How to Fix the Memory Overclock Fail Error on a Windows PC?

Overclocking can easily tap the latent power hiding behind stock GPU, CPU, and RAM configurations.

Overclocking is not just a method but an exciting journey where people learn more about their devices. It allows users to get better performance from their GPUs, CPUs and RAM modules. Hence, it is not wrong to say that – It is a pathway to greater performance that many consider unnatural.

Do I sound like the Supreme Chancellor trying to lure you to the dark side? Definitely not.

Jokes aside, while not necessary, overclocking is a great way to get the most out of your compatible PC components, smoking existing benchmarks and setting new records.

Any gamer or enthusiast into custom PC building knows that overclocking a RAM, CPU, or GPU is a radical step. Sometimes, it may result in the memory overclock fail error message, system crashes, or other issues. Let’s dive deeper to find out how overclocking goes overboard and risks associated with it.

What is Overclocking?

As the name suggests, overclocking is a method of increasing performance by achieving peak speeds on your CPU, GPU, and RAM. This is done by tweaking the base clock speeds, timing, and power limits set by the manufacturer.

In simple words, overclocking is the process of increasing the base clocks of the components and running them at higher speeds than designed.

While overclocking RAM or any other component may sound mysterious, many PC component manufacturers have made it a lot easier with advanced tools and one-touch OC technology.

While overclocking RAM, CPU, or GPU, one must ensure –

• All components should support overclocking
• PSU is capable of handling multiple overclocked components
• Proper cooling hardware is installed
• Optimal temperatures are maintained to avoid computer overheating, PCB shorting, etc.
• Check your motherboard’s QVL for supported parts like CPU, GPU and RAM. Try to use them.

Why Does a Computer Show Memory Overclocking Failure Error Message?

Users typically encounter the memory overclock fail error message while booting up their computers with overclocked components.

Many reasons could be at play behind this issue. Some of these are –

• Improper XMP or EXPO profile selection
• Improper parameter selection
• Unsupported hardware
• Insufficient cooling
• Insufficient PSU
• Faulty RAM

In some cases, if a PC fails to POST after overclocking the RAM, it could be due to incompatibility or the overclocked parameters exceeding the capabilities of your motherboard. You should immediately revert the changes and refer to your motherboard manufacturer’s website for optimal parameters.

Methods to Resolve the Memory Overclock Fail Error

As the component at fault here is the memory (RAM), it could be an improper XMP or EXPO profile selection or the motherboard not supporting overclocking. If you encounter the memory overclocking failed error message, you might not be able to boot into your system or face frequent crashes.

In such a situation, it is best to remedy the underlying issue/s that might generate the memory overclock fail error message. Below are some methods to help you solve the problem and get your system up and running.

Method 1: Disable XMP, EXPO, or Manual Overclock and Boot Normally

This is the most basic way to get rid of the memory overclock fail error on your PC. If you’re just experimenting and don’t really require overclocking, simply disable the XMP, EXPO, or manual overclock to get rid of the error message.

The error could also result from unsupported hardware installed inside the PC. Hence, before overclocking, you should ensure every component supports overclocking.

Method 2: Manually Tweak Parameters

If the preset overclocking profiles are causing the memory overclock fail error on your PC, you might need to manually fine-tune different parameters. For this, you can refer to the memory packaging or manual.

Manually tweaking the CAS latency (CL) or Voltage (V) can also help you get rid of the memory overclock fail error screen.

If your RAM is in the QVL provided by the motherboard manufacturer, enter the BIOS and enable XMP/EXPO, tweak the base frequency of your RAM and leave everything else at Auto.

You can also refer to this guide to overclocking.

Overclocking Went Overboard. What Now?

Overclocking can sometimes lead to an unstable computer that can cause frequent system crashes or even make the system unbootable. Sometimes, fixing the instability by disabling overclocking is possible, but in severe cases, your data might be at risk.

In such cases, it becomes imperative to safely recover data from a problematic machine before proceeding with any troubleshooting methods. Be it a crash-riddled PC or an unbootable one, there is one solution for everything – Stellar Data Recovery Free edition.

The software allows you to recover your files safely and securely. Simply disconnect the internal HDD/SDD from the problematic computer, connect it to a healthy PC, and run this software. Your data will be safely recovered in a matter of a few clicks.

In addition, you can upgrade to the Professional version to recover data from an unbootable PC without removing and connecting the drive to another PC.

The Free edition allows recovery of up to 1GB of files. Want to recover more data? You can upgrade to the Standard edition to recover unlimited files.

Overclock the Components, Don’t Overcook Them

Overclocking is a methodical process of getting the most juice from your PC components.

If done correctly, overclocking helps your PC become a perfect host for getting those extra frames for smoother gameplay or finishing a render faster. However, any small inconsistency in the overclocking parameters can result in problems like memory overclock fail error, system crashes, or worse, a faulty motherboard.

Bottom line – Scour the web, join a community, and find the right ways to overclock the RAM, CPU, or GPU safely.

FAQs

Q. Is XMP suitable for AMD motherboards?

A. While Intel XMP memory will work with AMD motherboards, there is a high chance that the XMP profile will not be compatible.

Q. Is it safe to overclock?

A. A computer’s BIOS is designed to protect the components against parameters that could damage them. If they are set too high, the computer will not boot at all.

Q. Can I overclock my GPU?

A. Yes, you can easily overclock a GPU if it supports overclocking.

Q. How to disable overclocking?

A. You can disable overclocking by going into the BIOS and accessing the overclocking settings.

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About The Author

Keshav Katyal

A passionate writer, driven by his interest in everything tech, Keshav Katyal has always been captivated by the latest gadgets since childhood. His interest in gadgets grew when he got his first gaming console, the Nintendo Game Boy Advanced. Hours and days of tinkering with gadgets encouraged the inner geek in him who now loves writing about the latest technologies.