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Intel and Overclocking DDR3 Memory

Some Limits are
Made to be Broken

The Intel® Extreme Memory Profile

Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (Intel® XMP) allows you to overclock compatible DDR3 memory to perform beyond standard specifications. It’s designed to enhance the gaming features built into Intel® technology–based PCs. If you like to overclock and squeeze as much performance from your PC as possible, then memory based on Intel XMP gives you that extra edge you need to dominate—without breaking a sweat.1

How Intel XMP works

Predefined and tested Intel XMP profiles can be loaded via BIOS or a specific tuning application through a computer’s operating system. Often the easiest way to load Intel XMP profiles is using a tuning utility, which may be available depending on the particular board manufacturer. To learn whether a tuning utility is available on your system, you should contact the board manufacturer.

Intel Extreme Memory Profile by Processor

Intel Extreme Memory
Profile by Processor

Intel has developed a certification program for memory vendors to test their products for compatibility against Intel XMP. To view compatible memory DIMMs from a variety of vendors, select your system’s processor:

XMP Memory for
Intel® Core™ i5 processor >

XMP Memory for
Intel® Core™ i7 processor >

XMP Memory for
Intel® Core™ i7 Mobile processor >

XMP Memory for
Intel® Core™ i7 processor Extreme Edition >

Features

Benefits

Multiple SPD profiles

Enables present or user-defined memory profiles that can be selected depending on usage model. For example, an aggressive, low-latency profile could be used during intense gaming, while the default memory setting can be used for everyday home computing, such as home office or Web browsing.

Memory vendor specific SPD fields

Enables memory module suppliers to program their own capabilities and provide unique value to end users.

Easy overclocking (novice)

Enables end users to easily overclock their platforms by selecting the appropriate profile, instead of adjusting individual parameters in BIOS. Reselecting the default profile resets the platform to default setting.

Advanced overclocking (intermediate/expert users)

Expert users can manually change specific SPD parameters in the BIOS and save the profiles (platform/BIOS specific).

Fail-safe default boot

“First boot” with default JEDEC setting on a platform that supports DDR3 standard JEDEC specification (your standard DDR3 memory frequencies), ensuring base functionality. Then user can enter BIOS and manually change settings or use the Windows*-based Intel® Extreme Tuning Utility.

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Product and Performance Information

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1. Warning: Altering clock frequency and/or voltage may: (i) reduce system stability and useful life of the system, processor, and other system components; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to fail; (iii) cause reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional heat or other damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its specifications. Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of other system components beyond their industry standard specifications. Intel assumes no responsibility that the processor and other system components, including if used with altered clock frequencies and/or voltages, will be fit for any particular purpose.


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