To change RAM speed in Gigabyte BIOS, restart your computer and press the Delete key repeatedly during startup to enter the BIOS setup. Once inside, press F2 to switch to Advanced Mode, then navigate to the Tweaker tab to enable Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) or EXPO Profile 1 for automatic speed configuration. If you need to upgrade your kit first, you can take out RAM safely by releasing the side clips. While you are customizing your memory settings, you can also change RAM RGB color to match your build's aesthetic.
How to change RAM speed in Gigabyte BIOS using XMP
The primary method to change RAM speed in Gigabyte BIOS is by enabling an Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) or EXPO Profile. This automatically applies the advertised speed and timings your RAM kit was designed to run at, eliminating the need for manual calculations. Most users searching for how to change RAM speed in Gigabyte BIOS want exactly this, a one-click solution to unlock their RAM's rated performance.
- Restart your computer and repeatedly press the Delete key during startup when the Gigabyte logo appears to enter the BIOS setup.
- Upon entering the BIOS, you may be in Easy Mode. Press F2 or click the option to enter Advanced Mode to access all BIOS settings.
- In Advanced Mode, navigate to the Tweaker tab, also known as the M.I.T. (Motherboard Intelligent Tweaker) section on some Gigabyte motherboards.
- Within the Tweaker tab, locate Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) or EXPO Profile and set it to Enabled or select Profile 1 (or the highest available profile) to apply the RAM's advertised speed and timings.
- Press F10 to save and exit, then confirm the changes when prompted.
After the system restarts, your RAM will run at its rated speed. This method is ideal for users who want to maximize performance without manual tuning, ensuring their RAM RGB, speed and compatibility are fully optimized straight out of the box.
How to manually set RAM speed and voltage
If XMP or EXPO fails to work or you need advanced tuning for overclocking or troubleshooting, you can manually set the RAM speed and voltage. This secondary method gives you precise control when automatic profiles cause instability or when using memory kits not officially supported by XMP/EXPO.
- Enter the BIOS and switch to Advanced Mode as described above.
- Navigate to the Tweaker tab, then open Advanced Memory Settings.
- Adjust the System Memory Multiplier to set your desired RAM frequency.
- Locate the DRAM Voltage setting and set it to your memory module's recommended voltage, typically 1.35V for many kits. For overclocking, this can be increased up to 1.5V, but proceed with caution.
- Press F10 to save and exit.
Manual adjustment is useful when you need to match specific RAM specifications or when troubleshooting compatibility issues. Always verify your RAM's rated voltage on the module label or manufacturer's website before making changes.
What to do if your system becomes unstable
If your system becomes unstable or unbootable after changing RAM settings, do not panic. The BIOS includes recovery mechanisms to help you restore functionality. Incorrectly adjusting overclocking or overvoltage settings can potentially damage the CPU, chipset, or memory and may reduce the lifespan of these components, so always proceed with care.
First, try restarting the PC a few times. On some Gigabyte motherboards, the UC BIOS will automatically detect the failure and revert to the last stable settings after several failed boot attempts. If this does not work, you will need to clear the CMOS values to reset the BIOS to default. This can be done by:
- Powering off the computer and unplugging the power cord.
- Locating the CMOS battery on the motherboard (a small, round silver battery) and removing it for 30 seconds, or using the clear CMOS jumper/button as described in your motherboard manual.
- Replacing the battery, plugging in the power, and restarting. The BIOS will now be at factory defaults.
After recovery, you can attempt enabling XMP again or manually setting more conservative RAM speeds. For troubleshooting, consider testing with one RAM stick at a time to isolate potential hardware issues. Remember that stability testing with tools like MemTest86 is recommended after any memory speed change to ensure reliable operation.
