BIOS not detecting correct memory frequency.

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ryder553

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Sep 21, 2013
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Hello,

I just setup a new PC and I installed 16GB DDR3 1866MHz into my ASUS Maximus Hero VI.
In the BIOS, the memory frequency is set to AUTO and it's detecting 1333MHz.

I can change it manually, but is that safe to do?
I mean if it's automatically detecting 1333MHz, is that what I should keep it at?

Thanks,
A person who knows nothing about RAM.

:)
 
Solution
photonboy
The above information is generally correct but I'll add a bit more info.

(You may wish to COPY this text for reference, and also look up "SPD", "BIOS", "XMP" in Google/Wikipedia for more info).

The BIOS (which you can update) on your motherboard contains information about your CPU and DDR3 memory. As mentioned, the memory often defaults to a "safe" frequency.

The optimal settings for your memory will be set if you click "XMP" (for Intel which you have) unless the BIOS has no profile. If that does NOT work see if there is a new BIOS, flash it and try again.

Other:
1) Changing your CPU settings can change your RAM settings. I recommend that you initially get your system working with DEFAULT CPU settings and the OPTIMAL (XMP) RAM...
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nukemaster

nukemaster

Titan
Nov 23, 2004
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To avoid issues(When faster memory came out, lots of people had issues with boards trying to set higher speeds, but NOT knowing to set the proper voltage when needed. Now they all just default to a slower safe speed/timings), memory is set with basic timings(1066/1333/ect) and then XMP or other enhanced timings.

Look for an option in the bios memory section called XMP and enable it.

If that does not work, set the timings and speed/voltage manually.

You can view the XMP data on the memory from CPU-z as well(SPD tab).
 
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ryder553

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Sep 21, 2013
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10,630


Can I just set the frequency or do I have to set the timings too?
 
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photonboy

photonboy

Titan
Jun 20, 2006
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85,015
The above information is generally correct but I'll add a bit more info.

(You may wish to COPY this text for reference, and also look up "SPD", "BIOS", "XMP" in Google/Wikipedia for more info).

The BIOS (which you can update) on your motherboard contains information about your CPU and DDR3 memory. As mentioned, the memory often defaults to a "safe" frequency.

The optimal settings for your memory will be set if you click "XMP" (for Intel which you have) unless the BIOS has no profile. If that does NOT work see if there is a new BIOS, flash it and try again.

Other:
1) Changing your CPU settings can change your RAM settings. I recommend that you initially get your system working with DEFAULT CPU settings and the OPTIMAL (XMP) RAM settings. It's also good to make sure your system is stable before overclocking anything.

2) You should run MEMTEST or the Window Memory Diagnostic utility for at least 10 minutes any time you change your CPU or memory settings.

3) If you do decide to overclock the CPU you may have to fiddle around to ensure your memory and CPU are both optimal.

4) My Asus Sabertooth (Z77) is setup like THIS:
a) i7-3770K @ 4.2GHz (only frequency changed; Intel power management still works)

b) DDR3 memory at 2133MHz (was at 1600MHz before clicking XMP or when trying to overclock my CPU before "fiddling" back and forth a bit with Manual/XMP/Auto for the CPU/RAM. I manually set each CPU core to 4.2GHz).

*I did NOT have to manually change any of my memory settings.

5) There is also OVERCLOCKING software you can use. It can often produce a lot more heat from the CPU for a small gain (Intel Power Management disabled) and the RAM might not be optimal. I generally recommend trying the BIOS method.

6) OVERTUNE - Not sure if that's the exact name, but when I clicked it my PC rebooted (click DEL to re-enter BIOS) and my CPU was at 4.1GHz and my RAM was at 2133MHz. Thus, a basic overclock of the CPU with optimal RAM settings might be as simple as THIS:

a) Click "Overtune" (reboots, press DEL to re-enter BIOS)
b) Confirm 4.1GHz and 1866MHz (or similar; not sure if you need to SAVE these settings but do so anyway)
c) TEST (Memtest for memory, Prime95 for CPU)
 
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