How to Check RAM Timings in Windows 10 and 11

6.4K

RAM timings are the time delays (in clock cycles) between RAM cell access and data transfer. In other words, RAM timings represent latency values that define delays between memory operations, not the actual data transfer speed. The following format is used: CL-RCD-RP-RAS.

• CAS Latency (CL) — the most commonly referenced timing, but overall memory performance depends on both frequency and the full timing set. On some memory modules, manufacturers only specify CL-9;
• RCD (RAS to CAS Delay);
• RP (RAS Precharge);
• tRAS (Row Active Time) — the time required to keep a row active to complete operations.

These are primary timings; be aware that modern RAM also uses secondary and tertiary timings that affect performance in advanced tuning cases.

We won’t be getting deep into detail about these parameters. Note that RAM timings are most often used when talking about RAM overclocking. When increasing the RAM frequency, the best results are achieved by combining timings tuning with frequency overclocking.

In this article, we’ll focus on how to find out memory timings in Windows 10 and 11. Unlike RAM specs, size and frequency, finding memory timings is slightly more complicated.

How to Find RAM Timings in BIOS

You can check your computer’s current RAM timings in the BIOS/UEFI settings. It does not require downloading and installing additional third-party apps.

To enter the BIOS (UEFI) firmware settings, restart the computer and press F1, F2, Del while booting (or another key depending on your vendor).

RAM settings can be found in different sections of the BIOS (depending on the manufacturer and firmware version). Look for one of the following sections: Overclocking, Advanced RAM Settings, Memory, DRAM Configuration, etc.

In the following screenshot of the MSI BIOS, the settings for the RAM timing are shown in the Overlocking > Advanced DRAM Configuration > Main Timing Configuration section.

Note. Not all systems provide manual RAM timing settings in UEFI/BIOS. These options may be unavailable on many laptops, OEM systems, and machines with soldered memory/restricted firmware settings. If your UEFI does not expose memory timing info, you can check the current RAM timings from Windows using tools such as CPU-Z/HWiNFO64.

Alternatively, look at the available memory overclocking profiles, such as Intel XMP or AMD EXPO. These profiles often display the supported memory speed and timings. For example, a profile may specify DDR4-3200 16-18-18-38 or DDR5-6000 36-36-36-76. Some motherboard manufacturers may use vendor-specific names for XMP compatibility, such as A-XMP on certain MSI motherboards.

Phoenix BIOS includes RAM timing settings in the DRAM configuration section.

If the RAM timings setting is set to Auto, you can check the current values from Windows.

Checking RAM Timings in Windows 10 and 11

You can use one of the free apps to check your computer’s hardware configuration. The most convenient way is to use the compact, lightweight and portable CPU-Z tool.

HWiNFO64 is another useful tool for checking RAM timings. It can provide more detailed information about memory modules, including additional secondary and tertiary timings, depending on the hardware and platform.

1. Download the ZIP archive containing the portable version of CPU-Z from the official website;
2. Extract the archive and run cpuz_x64.exe;
3. Go to the Memory tab and look for the Timings section. There you can see your memory frequency (the shown DRAM frequency should be doubled because DDR memory transfers data on both clock edges) and primary timings. They are 15-17-17-32 in this example.

   

4. If you need more detailed information on RAM timings for each memory module, go to the SPD tab. There you will find information about each memory stick you have.

   

Be aware that you cannot change memory timings in most systems. You can only perform this kind of task within BIOS/UEFI.