How to install and overclock DDR4 memory?

Memory is one of the most important hardware of a computer. Without the memory, the computer cannot function normally. The current mainstream computer memory type is DDR4. But how do we install the DDR4 memory to optimize system performance and to overclock it?

• DDR4 memory installation and sequence
• Enable XMP to overclock memory
• Check memory frequency in WIN10

DDR4 memory installation and sequence

DDR4 memory installation procedure

1. Each RAM slot will have two small clips at either side. Press these down to open them. They don't need to move very far, so don't use too much force.

2. RAM sticks are keyed, which means they have a gap in the connector that will ensure you can only insert them one way. Line up your RAM so that the gap on the connector corresponds with the RAM slot.

Memory installation sequence

Below are illustrations of memory installation sequence in relation to how many memory sticks you have

Note：
1. In most cases, the installation of memory will start from DIMMA2. To run the system in dual-channel mode, you will need at least to have two memory sticks and above. However, dual-channel mode can only be activated in even number of memory sticks.
So for two memory sticks, they will have to be installed on DIMMA2 and DIMMB2.

2. To ensure system stability and compatibility in dual-channel mode, the memory sticks must be of the same type and density.

Enable XMP(Xtreme Memory Profile) to overlock memory

1. Press delete key continuously after booting up to enter the motherboard BIOS menu.

If XMP Profile is available from your memory module, then motherboard would be able to detect and XMP option will be available on the BIOS menu.

The [XMP Profile 1] option is not grayed out in below figure, indicating that the memory supports XMP.

In contrary, the [XMP Profile 2] is grayed out, the status implies current Memory module only comes with single set of XMP Profile preset values.

2. Current memory frequency is 2666Mhz, click on [XMP Profile 1] option to enable XMP.

3. Press [F10] key, select [Yes] to save the configuration and restart.

4. Re-enter the BIOS menu to verify the new settings, the memory frequency has been successfully overclocked to 2933Mhz.

Check memory frequency in WIN 10

1. Right click on [Task Bar] and select [Task Manager].

2. Click on [Performance] --> [Memory] in turn to check the current memory speed.

Note: The overclocked frequency of memory will be contingent upon the support of both CPU and motherboard. If either of these components lacks the support, it may cause memory overclocking to fail.

To check on motherboard and memory compatibility specifications, please refer to article: How to check memory specifications and compatibility report?

References

How to check memory specifications and compatibility report?