What is DOCP? | All You Need to Know

What is DOCP?

DOCP stands for "Direct Overclocking Profile," an overclocking configuration file developed by ASUS specifically for AMD motherboards. DOCP utilizes the XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) protocol to automatically set data rates and timings on AMD motherboards.

DOCP is much better than doing it manually, as you might mess up the voltage and frequency selection. This way, it sets everything according to the hardware requirements.

In addition to improving stability, DOCP also affects the CPU's memory controller. You might notice higher temperatures when gaming, for instance. If temperatures rise significantly after enabling DOCP, it could be due to inadequate ventilation.

How DOCP Works

This part will tell you when to enable DOCP and how to do it. Let's dive into the details:

When to Enable DOCP

When installing RAM that can be overclocked, and especially when it can reach frequencies well above industry standard, it's usually a good idea to enable DOCP. This is especially true for RAM meant for gaming PCs.

In order to keep load times down and maintain minimum frame rates during play, the RAM needs to be performing at its best. As such, many (if not most) RAM kits designed with this purpose in mind will be good candidates for overclocking.

After installing the new RAM, open your computer's Task Manager to determine whether you should enable DOCP.

Open Task Manager, go to the “Performance” tab, and then click “Memory.”

This image asks when to enable DOC/P.

It should show a graph of your computer's memory usage. Look in the bottom-right corner of the graph. There should be a "Speed" field with a number next to it. If this number is close to the speed promised on your RAM's packaging, great! You don't need to do anything.

If not, you should enable DOCP.

How to enable/disable DOCP

Now let's see how to enable/disable DOCP.

Step 1. Press F2 or Delete during startup to enter the BIOS.

Step 2: Press the F7 key to enter Advanced Mode, then select AI Overclocking.

Step 3. Click on the drop-down menu next to AI Overclocking Tuning.

Step 4. Select D.O.C.P. from the menu, and then press Save and Exit, or F10.

Furthermore, you can set the FCLK after enabling DOCP (DRAM Clock Power). It should be adjusted to half of the DDR4 RAM MHz value.

To disable it, follow the first three steps listed above, and choose whether you want DOCP to run automatically or manually.

Benefits of Enabling DOCP

The performance boost from the extra RAM might not be immediately noticeable, but enabling DOCP will allow your RAM to run at its rated speed.

Faster RAM means data is transferred quicker, which means your computer will handle multitasking better and render and compile tasks with greater ease. You'll notice the difference most when gaming.

While increasing RAM won't have a significant impact on your maximum FPS, it can help keep your minimum FPS higher and more stable.

If you don't think that's a big deal, consider this: a higher minimum FPS ensures your gameplay doesn't become choppy or stutter during gunfights or tense matches. Imagine your computer shutting down while gaming.

Last Words

This article covers information about DOCP. You can learn how to enable and disable DOCP. AMD's DOCP technology is similar to Intel's Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) technology. However, to get your high-performance RAM to perform as it should, you need to use one of these technologies to eliminate the guesswork and tweaking involved with overclocking.