 3 the figure is 1.65 volts.

If these values ​​are exceeded, the microcircuit will begin to work incorrectly, significant failures may appear. In addition, IT specialists argue that even the highest quality microcircuit from a well-known manufacturer can poorly perceive an increase in voltage. Therefore, if there is no special need for this, then it is best to leave the factory settings.

Using tests

There is no exact way to overclock ddr3 RAM... This is due to the fact that there are a huge number of RAM strips, each can react differently to changes in factory settings. That is why the way out of the situation is to select the most appropriate settings when testing each change. To do this, you can use special programs that greatly simplify the tasks.

When choosing programs for testing computer operation, it is recommended to pay attention to the following:

1. PC Mark.
2. Everest.

It is difficult to single out the best program from the two above, since each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Why are these two programs with a huge selection? The answer is quite simple - they not only monitor the main indicators under load or a simple device, but also have the function of monitoring the stability of the operation of many RAM models. Likewise, they reduce the likelihood that the changes made will lead to a loss of stability of the RAM.

Metrics change tools

You can set the required values ​​using a variety of tools. There are two main methods:

1. Using the BIOS interface.
2. Installing and using a third-party program.

Many experts in this issue recommend using the first method, since third-party software may not work correctly be incompatible with specific types of RAM. In addition, when using BIOS, overclocking is carried out at a low level of interaction with hardware components, due to which you can achieve better results.

Among key nuances note the following points:

1. Changing the frequency of the device should be treated with caution., since the correct correction does not consist only in the introduction of one digit. The frequency depends on the product of two basic values: FSB and BCLK. The resulting value is considered to be the "reference frequency". If only the multiplier is changed, then it will be impossible to increase productivity.
2. It is accepted to pay attention peculiarities of the processor when overclocking RAM modules, since this element is more important in the system. It is often observed that the same values ​​of timing and clock frequency for different processors give different results. At the same time, it is difficult to find exact recommendations; manufacturers do not recommend changing the installed settings at all.
3. The result of overclocking work is often unpredictable, but you can increase the chances of success by studying specialized forums, where you can find an example of a similar combination of processor and memory sticks.

Intel and AMD processors

Tests carried out while overclocking RAM indicate that Intel processors built on modern architectures are difficult to adjust for the BCLK parameter. If you change it, then there is a high probability of serious failures.

This information determines that it will be quite difficult to change the "reference frequency". Therefore, the only way out of this situation is to change the indicator of the multiplier, which usually leads to slight increase in power.

Some of the processors from the manufacturer in question respond well to such experiments. An example is the Core i7-8. They are produced using the Lynnfield architecture.

The results of the experiments carried out can be influenced by mother memory type... This element of the computer also has a chipset that is responsible for processing some information.

AMD-branded processors are gradually leaving the market. At the same time, they behave more predictably as the performance of the RAM increases, which reduces the likelihood of errors.

In conclusion, we note that an increase in productivity always leads to the release of more heat. Therefore, in case of insufficient cooling of the system unit, a more powerful heat removal system should be installed, since there is a high probability of overheating.

Video

This video will show you how to properly configure and overclock your PC's RAM.

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