How to Adjust the Speed of Your MSI RAM Efficiently

The ability to adjust RAM speed on your MSI motherboard offers a significant advantage when it comes to optimizing your system's performance. Whether you want to change the speed for the best performance or stability, there are a few key steps you can follow to get the desired settings. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get the job done.

1. Utilizing UEFI Settings

The first and often most straightforward method involves using the UEFI configuration feature of your motherboard. This method is available for those using MSI models with the latest motherboards. Here's how you can do it:

Boot your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually Delete or F2). Look for a section related to DRAM settings or memory timings. Select and change the DRAM frequency, adjusting it to your desired speed.

If you miss this option, don't worry; you can also use the MSI Command Center utility, which provides a more detailed and user-friendly interface for managing RAM settings.

2. XMP Profile for Easy Speed Increase

For those who do not want to manually adjust the RAM settings, the XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) is a convenient option. XMP allows you to achieve higher speeds without delving into complex configurations. Here’s how to use it:

Go into your BIOS settings. Look for a section labeled “XMP Profile” or “Auto XMP.” Select the appropriate XMP profile to boost your RAM speed to the highest marketed frequency, typically not the default 2400 MHz. If you're comfortable with a bit of manual overclocking, you can try to do so within the XMP settings. However, be cautious, as some processors and motherboards have limitations.

3. Manual Overclocking for Further Customization

If you want to fine-tune your RAM settings beyond the XMP profile, manual overclocking is the way to go. This involves adjusting both frequency and latency to achieve better performance and stability. Here are the steps to follow:

Restart your PC into BIOS. You can normally access it by pressing the Delete key or through the advanced restart menu. Locate the “XMP Profile” or “Memory Tuning” settings. This might require enabling advanced options. Change the memory frequency and latency settings to the desired values, keeping an eye on stability. Save the overclocking settings and test them using a tool like Memtest.exe to ensure they're stable. If you need to adjust voltages, ensure you understand the safe limits for your specific DRAM die. Most DDR4 memory can handle up to 1.4V, but it varies. Save overclocking profiles to a USB to avoid resetting the CMOS settings if needed.

4. Utilizing Additional Tools for Customization

For more advanced users, tools like DRAM Calculator for Ryzen or similar utilities can provide useful guidelines for setting RAM timings and frequencies. Remember, these are just starting points, and real-world stability might differ.

Finally, to identify your DRAM die type, you can use software like Thaiphoon Burner. This is particularly important for optimizing voltage settings, as different DRAM dies have varying tolerance levels. However, some cheaper or lower-end memory kits might not be properly detected, so use this information as a guideline and verify it with your specific hardware.

Conclusion

Adjusting your MSI RAM speed is a powerful way to enhance your system's performance. Whether you use the built-in features of your motherboard, like XMP profiles, or dive into manual overclocking, the key is to start with safe settings and gradually push the limits while ensuring stability. Proper configuration can lead to significant improvements in performance and responsiveness. Happy overclocking!