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How to Configure the RAM Frequency to Match the Specification of the Intel® Processor

Content Type: Troubleshooting   |   Article ID: 000087468   |   Last Reviewed: 10/25/2021

Environment

Intel Boxed Processors in built-in systems

Description

The Random-Access Memory (RAM) speed (frequency) shows a lower value than the maximum memory speed supported by the Intel Processor.

Resolution

The default memory operating frequency is automatically configured during the initial Power On-Self Test (POST) process. In most cases, the motherboard reads the Serial Presence Detect (SPD) module previously programmed in each memory stick by the memory manufacturer to set the memory's operating frequency.

The SPD configuration may be programmed at a lower frequency than the vendor-market value to support wider compatibility. (For example, the memory may be rated to run at 3200Mhz but the SPD default is set by the manufacturer at 2400Mhz.)

To change the configuration, follow the steps below:

  1. Check if the memory RAM modules are installed in the proper configuration/slots per the computer user's manual.
  2. Verify the memory is using the correct SPD profile in the BIOS/UEFI.
  3. Review the memory RAM module's compatibility with the motherboard. For instance, reviewing the motherboard's Qualified Vendor List (QVL).
  4. Make sure the memory RAM is supported for the Intel Processor.
    • Enter the processor number in the search box on the product specification page (ARK)and click Enter
    • Look for the Memory Specifications section. The supported memory for the product is listed under Memory Types.

image of ram

Related Products

This article applies to 36 products.
Intel® Celeron® Processor G Series Intel® Celeron® Processor J Series 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 Processors 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processors 10th Generation Intel® Core™ i9 Processors 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 Processors 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i9 Processors 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 Processors 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors 4th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processors 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 Processors 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors 5th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processors 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 Processors 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors 6th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processors 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 Processors 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors 7th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processors 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 Processors 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processors 8th Generation Intel® Core™ i9 Processors 9th Generation Intel® Core™ i3 Processors 9th Generation Intel® Core™ i5 Processors 9th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processors 9th Generation Intel® Core™ i9 Processors Intel® Core™ X-series Processors Intel® Pentium® Gold Processor Series Intel® Pentium® Processor D Series Intel® Pentium® Processor G Series Intel® Pentium® Processor J Series 11th Generation Intel® Core™ i7 Processors

Discontinued Products