With the launch of the Ryzen 7000 processors, AMD EXPO was presented, a technology that emerged as AMD’s answer to Intel XMP. On paper they both have the same objectives, they work in a very similar way and are almost identical, but is this really the case or are there important differences between them? Let’s find out.
What are Intel XMP and AMD EXPO?
Intel XMP, or “Intel eXtreme Memory Profile”, is the name given to a technology that allows store speed, latency and voltage profiles in RAM memory modules. These profiles undergo extensive testing by manufacturers, and are then reviewed by Intel before receiving final validation. It is a standard cerrado.
When they receive that final validation they can be used in the modules in which they were tested. This entire testing and validation process represents an important guarantee for the user, since it implies that these profiles They will work stably and without any problemsat least in theory.
AMD EXPO stands for “Extended Profiles for Overclocking”, a technology that works the same way as Intel XMP, that is, it stores speed, latency and voltage profiles in RAM memory modules. They also undergo a testing and validation process to avoid stability and performance problems. It is a standard open.
Those profiles apply overclock to RAMsince they increase their working speed, and also modify the latencies and voltage to improve performance. Since the profiles are stored and have all the necessary information, the user only has to apply the profile and that’s it, there is no need to configure each value manually and individually.
By applying the AMD EXPO profile, the memory goes from operating at 4,800 MT/s to running at 6,000 MT/s, and its latencies drop to CL28.
So are they both the same?
In essence yes, they are the sameand in fact they fulfill the same functions, since they allow overclocking profiles to be applied safely and stably even if we have no prior knowledge. Manufacturers don’t have to pay anything to achieve Intel XMP and AMD EXPO certifications, at least in theory, but there are two important differences that we must take into account.
Intel XMP certification has been in operation for many more years than the AMD EXPO, which means we can find memory kits DDR3, DDR4 y DDR5 with said certification, while AMD EXPO began to be implemented with the DDR5 standard, which means that it is only available with this type of modules.
Another very important difference is that memory kits with Intel XMP certification are supported and can be used on motherboards for Intel and AMD processors, while memories with AMD EXPO certification They only have support on motherboards for AMD processors.
Does this mean that AMD EXPO certified memory cannot be used on motherboards for Intel CPUs? Not in the strict sense, In fact, I can confirm that the most normal thing is that they work, but it does imply that we could encounter stability problems, or scenarios in which the motherboard is not able to detect the profile stored in memory.
How they work and how can I apply an Intel XMP or AMD EXPO profile
In order to use memories with these certifications we need a compatible motherboard. All current AMD motherboards allow memory overclocking using these types of profiles, but the same does not happen with Intel motherboards. For example, with a motherboard that has the B560 chipset we can overclock the RAM, but if it has the H510 or H610 chipset we will not have that possibility.
If our motherboard is compatible, we can activate the Intel XMP or AMD EXPO profile through the BIOS:
- We must press the key entry to the BIOS (“Delete” if we have a desktop PC) during the computer startup process.
- Most motherboards welcome us with an easy way, where the option to activate the Intel XMP or AMD EXPO profile directly will appear, as we see in the attached image.
- This may vary depending on the motherboard we have, but they are usually easily visible. If our motherboard does not have that simplified interface we will have to enter the settings or configuration section and look for the section dedicated to RAM speed to apply the profile.
We can also use different applications to apply these profiles. In the case of AMD EXPO we can do it without having to enter the BIOS with the Ryzen Master appwhich will also allow us to modify the configuration and speed of our processor.
Will I have problems applying these profiles?
Normally we don’t have any problems.because these profiles have been thoroughly tested to ensure correct operation. However, I have come across specific cases in which stability and even system startup problems have occurred, with codes that reflect a memory error.
These are almost always resolved with a BIOS updateletting the system finish the memory training process, which is identified with the code “15” on the LED indicator on the motherboard.
It must also be taken into account that Not all motherboards support the same maximum frequency values in RAMand that a profile can work without problems on a specific motherboard but cause problems on another. That is why it is very important to check this detail before purchasing a RAM memory kit.
Remember that the Intel XMP and AMD EXPO DDR5 memory profiles have been tested with two module configurations. If we install four modules, they may not be able to work with the overclock profile that they have in the memory, because when using this type of configuration of four modules with DDR5 memory it is necessary to reduce the speed of the RAM to avoid stability problems.
We will not have problems with the warranty or anything like that, because the modules that are marketed with these profiles are designed precisely to work with overclockas long as it moves within the values indicated in those profiles.
Source: www.muycomputer.com
