There are a few potential reasons why CPU-Z might show that your memory is running at half its rated speed. One possible reason is incorrect BIOS settings. The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a firmware that is responsible for initializing hardware components during the boot process. It also provides a user interface to adjust various system settings, including memory settings.
If the BIOS settings for your system’s memory are set incorrectly, it can cause the memory to run at a lower speed than it is capable of. This can happen if the memory frequency or multiplier is not configured properly. For example, if you have DDR4 memory rated at 3200MHz, but the BIOS is set to run it at 1600MHz, CPU-Z will display the memory speed as half of its rated speed.
To check and adjust the BIOS settings for memory, you will need to access the BIOS setup utility. The exact key or combination of keys to enter the BIOS varies depending on the motherboard manufacturer. Usually, it is displayed on the screen during the boot process, commonly the Del, F2, or F10 key.
Once you are in the BIOS setup utility, look for options related to memory settings. These options might be located under different sections, such as “Advanced,” “Memory,” or “Overclocking.” The exact names and locations can vary between different BIOS versions and motherboard models.
In the memory settings, you should be able to find options to adjust the memory frequency or multiplier. Make sure that it is set to the correct value for your memory. For example, if you have DDR4 memory rated at 3200MHz, set the memory frequency to 3200MHz in the BIOS.
It is important to note that not all systems or CPUs can support the maximum rated speed of the memory. The memory speed is also influenced by the CPU’s memory controller and the motherboard’s memory slots. If your system is not capable of running the memory at its maximum rated speed, you can still adjust the settings to achieve the highest stable speed supported by your system.
Another potential reason for CPU-Z showing the memory at half speed could be a faulty memory module or an incompatible memory configuration. If you have multiple memory modules installed, try removing them one by one and see if the issue persists. Sometimes, a single faulty or incompatible module can cause the memory to run at a lower speed.
In addition, it is worth checking if your CPU or motherboard supports XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) or DOCP (Direct Overclock Profile). These are features that allow the memory to be automatically configured to its rated speed and timings by selecting a profile in the BIOS. Enabling XMP or DOCP can help ensure that your memory is running at its intended speed.
Lastly, it is important to remember that CPU-Z is a third-party software, and it may not always accurately report the memory speed. To confirm the actual memory speed, you can also check the BIOS or use other diagnostic tools provided by the motherboard manufacturer.
CPU-Z showing the memory at half speed can be due to incorrect BIOS settings, including memory frequency or multiplier. It is important to access the BIOS setup utility and ensure that the memory settings are configured correctly. Additionally, faulty memory modules or an incompatible memory configuration can also cause the memory to run at a lower speed.