XMP and EXPO: How to Turn On Your RAM's Rated Speed for Gaming

Many gaming PCs run their memory slower than the speed printed on the box. The kit you bought may be sold as a fast DDR5 or DDR4 kit, but a new PC often starts it at a safe default speed until you change one setting in the BIOS. This guide explains what that setting is called, how to turn it on, and what to know before you do.

Why your RAM may be slower than advertised

Memory modules boot with standard settings that work on every compatible board. Intel's page about XMP says modules first boot at default JEDEC settings, and the faster profile can be selected afterward. The result is a PC that works, but not at the rated speed of the kit. In games, memory speed and latency can affect frame rates, and AMD says high frequencies and aggressive settings can help produce higher and smoother frame rates. How much you gain depends on the game and on the rest of your PC, so do not expect a miracle.

What XMP and EXPO are

Both names describe the same idea: a ready-made memory profile that sets speed, timings and voltage for you.

• Intel XMP stands for Extreme Memory Profile. Intel describes its profiles as preset combinations of speed, timing and voltage, tested by the manufacturer for stability. It works with compatible DDR5 and DDR4 memory on PCs with Intel Core Ultra and Core processors. XMP 2.0 is for DDR4 and supports 2 profiles. XMP 3.0 is for DDR5 and supports up to 5 profiles.
• AMD EXPO stands for Extended Profiles for Overclocking. AMD made it for Ryzen processors on socket AM5, with DDR5 memory. AMD also lists a newer Ultra Low Latency option for some kits.

AMD's compatibility list also shows whether a kit supports EXPO, is certified as Ultra Low Latency, or is compatible with the XMP standard. Check the kit's box or product page to see which profile it carries.

How to turn it on

1. Restart the PC and enter the BIOS. The key is usually Delete or F2, and your motherboard shows it at startup.
2. Look for a setting named XMP, EXPO or a similar memory profile option. The name changes between motherboard brands, so check your board's manual.
3. Select the profile you want. If you see more than one, start with Profile 1.
4. Save the settings and restart.
5. Check the result in Windows. Our guide on how to check your PC specs shows how to see your memory speed.

Compatibility and warranty

Intel says that for desktops you need a motherboard that is listed as XMP-compatible and a certified memory module, and that Z and B series boards support XMP memory overclocking. Intel also notes that for laptops and OEM PCs you should ask the manufacturer. Intel's notice adds that changing frequency or voltage outside its specifications may void the processor warranty, and it gives enabling XMP as an example. Read your warranty terms if that matters to you.

If the PC becomes unstable

• Restart and go back to the BIOS. Reselecting the default profile returns the platform to default settings, according to Intel.
• Update the BIOS. Newer versions often improve memory support, but read the notes first.
• Try a different profile, if your kit has more than one.
• Make sure the modules sit fully in the right slots, as your motherboard manual describes.

Quick checklist

• Find out whether your kit uses XMP or EXPO.
• Turn the profile on in the BIOS and save.
• Confirm the speed in Windows.
• If something breaks, go back to the default profile.

If you are still choosing memory, see how much RAM you need for gaming. Once your memory is set, background apps are the next thing worth checking.