New memory does not run at its advertised speed on its own. Without a profile the board uses a safe default (DDR4-2133/2400 or DDR5-4800), so a DDR5-6000 kit can quietly work at 4800 MHz. Enabling a profile takes one minute in BIOS and noticeably helps games, especially on Ryzen.
Two sticks go to A2 and B2 (the 2nd and 4th slot from the processor), so they run in dual channel.
1. XMP or EXPO?
- XMP is Intel’s profile (works on Intel boards, many AMD boards call it the same).
- EXPO is AMD’s profile for DDR5 on Ryzen 7000/9000. Many kits contain both.
- On AMD boards you may also see DOCP, the older name for the same thing.
Sweet spot: for Ryzen 7000/9000 a DDR5-6000 CL30 kit; for Intel DDR5 a 6000–6400 kit. Check the speed printed on the sticker of your memory.
2. Before you start
- With two sticks, install them in slots A2 and B2 (usually the 2nd and 4th slot from the processor) so they work in dual channel. See the board manual.
- Update BIOS if the board is new or the memory is not recognised properly.
- Open Task Manager → Performance → Memory and write down the current Speed.
3. Enter BIOS and enable the profile
Restart the PC and press Delete (or F2) repeatedly. Press F7 for Advanced Mode if the board shows a simple screen.
ASUS
- On the first screen (EZ Mode) you can click the XMP / EXPO button or choose the profile in the list.
- Or: Advanced Mode (F7) → Ai Tweaker → Ai Overclock Tuner → XMP I / EXPO I (or D.O.C.P. on older boards).
- F10 to save and exit.
MSI
- In EZ Mode click the A-XMP / EXPO switch at the top and choose a profile.
- Or: Advanced Mode (F7) → OC → A-XMP / EXPO → Profile 1.
- F10 to save and exit.
Gigabyte
- Go to the Tweaker tab → Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.) (on AMD boards: EXPO or D.O.C.P.).
- Choose Profile 1.
- F10 to save and exit.
ASRock
- Go to OC Tweaker → Load XMP Setting (or Load EXPO Setting).
- Choose Profile 1.
- F10 to save and exit.
Menu names vary a little between boards and BIOS versions. Search for the word XMP, EXPO or Memory in the menu if you do not see them at once.
4. Check that it works
- Task Manager → Performance → Memory: the Speed should now show your kit speed (for example 6000 MT/s).
- Or open CPU-Z → Memory: DRAM Frequency is half of the rated speed (3000 MHz = DDR5-6000).
5. If something goes wrong
- The PC restarts several times or does not boot: wait a few minutes, the board is retraining memory. If it does not recover, clear CMOS (battery out for 1 minute or the jumper) and try again.
- Blue screens or errors after enabling: try Profile 2, a lower speed, or update BIOS. Check the board’s memory support list (QVL) on the manufacturer site.
- Different kits mixed together: mixing sticks often prevents the profile from working. Use one matched kit.