How to Change RAM Speed in Your Computer's BIOS

You can change your RAM speed through your computer's BIOS settings, but the process and options depend on your motherboard model and processor

RAM speed is controlled in BIOS, the firmware that runs before your operating system loads. Most modern motherboards let you adjust RAM frequency — the speed at which your memory operates — through a settings menu you reach by restarting your computer and pressing a specific key during startup. The actual speed options available depend on what your motherboard and processor support, not on what RAM you own.

Changing RAM speed is different from overclocking. When you adjust RAM speed in BIOS, you are typically choosing between speeds your hardware is rated to handle. Overclocking pushes components beyond their rated specifications and carries stability risks. This guide covers standard speed adjustments within manufacturer specifications.

Key Takeaways

You access RAM speed settings by restarting your computer, pressing Delete or F2 during startup (the exact key varies by motherboard), and navigating to memory or overclocking settings in BIOS.
Most modern motherboards default to conservative speeds and label faster options as XMP or DOCP profiles, which automatically set voltage and timing alongside frequency.
Your processor and motherboard determine the maximum RAM speed your system can use, regardless of what speed your RAM is rated for.
Changing RAM speed requires restarting your computer, and if the new setting causes instability, you can reset BIOS to factory defaults by removing the CMOS battery or using a jumper on the motherboard.

Finding and entering your BIOS menu

Restart your computer completely. As it powers back on, watch the screen for a message that says "Press [key] to enter Setup" or "Press [key] to enter BIOS." The key varies by manufacturer — common options are Delete, F2, F10, or F12. You have only a few seconds to press it, so you may need to restart again if you miss the window.

Once inside BIOS, the interface looks different depending on your motherboard maker. Intel-based systems from manufacturers like ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte, and ASRock each have their own menu layout. Look for sections labeled "Advanced," "Overclocking," "Memory Settings," or "Performance." Some BIOS menus have a search function — pressing Ctrl+F or looking for a search icon can help you find memory-related settings faster.

Locating RAM speed settings in BIOS

The setting you are looking for is usually called "Memory Frequency," "DRAM Frequency," "Memory Speed," or "Memory Multiplier." In some BIOS versions, it appears under "Overclocking" even though you are not overclocking — manufacturers group memory settings there regardless. The current speed is often shown in megahertz (MHz).

Many modern motherboards also display XMP or DOCP profiles. XMP stands for Intel Extreme Memory Profile; DOCP is AMD's equivalent (Ryzen systems). These are pre-configured settings that set not just frequency but also voltage and timing values to match what your RAM is rated for. If your RAM is rated for 3600 MHz and your BIOS shows an XMP profile for 3600 MHz, selecting that profile is simpler and safer than manually adjusting frequency alone.

Understanding what speeds your system supports

Your processor and motherboard have a maximum supported RAM speed. Intel's 12th-generation processors, for example, officially support up to 4800 MHz on some models, while older generations support lower speeds. AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors support up to 3200 MHz officially, though many motherboards allow higher speeds through DOCP. Your motherboard manual or the manufacturer's website lists the supported speeds for your specific model.

If you own RAM rated for 3600 MHz but your processor only supports 3200 MHz officially, your system will run the RAM at 3200 MHz. You cannot exceed what your processor is rated for, even if you change the BIOS setting. Conversely, if your motherboard BIOS offers a speed option higher than your RAM is rated for, selecting it can cause instability or damage.

Changing the RAM speed setting

Navigate to the memory frequency setting. You will see either a number (like 3200) or a dropdown menu with options. If you see an XMP or DOCP profile that matches your RAM's rated speed, select it — this is the safest approach because it adjusts voltage and timing automatically. Press Enter or click to confirm, then save and exit BIOS (usually by pressing F10 or selecting "Save and Exit").

If you are manually selecting a frequency instead of using a profile, choose a speed that your RAM is rated for and that your processor supports. For example, if your RAM is rated for 3600 MHz and your processor supports it, select 3600 from the list. Do not guess at settings. After changing the value, save and exit BIOS. Your computer will restart and apply the new setting.

Testing stability after changing RAM speed

After your computer restarts with the new RAM speed, let it run normally for at least 30 minutes. Open a web browser, use your applications, and watch for crashes, freezes, or error messages. If the system is stable, the change was successful. You can verify the new speed in Windows by right-clicking "This PC" or "My Computer," selecting Properties, and checking the installed RAM amount — though Windows does not always display the exact frequency.

If your computer crashes, freezes, or fails to start after changing RAM speed, restart it and enter BIOS again. The setting may not have saved, or the speed you chose may not be stable on your hardware. Select a lower speed, or reset BIOS to factory defaults by removing the CMOS battery (a small coin-shaped battery on the motherboard) for 10 seconds, reinserting it, and restarting. Some motherboards have a "Clear CMOS" jumper instead — consult your motherboard manual for the exact method.

When RAM speed changes do not stick

Sometimes you change the setting in BIOS, save, and restart — but the RAM speed reverts to the original speed. This usually means your motherboard has a safety feature that detected instability and automatically reset the setting. It can also happen if you did not save properly before exiting BIOS.

If this occurs, enter BIOS again and try a lower speed increment. For example, if 3600 MHz reverted, try 3400 MHz or 3500 MHz. Some motherboards are more stable at certain speeds than others, even if the processor and RAM support higher speeds. If even lower speeds revert, your RAM or motherboard may have a hardware issue, or the RAM may not be fully compatible with your system despite being the same type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing RAM speed void my warranty?

Adjusting RAM speed to a setting within your processor and motherboard's official specifications typically does not void the warranty. However, overclocking beyond rated specifications may. Check your motherboard and processor manufacturer's warranty terms. If you use XMP or DOCP — which are official profiles — you are within supported settings.

What is the difference between MHz and the speed listed on my RAM box?

RAM boxes often list speeds like "DDR4-3600" or "DDR5-6000." The number after DDR is the data rate in megabits per second. The actual frequency (what you set in BIOS) is half that number — so DDR4-3600 runs at 1800 MHz frequency. BIOS usually shows the frequency, not the data rate, which is why the numbers look different.

Can I mix RAM of different speeds in one computer?

Yes, but your system will run all RAM at the speed of the slowest stick. If you install one 3200 MHz stick and one 3600 MHz stick, both will run at 3200 MHz. For best performance, use RAM of the same speed and model.

Is it safe to use XMP or DOCP profiles?

XMP and DOCP are manufacturer-approved profiles designed for your specific RAM model, so they are safe to use. They are more stable than manually guessing at voltage and timing values. If a profile causes instability, you can disable it and return to default settings.

Why does my computer show a different RAM speed in Windows than what I set in BIOS?

Windows does not always display the exact frequency correctly. The speed shown in system properties may be rounded or incorrect. To verify your actual RAM speed, use a third-party tool like CPU-Z (free software) which reads the frequency directly from hardware and displays it accurately.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.