If you’ve ever bought an Intel processor Chipset then you may have come across a term X.M.P mentioned in the specifications.
Similarly, if you have bought an AMD chipset or a Gigabyte motherboard you may have seen the terms D.O.C.P. and E.O.C.P.
Well, these terms may seem confusing at first but don’t worry because in this article I will explain all these terms in detail and clear all your confusion away.
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What is XMP and What does it do?
XMP or Extreme Memory Profile is a technology developed by Intel to make memory overclocking in compatible DDR3/DDR4 RAM simpler for better gaming performance with an Intel CPU. XMP allows you to increase the data rates of DRAM above a base level up to a certain level mentioned in the memory module of the RAM.
Example – The base DRAM frequency of a DDR4 RAM is 2133 MHz but the XMP technology allows you to increase the frequency of DDR4 RAM above 2133 MHz up to a certain level like 2400 Hz or above as advertised in the RAM packaging.
Basically, the XMP technology allows you to overclock your RAM quickly and much easily than the traditional tweaking methods used in the past.
RAM manufacturers test their memory chips to see how fast a particular memory chip can run. They then create a memory profile that is saved on a chip on the Memory modules with the DRAM frequency, timings, and Voltage information needed to overclock that particular module to the speed they are rated at. The manufacturers then sort their modules according to the different speeds that can be obtained and sell them to the consumers.
To set up XMP all you need to do is enable the XMP feature in BIOS. It will automatically read the frequency profile of the DRAM sticks and apply it in the BIOS.
Should you enable XMP?
You should enable XMP if you want faster RAM speeds and better performance from your computer. If you’re a hardcore gamer or a designer running graphic-intensive 3D applications then you should definitely enable XMP.
RAM is where your files are temporarily stored so that the CPU can work with those files. The faster your RAM is, the faster your CPU can work with those files and transfer information to other components it needs to communicate with in order to complete the tasks it’s working on like running games, applications, etc.
So, enabling the XMP profile increases your RAM frequency and can help your computer run faster than before.
Another reason why you should enable the XMP profile is that enabling the XMP profile allows you to run your newly installed RAM sticks at their original advertised frequencies. Let me explain this with an example.
The base speed of DDR4 RAM is 2133 MHz. Now, if you install new RAM modules of frequencies like 3200 MHz or more and your XMP profile is disabled then these RAMs will run at the same base speed of 2133 MHz.
So, if you want those newly installed RAMs to run at their original advertised frequencies of 3200 MHz then you need to enable the XMP profile in your motherboard BIOS.
How to enable XMP in BIOS?
Before you think of enabling XMP you need to make sure your Motherboard and CPU support those higher frequencies in order for the overclocked RAM to work to run at those higher frequencies. If it does then you can follow the steps below to enable XMP in your Intel or AMD Ryzen chipset using any motherboard like ASUS, AORUS, etc.
How to enter the BIOS Setup
The first thing you need to do is enter into your BIOS. There are two ways you can enter into BIOS.
The first way is if your computer is switched off. In this case, you need to switch on your computer first and then press the appropriate key at the start of the boot process. The most common keys for entering into BIOS are “Esc”, “Delete”, “F2”, or “F10”. You can find the key to enter the BIOS at the bottom of the boot screen.
The second way is if your computer is switched ON. In this case, you need to first click on the Windows icon at the bottom of your screen. Then you need to click on Power and then press and hold the Shift key and click on Restart while holding the Shift key.
Now, your computer will show you a different menu. All you need to do is click on Troubleshoot.
After that, you need to click on UEFI Firmware Settings.
Now, you just need to click on the Restart button and you’ll be taken to the Startup Menu. Here, you need to press the appropriate key which is shown to enter the BIOS Setup. In the image below it is showing the F10 key so you need to press the F10 key to enter the BIOS Setup.
How to enable XMP in ASUS Motherboard with Intel CPU
After you enter the BIOS you can enable the XMP using the steps mentioned below. I am using an ASUS motherboard with the Intel CPU in this example. If you have a different configuration then you need to search a bit to find the XMP option.
Step 1 – Enter the UEFI BIOS Setup using the steps mentioned above and locate the X.M.P option. You will see that the XMP option is disabled by default.
Step 2 – Click on the drop down button below the X.M.P option and select Profile 1. After selecting, it will show the RAM type, frequency, and Voltage.
Step 3 – Simply click on Save & Exit button below and then click OK to save changes.
How to enable XMP in AORUS Motherboard with AMD Ryzen Processor
Here are the steps involved in enabling XMP Profile in the AORUS motherboard with an AMD Ryzen CPU.
Step 1 – Enter the UEFI BIOS Setup using the steps mentioned above and locate the X.M.P option. You will see that the XMP option is disabled by default.
Step 2 – Using Arrow keys move the selector to the X.M.P option and press Enter to select Profile 1. After selecting, it will show the RAM type, frequency, and Voltage.
Step 3 – Click on Save & Exit button on the bottom right corner and then press Yes to save changes.
What is D.O.C.P?
D.O.C.P or Direct OverClock Profile is a technology developed by AMD to make memory overclocking in compatible DDR3/DDR4 RAM simpler for better gaming performance with an AMD Ryzen CPU and ASUS or AMD Motherboards. D.O.C.P allows you to increase the data rates of DRAM above a base level up to a certain level mentioned in the memory module of the RAM.
Basically, D.O.C.P is the XMP equivalent in AMD Chipsets. As I mentioned earlier, XMP was developed by Intel so AMD came up with their own version of XMP and named it D.O.C.P because they didn’t want to pay royalties to Intel to implement XMP on AMD motherboards.
D.O.C.P is basically present in systems with an AMD or ASUS Motherboard along with an AMD Ryzen CPU.
Should you enable D.O.C.P?
You should enable D.O.C.P if you want faster RAM speeds and better performance from your computer. If you’re a hardcore gamer or a designer running graphic-intensive 3D applications then you should definitely enable D.O.C.P.
You should enable the D.O.C.P profile because it also allows you to run your newly installed RAM sticks at their original advertised frequencies.
Example – The base speed of DDR4 RAM is 2133 MHz. Now, if you install a new RAM stick of 3100 MHz frequency and the D.O.C.P option is disabled then both the old and the new RAMs will run at the base speed of 2133 MHz. So, if you want the newly installed RAM to run at its original advertised frequency of 3100 MHz then you need to enable the D.O.C.P profile in your motherboard BIOS.
If you don’t enable D.O.C.P then you’ll have to rely on Auto or manual configuration which is not recommended.
XMP vs D.O.C.P
XMP and D.O.C.P are the same technology. XMP was developed first so it is much more well-known and present in both Intel and AMD CPUs. D.O.C.P, on the other hand, is mostly used in AMD CPUs and is less popular than XMP.
Even though they are similar technologies used for two different chipsets, the XMP technology is better because XMP has become an industry standard and it is much easier to keep up in the BIOS. This is causing more and more AMD motherboard manufacturers like ASUS, Gigabyte, etc. to move to XMP.
What Is the Difference Between D.O.C.P and D.O.C.P Standard?
There is only one basic difference between D.O.C.P and D.O.C.P standard. The D.O.C.P standard option uses a memory divider to determine the most stable frequency for your overclocked RAM necessary to work at the kit’s rated frequency.
For example, if your RAM is running at 3100MHz with D.O.C.P enabled, switching to D.O.C.P Standard will slightly reduce the RAM frequency of the overclocked RAM to stay within AMD’s memory divider specifications. It is helpful to find stable, working memory states.
If you are not sure which option to select from the two, then I will recommend you go with D.O.C.P at the beginning and then check if the RAM is working stably at the overclocked frequency. If you see any issues then it’s better to switch to D.O.C.P Standard.
What Is AI Overclocker Tuner D.O.C.P?
AI Overclocker Tuner is an option in the AI tweaker menu of the ASUS motherboard’s BIOS. It is primarily used for overclocking your RAM using UEFI BIOS. It has three different settings – Auto, Manual, and D.O.C.P.
Setting this to Auto enables ASUS to adjust parameters automatically. You should set this to manual for access to reference clock adjustments, or you can set it to D.O.C.P. to pick a memory overclocking profile.
How to enable D.O.C.P?
You can follow the steps below to enable D.O.C.P on your laptop or desktop.
1. Enter the UEFI BIOS Setup using by pressing the “F2” or “Delete” key during the boot-up process.
2. Press the “F7” key to open Advanced mode.
3. Click on the “AI Tweaker” option.
4. You will find the D.O.C.P option right next to “AI Overclock Tuner.”
5. Click on the drop down below the D.O.C.P option and select Profile 1. After selecting, it will show the RAM type, frequency, and Voltage.
6. Simply click on the Save & Exit button or press the “F10” button below and then click OK to save changes.
After enabling D.O.C.P, you should set the FCLK (Fabric Clock). It should be set to 1/2 of the frequency(in MHz) value of your DDR4 RAM. So, if the frequency of your RAM is 3200MHz, the FCLK should be set to 1600MHz.
What to Do if You Can’t Enable D.O.C.P?
If you are having problems enabling D.O.C.P then it might be because the RAM sticks aren’t placed in the proper A2/B2 slots. In such a case, place your RAM memory sticks in slots A2/B2 and then update the BIOS.
How to Disable D.O.C.P?
If you have D.O.C.P enabled then you can disable it using the following steps.
Step 1 – Enter the UEFI BIOS Setup using by pressing the “F2” or “Delete” key during the boot-up process.
Step 2 – Press the “F7” key to open Advanced mode.
Step 3 – Click on the “AI Tweaker” option.
Step 4 – You will find the D.O.C.P option right next to “AI Overclock Tuner.”
Step 5 – Click on the drop down below the D.O.C.P option and select either “Auto” or “Manual“.
Is D.O.C.P Safe?
Yes, it is safe to enable D.O.C.P because it allows your RAM to run at the advertised frequencies and increases the performance of your computer but you need to keep in mind one thing.
If you increase the D.O.C.P profile to a frequency above what the CPU and Motherboard operate at then it might lead to issues like blue screen, booting problems, boot loop and system crashes.
You also need to make sure your Motherboard and CPU support those higher speeds in order for the overclocked RAM to work to run at those higher frequencies. If your CPU or Motherboard doesn’t support the higher frequencies then enabling D.O.C.P won’t do anything.
You need to check your CPU model to find out if it supports the higher frequencies as advertised with the RAM.
Another thing you need to keep in mind is that if you enable XMP then you are voiding the Intel CPU warranty. If something happens to your Intel CPU then you may not get any warranty support from Intel.
Is D.O.C.P and XMP the same?
Yes, XMP and D.O.C.P are the same technology. The only difference lies in the company that developed the technology. XMP is developed by Intel so it is only used in Intel chipsets whereas D.O.C.P is developed by AMD so it is used in AMD chipsets. Recently, some AMD chipsets have also started using XMP.
CPU Temps Rising After Enabling D.O.C.P?
When you overclock your RAM using D.O.C.P, you are basically increasing the operating frequency and Voltage of your RAm from the normal base level. This means your computer will produce more heat than before and it also affects the CPUs memory controller too.
It’s quite normal to see high rising CPU temperatures with an overclocked RAM during gaming. That is why I mentioned earlier that you’ll require a desktop case with great thermals and a good quality cooling system.
You should make sure that your desktop case has proper ventilation in place because bad ventilation can also increase temperatures after enabling D.O.C.P.
Also, your desktop case should have around 2-3 fans so that cool air arrives both from the front or the bottom of a case and passes it across the heat generating GPU/ CPU and out through the back.
You’ll also need a great CPU Cooler preferably with a liquid cooling system. This will keep your CPU cool during heavy gaming with an overclocked RAM. I recommend the Corsair H115i RGB Platinum.
D.O.C.P Crashing Your PC?
There are multiple reasons why D.O.C.P can sometimes cause game crashing and other issues; below, we have mentioned some things you need to do to troubleshoot the issue.
Check if your RAM is on the Qualified Vendors List for the motherboard?
Every Motherboard manufacturer provides a Qualified Vendors List which you can check to see if your hardware is compatible with that Motherboard. If your RAM is not on the list, it means your RAM isn’t compatible with your Motherboard and you will have to buy another one that’s compatible.
Increase RAM voltage
In some cases, increasing the RAM Voltage manually to a particular level and manually setting the timings can fix crashing issues, so make sure you give it a try. You can find the operational Voltage levels of the RAM from the back of the RAM.
Reset CMOS
In case your computer isn’t turning on after enabling D.O.C.P, you can try resetting the CMOS (complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor). Resetting the CMOS resets your BIOS to the factory default state. Since your PC is not turning on, you can reset the CMOS using CLRTC.
You can check the video below which explains how to clear or reset the CMOS if you don’t have access to your BIOS.
What is E.O.C.P?
E.O.C.P or Extended OverClock Profiles is a technology developed by the company Gigabyte to make memory overclocking in compatible DDR3/DDR4 RAM simpler for better performance in AMD Ryzen processors with Gigabyte Motherboards.
Basically, E.O.C.P is the equivalent of D.O.C.P in Gigabyte motherboards. Gigabyte wanted to use the D.O.C.P feature in their motherboards so they came up with EOCP. EOCP uses the same technology as that of D.O.C.P and XMP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1 – XMP disabled in BIOS?
XMP is always disabled by default in the BIOS. You need to enable XMP manually by entering into the BIOS and selecting the XMP Profile.
Q.2 – XMP enabled or disabled?
If you want to improve the performance of your RAM then you should enable XMP. This is most suited for hardcore Gamers. If you’re happy with the performance of your computer then you should keep the XMP option disabled.
You need to check if your CPU supports the overclocked RAM frequency and you should keep the XMP frequency below the maximum frequency at which the CPU operates. If you don’t know what you’re doing then it’s better for you to keep the XMP option disabled.
Q.3 – XMP keeps crashing and turning off?
If the XMP keeps crashing and turning off then chances are that you have increased the XMP frequency beyond the frequency at which the CPU can operate. You should immediately disable XMP in such a case.
Q.4 – XMP on or off for gaming?
I recommend that you turn on XMP while gaming because it increases your RAM speeds and you get better performance while gaming. However, keep in mind that you won’t see a drastic change if you’re using an ordinary CPU and Graphics card.
Q.5 – XMP not supported?
Some Intel chipsets don’t support the XMP feature. You need to check if your Intel CPU supports XMP. If it doesn’t then you cannot enable XMP.
Q.6 – D.O.C.P leading to blue screen, boot loop, black screen, system crashes?
If you increase the D.O.C.P profile to a frequency above what the CPU and Motherboard operate at then it might lead to issues like blue screen, booting problems, boot loop, and system crashes.
You need to immediately disable the D.O.C.P feature. If you cannot access the boot screen then you should consult AMD support and take your desktop or laptop to the nearest service center.
Q.8 – D.O.C.P enabled but not working and D.O.C.P not changing RAM Speed?
If D.O.C.P isn’t working and changing the RAM speed after enabling then chances are your CPU and Motherboard don’t support the frequency at which your RAM is overclocked to. In such a case, there is no point in enabling D.O.C.P. You should disable D.O.C.P to be safe.
Another thing you can try is overclocking your CPU. Beware, this could lead to performance issues in some cases.
Conclusion
This was all about the XMP, D.O.C.P, and E.O.C.P technology that you find in Motherboards and RAM. These technologies are basically used to overclock your RAM and you might see a slight improvement in the performance of your laptop or desktop.
As always if you want to share or suggest something then feel free to comment down below.