RAM, which uses DRAM frequency to speed up or slow down your running applications, is the primary component of a computer that handles numerous processes simultaneously. It’s pretty OK if you don’t know how to raise the DRAM frequency as a gamer to improve gaming performance.
Be sure to check out our many other buying guides, including the Best Gaming RAM, Best RAM for Ryzen 9 3900X and Best RAM for Ryzen 7 5800X
Let me guide you in the proper direction.
- I’ll cover all the essential questions about DRAM frequency in this post and any other information you may have.
- You’ll discover how to get an excellent RAM or the most out of your current RAM.
- Let’s examine the depth of DRAM frequency by going under the water.
But first, let’s look at how DRAM frequency operates and what it is.
Also, check out our separate post on Top 10 Best Gaming RAM
The Basics of DRAM Frequency
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) uses varying frequencies. DRAM frequency is the amount of data transmitted per second on a line. Although DRAM is half as fast as RAM, DDR doubles the speed. DRAM frequency is MHz.
Why DDR?
DDR, or Double Data Rate, permits the computer bus to transport data on both the falling and rising sides of a clock cycle. DDR sends two impulses every process. DDR RAM modules perform best on Dual-Channels. A Dual-Channel requires two memory sticks with the same bus speed. Dual-Channel is on all motherboards currently. You can find motherboards with two or four RAM slots for dual-channel or quad-channel memory.
A single RAM stick on a Dual-Channel motherboard? A disgrace! You’ll only receive half the frequency with a single RAM stick. Let me give you an example. A single lane can carry fewer automobiles at a time. A two-lane motorway can transport twice as many cars as a single lane.
Consider the automobiles as data and one lane with single channel memory and two with dual channel memory. Using two channels at once may convey more data. It requires a multicore CPU. DRAM frequency varied throughout time. Now it’s quicker. Latest DDR RAM is DDR5.
DRAM Frequency by Generation
DDR1 is 200-400 MHz.
First-generation DDR RAM was restricted compared to later generations. 2005-end.
DDR2 is 400-1066 MHz.
DDR2 continues where DDR left off and broke 1000 MHz. 2010 saw the end of this standard.
800-2133 MHz DDR3 frequency range
While DDR3 begins at 800 MHz, it was offered at 1066 MHz or higher to be a significant increase over DDR2. The 2015 standard phased it out.
1600-5333 MHz DDR4 frequency range
The official DDR4 standard max out at 3600 MHz, yet even today (2023), DDR4 kits are often pushed to higher rates.
Most DDR4 kits start at 2133 or 2400 MHz rather than 1600 MHz, which is still DDR3 speed. DDR5 has replaced DDR4 as of 2021; supply chain difficulties make DDR4 RAM more commonly accessible and cheaper. DDR4 is a current-generation standard for these reasons.
3200-6400 MHz DDR5 frequency range
DDR5 is the newest standard and will be the dominant standard until 2025; thus, 6400 MHz may not be the most significant frequency we see.
DDR5 is held down by supply chain concerns, although it offers a sizeable raw speed gain over DDR4.
DDR6 Frequency Range
Hasn’t been officially announced yet, but when it does, it’s likely to be at least twice as fast as DDR5.
In the above I discuss about DRAM Frequency ranges and how they alter each generation affect performance in various conditions.
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How does DRAM Frequency Affect Performance?
When RAM exceeds its maximum limit, its primary function is to store active applications in memory and unload their work files to your storage paging file. You could observe good RAM use if you work on your laptop with high-intensity levels. However, while only surfing the internet, it will utilize less RAM.
You can increase the data transmission speed using a RAM module with a higher DRAM frequency. The information illustrates that a higher RAM frequency results in a much faster data transmission rate. When your data transmission rate is high, your CPU can manage a more significant workload and quickly complete any job.
Your system will be more efficient if you use faster RAM and a quicker storage medium, such as an NVMe SSD, to keep your page file. It is advised to utilize enough RAM to make all of your chores function smoothly. DRAM frequency comes in helpful when editing videos, rendering, or creating 3D artwork on your PC. Your graphics speed will improve if your RAM is frequency-based.
Your CPU runs quicker when your RAM is faster. When processing video with Adobe Premiere using DRR5 rather than DDR4, you will get an increase in speed of 8%. The game will undoubtedly run at a higher frame rate if you use greater RAM frequency.
Games require a lot of RAM to provide you with mind-blowing gameplay. When you upgrade from DDR3 to DDR4 or from DDR4 to DDR5, you will notice an improvement in frame rates (FPS) since games need quicker RAM speed.
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How to Check DRAM Frequency?
There are a few different approaches you may use to determine the frequency of your DRAM. The CPU-Z software shows your DRAM frequency and other PC specifications.
Here are a few ways to verify your computer’s DRAM frequency:
Use CMD: To see your DRAM frequency speed, use CMD. Follow the instructions below to achieve that.
- Here are the steps to see DRAM frequency with CMD:
- To enter the RUN dialog box, press the Windows key and R simultaneously.
- To open it with administrator rights, type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter simultaneously.
- After entering wmic memory chip to obtain speed, press Enter.
It will ultimately display the speed of your RAM. When you perform that command, the number 3200 will appear in the command prompt if your maximum DRAM frequency is 3200MHz.
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Use CPU-Z: You can also check your DRAM frequency using the CPU-Z tool. It is a top-notch application. You may see each device’s specs with CPU-Z.
The procedures to utilize CPU-Z to see DRAM frequency are as follows:
- After downloading and installing the software, launch CPU-Z.
- To see DRAM Frequency, choose the Memory option from the Timings tab.
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What DRAM Frequency Should You Set?
Consider that you have a DDR3 memory card and have increased the DRAM frequency from 1333MHz to 1600MHz. 1.5V is the default voltage for DDR3 memory. You must reset the settings if any issues arise when adjusting the RAM frequency.
Never even consider raising the voltage much. The performance of a computer will somewhat improve after switching from 1333MHz to 1600MHz, but the danger is not to price it.
Please don’t attempt to adjust the DRAM frequency unless it’s necessary. The default DRAM settings provide the optimum performance. Consequently, you are taking a significant risk for a little performance boost. If you have terrible luck adjusting the DRAM frequency, you could have a broken PC component.
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How to Change DRAM Frequency?
You must access your motherboard’s BIOS settings to adjust the DRAM frequency since various models of motherboards provide different choices for the BIOS.
Here are the steps to change DRAM frequency from BIOS:
- Please restart your computer and press the Delete key while it boots up. The BIOS menu will appear as a result.
- Press the OC button from here.
- Scroll down to Extreme Memory Profile options once you’ve finished this. You may see the many available profiles here. You may modify these parameters and store them in a single shape, or you can utilize any profile that seems to have the frequency you want.
- When you have the desired settings, save them and leave the BIOS menu. You may use various apps to determine if your changes have taken effect or not after restarting your computer.
You’ve now successfully altered the DRAM frequency. By changing such DRAM frequencies, try to ascertain any modifications or impacts. CPU-Z can be used to examine the frequency as well.
Is Changing DRAM Frequency Worth It?
DRAM frequency should typically always be left alone, as a general rule. Usually, the default settings are sufficient for the performance level you need. If you decide to modify, you could see a slight performance improvement, but there is a genuine danger of harm.
There is always a potential that something may go wrong; if it does, you’re out of luck since you’ll probably revoke whatever warrant you may have obtained.
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How to Overclock A RAM?
RAM overclocking is a highly delicate process. Your RAM can be harmed by one error. So, if you don’t know the particular procedures, try to avoid overclocking RAM.
Here are the steps to overclock a RAM:
- Switch off your computer. Press F2 or Delete repeatedly at startup until the BIOS settings show.
- Select the XMP by selecting the Advanced Menu > AI Tweaker option.
- To change any preloaded profile settings, click on one of the already loaded XMP profiles.
- From the DRAM frequency dropdown option, increase the DRAM frequency as desired.
- Increase the RAM’s operating voltage to a value between 0.2 and 0.5V.
- Set the RAM’s latency timings. It stands for CAS-tRCS-tRP-tRAS and is similar to 15-15-15-35 or 16-16-16-38.
- To save the adjustments you are now making, choose Save and Exit.
- Check whether your RAM’s frequency has risen by restarting the computer.
Final Thoughts
The whole DRAM frequency information is provided here. I really hope you may benefit from this article. That’s all, at least for the moment. Now that you know DRAM frequency and its main features, I hope you can use them.
DRAM being set too low could very well be one of many issues on your system if things seem to be moving more slowly than average. Although it is uncommon, occasionally, a DRAM upgrade might significantly alter your PC’s performance.
Remember that you shouldn’t overclock the RAM if it isn’t essential, and you should always choose a RAM speed compatible with your motherboard and your CPU.
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FAQs for DRAM Frequency
Does AMD gain more than Intel from the DRAM frequency?
Compared to Intel, AMD can use greater RAM frequency. According to AMD’s most recent Zen architecture, a faster DRAM frequency may provide excellent results.
What RAM frequency is ideal?
How quickly should RAM run on a gaming computer? For a dual-channel design, researchers generally advise sticking with two DDR4 modules, each having a minimum clock speed of 3,000MHz. That should guarantee that you’re maximizing the performance of the top gaming CPUs.
Why is DRAM frequency essential?
The proportion of bits is sent each second on one data line at the DRAM frequency. There are instruction buses and knowledge buses in DDR.
What is RAM time perfect?
You should seek DDR4 memory that runs at speed near to or over 2,400MHz, or 2400MT/s, as it will be written on the box and online. When buying DDR3 RAM, customers should search for memory that runs at least 1,866MHz, preferably closer to 2,000MHz.
What is the maximum DDR4 MHz?
While DDR3 runs at speeds between 400 and 1067 MHz (DDR3-800 through DDR3-2133) with voltage requirements of 1.5 V, DDR4 operates at a voltage of 1.2 V and a frequency between 800 and 1600 MHz (DDR4-1600 through DDR4-3200).
Does RAM speed correspond to DRAM frequency?
The proportion of data sent per second on a particular data line is called DRAM frequency. Although DRAM frequency is only half as fast as RAM speed, DDR doubles the speed. DRAM frequency is expressed in MHz or megahertz.
Can I increase the DRAM frequency?
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) frequency, put simply, is the amount of data sent on a data line every second. The accurate measurement is around half of your RAM speed, and it may be changed either higher or lower based on the requirements of your computer. It’s important to remember that DRAM adjustment carries some cost.
