Dynamic Memory Boost

My new Asus Z790 board has a BIOS option for Dynamic Memory Boost to switch between the standard RAM speed and XMP profile speed for more demanding applications. Is this worth using to save a small amount of power and reduce temperature or just inviting problems?

This is the first mention I've ever seen of using an XMP (extreme memory profile) to reduce power or temperature.

I'd expect it to increase both power usage and temperature if you upclock the RAM. An XMP is invoked to increase RAM performance over the defaults.

I'd try it if the RAM is on the qualified list for your motherboard.

A note that's probably irrelevant to you: Intel may deny a warranty if you use RAM that is faster than specified for your CPU. For an I7-13700K, that's DDR5 5600. (I had sad personal experience with an I9-12900K.)

I've got an Asus Z790 board and am somewhat conservative in how the UEFI bios is configured. Nearly all settings are at default. XMP is enabled at 5600 MT/s and these settings are fixed NOT dynamic.


This isn't a definitive answer just IMHO because I had a lot major issues getting this new Intel build stable so I'm about playing with bios or other system settings unless I have to.

This tech is Intel's baby.

Marcus Vinicus said:

I've got an Asus Z790 board and am somewhat conservative in how the UEFI bios is configured. Nearly all settings are at default. XMP is enabled at 5600 MT/s and these settings are fixed NOT dynamic.


This isn't a definitive answer just IMHO because I had a lot major issues getting this new Intel build stable so I'm about playing with bios or other system settings unless I have to.

This tech is Intel's baby.

Intel® Dynamic Memory Boost for Intelligent Memory Overclocking

Simplify system memory overclocking with Intel® Dynamic Memory Boost, which automatically configures your system for on-demand enhanced performance.

www.intel.com

Click to expand...

I just tried it anyway. On exiting the BIOS the PC was just stuck with the power light on and didn't restart as normal after changing the BIOS setting. I held down the power button to restart at which point it invited me to enter the BIOS in 'safe mode'. I checked Dynamic Memory Boost was set then rebooted OK into Windows, but the Cinebench score was somewhat lower. I decided due to the instability and poorer performance to disable Dynamic Memory Boost as a poorly engineered feature. Never mind.

All I have set now in the BIOS different from the defaults is the CPU thermal limit of 85C, enabled the XMP profile, disabled Fast Boot and defined the fan curves.

My apologies. I thought you were referring to choosing an XMP.

I'm embarrassed that I wasn't familiar with the Dynamic Memory Boost feature. I was surprised to see that it's also present with my Asus Z690 board. (It's an Intel feature, not special to Asus. Gen12 and Gen13 CPUs.) I've never tried it.

One article I saw about it online suggested that the power savings might be mostly for the CPU, at idle.

If I try it, I'll report back.

Might be worth it on a laptop to reduce battery drain, but really sort of pointless on a desktop. IMO.