Verify that your RAM is running at the promised speed

Published on January 07, 2026 | Translated from Spanish
Windows Task Manager screen showing RAM speed in MHz, next to a BIOS with XMP/EXPO option highlighted

Check that your RAM is running at the promised speed

When buying a preconfigured system, it's common to discover that the memory modules don't reach their maximum speed according to the manufacturer's specifications. This happens due to default system configurations or unenabled profiles. 🧐

Checking the current speed in Windows

To verify the actual frequency of your RAM, access the Task Manager using the Ctrl+Shift+Esc combination. Go to the Performance tab, select Memory, and observe the value in MHz. If this figure is noticeably lower than advertised, adjustments will be necessary. 📊

Steps for verification:
  • Open Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc
  • Navigate to the Performance tab and click on Memory
  • Note the displayed speed and compare it with the technical specifications
It's curious how we pay for premium features that the system hides, like a gift we have to search for all over the house.

Activating XMP and EXPO profiles

The most effective solution is to enable the extensible memory profile in the BIOS/UEFI. Restart the system and access the firmware settings by repeatedly pressing Delete or F2 during boot. Look for the XMP option for Intel platforms or EXPO for AMD, activate it, and save the changes before exiting. ⚙️

Activation procedure:
  • Restart the system and access BIOS/UEFI with Delete/F2
  • Locate and activate XMP (Intel) or EXPO (AMD)
  • Save the changes and restart to apply the new configuration

Maximize your system's performance

Ensuring that the RAM memory runs at its certified speed is crucial to obtaining the full performance you paid for. This simple step avoids manual overclocking and ensures your investment performs at its maximum. 💯