If we talk about RAM or, as it is also called, random access memory (RAM) in the context of working within a computer system, then all its parameters are set directly by the Windows operating system and BIOS. Of course, its independent configurations also affect the operation of the dies of this memory, so it is impossible to set the operating mode through a computer, which differs significantly from that provided by the manufacturer. But despite this, the user can independently make adjustments to the operation of this element, for example, to overclock RAM.
This article will tell you how to configure RAM in BIOS. Read the article to the end, because, in addition to the basic instructions, we will talk about related things, without which knowledge nothing can happen.
Why it may not be possible to configure RAM in BIOS
Unfortunately, each user cannot make adjustments to the memory settings. And this is not due to its model at all, so there is no need to guess which RAM is best suited for adjusting parameters. On the contrary, this is due to the model of the motherboard. Why? Yes, because the BIOS Setup Utility is located in it. It follows that the first thing you need to understand is whether the computer configuration allows you to make changes to the RAM settings. And to do this is not so simple, because each motherboard is different from each other, but we can say for sure that the old motherboards and motherboards of the lower price segment are absolutely not suitable.
Launch BIOS Setup Utility
What do you need to do first? Undoubtedly, before you start setting up RAM, you must enter CMOS. What is it? This is the very BIOS. Unfortunately, it is impossible to offer a universal way to enter it, because everything depends directly on the manufacturer and the motherboard itself. But we can say that the input is carried out directly at the start of the computer, when you have many different words in front of a black screen. At this point, you need to press the special key responsible for entering the BIOS utility. Most often it is Del, less often F1 or F2. As for computers, laptops, on the contrary, use the keys with the prefix F (F1, F2, F10, F11 or F12) to enter.
In general, you can see the necessary key at the time the system boots, there will be approximately the following text: "Press DEL to run Setup", where, instead of "DEL", perhaps another key will be indicated.
BIOS interface
So, we not only figured out that CMOS is the BIOS, but, importantly, we decided how to get into it. However, it’s still too early to go over to the manual on changing the parameters of random access memory, because for a start you need to understand the varieties of BIOS, and more precisely, the varieties of its interfaces.
Looking ahead, we say that in the article three representatives will be disassembled: AMI, UEFI and AWARD, although there is also an Intel BIOS, but this is only a modification of AMI, so the instructions for them are general. You should also not confuse AWARD BIOS and Phoenix, as they are one and the same.
All of the above versions have a different appearance, which is why RAM memory settings in BIOS are performed differently. There is no sense in describing each now, because everything will be described verbatim further. One need only say one thing - despite the different appearance and different layout of some interface elements, the instruction is largely applicable to all BIOS Setup Utilities.
Customization
Now, having figured out all the nuances, finding out what CMOS is and how to enter BIOS, we can finally go directly to the manual on how to configure the RAM. However, keep in mind that interfering with the settings of this component may affect the stability of the computer. This "indicator" can change both for the better and for the worse, therefore it is recommended to have a large theoretical knowledge base in order to not harm the computer in the process of following all the instructions.
Method One: Award BIOS
And we will start by telling you how to set up RAM in Award BIOS. This type of CMOS features a separate screen, divided into two parts. In the left - standard settings, and in the right - advanced. we will use both. Well, without long ranting, let's move on to the setup instructions themselves.
- Once in the BIOS Award, press the key combination Ctrl + F to access the advanced settings.
- Using the arrows on the keyboard, highlight the line "MB Intelligent Tweaker".
- Press the Enter key to enter the settings menu for this parameter.
- Here you can increase or, conversely, reduce the clock frequency of your RAM. This is done by changing the "System Memory Multiplier" parameter. However, note that you cannot change the indicator to the maximum value, this can lead to malfunctioning of the component, or even to its complete breakdown. It is advisable to choose a value slightly larger than the originally specified.
- Here you can change the voltage of the supplied current to the RAM, this is done at the bottom of the screen. But there are limitations, it is highly recommended not to change it by more than 0.15 V.
- Return to the main menu by pressing Esc.
- Select "Advanced Chipset Features" and go to it.
- Here you will be allowed to change the RAM response time. To get started, change the “DRAM Timing Selectable” item to “Manual,” and then proceed to change the values.
On this setting can be considered complete, press F10 to save all the changes and exit the BIOS.
Method Two: AMI BIOS
As you can understand, deciding which RAM is better is not worth it, because its performance can be easily changed in the BIOS settings. We now turn to the AMI BIOS and tell you how to do it in it.
- Once in CMOS, go to the "Advanced BIOS Features" menu.
- In it you need to find the line "Advance DRAM Configuration" and press Enter on it.
- Here are all the parameters that were presented in the first method, that is: the supplied voltage, timings and the clock frequency of RAM.
Similar to the Award BIOS, change all the parameters to the ones you need, save them and restart the computer to enter the operating system.
Method Three: UEFI BIOS
Now let's move on to setting up RAM in the UEFI BIOS, which is perhaps the most convenient BIOS of all. So this is because it has a graphical interface and supports the mouse, which greatly simplifies the execution of all actions.
- Having entered BIOS, you should switch to advanced mode. To do this, press F7.
- Click on the "Ai Tweaker" tab here.
- Find the "Memory Frequency" button and in the drop-down list that appears after clicking on it, select the desired clock frequency.
- To set timings, you need to go to the "DRAM Timing Control" menu.
- If you decide to change the voltage supplied to the component, then you need to go to the "DRAM Voltage" menu. Here, in the appropriate input field, specify the desired parameter.
It remains only to save all the settings and restart the computer - the configuration of RAM in the UEFI BIOS can be considered complete.
Conclusion
Now you know not only how to configure RAM in BIOS, but also what BIOS is in general, what kinds of its interfaces are and how to execute instructions in each of them. Finally, recall that before you follow the instructions, make sure that the motherboard allows you to change the parameters of RAM.