Intel Extreme Memory Profile 3.0

Intel Extreme Memory Profile 3.0 is the new XMP standard for DDR5 memory and is the successor to XMP 2.0 for DDR4 memory. It was introduced together with the Alder Lake processors. It is largely based on the XMP 2.0 standard but has additional functionality.

introducing intel extreme memory profile 3.0

The XMP 3.0 standard is designed with six sections. One global section describes the generic data which is used across the profiles. The other five sections are designed for five profiles respectively.

  • Profile 1 is meant for the performance profile (this is the standard XMP as we know it)
  • Profile 2 is designed for the extreme settings (this could be a higher frequency at higher voltage)
  • Profile 3 is designed for the fastest settings (this could be tighter timings at higher voltage)
  • Profiles 4 and 5 are rewritable and meant for user custom settings
intel extreme memory profile 3.0

The Global Section has only a few configurable fields:

  • The XMP ID string
  • The XMP version (this will be 3.0 for DDR5)
  • The XMP organization (this allows memory vendors to enable or disable Profiles 2 and 3. Profiles 4 and 5 are always enabled)
  • The XMP recommended channel configuration (each profile can have a 1 to 4 DIMM per channel recommendation)
  • PMIC Vendor ID
  • Number of PMICs
  • PMIC capabilities
  • OC functions available Y/N:
    • When set to No, the PMIC supports only the JEDEC specification on frequency and voltage.
    • When set to Yes, the PMIC supports additional capabilities of Intel XMP requirements and overclocking capabilities which are out of JEDEC spec. Intel XMP requirements include “programmable” mode and the voltages support higher than 1.435V with 5/10mV switches.
  • OC functions enabled Y/N
    • This is by default set to enabled when the PMIC supports OC function
  • PMIC voltage step size: 5mV or 10mV

Each profile has a wide range of configurable fields related to voltage, frequency, and memory timings, including:

  • Module VPP
  • Module VDD
  • Module VDDQ
  • Memory Controller Voltage Level
  • tCL
  • tRCD
  • tRP
  • tRAS
  • tRC
  • tWR
  • tRFC1
  • tRFC2
  • tRFCsb
  • Dynamic Memory Boost support
  • Real-Time Memory Frequency OC support
  • Command Rate
  • Vendor ID

The main takeaway from Intel Extreme Memory Profile 3.0 is the following:

  • It offers more profiles including 2 which are rewriteable by the user to save custom settings
  • It offers extended functions to distinguish between OC and non-OC memory sticks, where non-OC follows JEDEC and OC allows for extended voltage, current, and frequencies.
  • The memory profile now includes also a voltage for the CPU memory controller

You can find the official list of self-certified XMP 3.0 memory kits on Intel’s dedicated website.

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