Memory Reference Code
The Memory Reference Code (MRC) is a fundamental component in the design of some computers, and is "one of the most important aspects of the BIOS" for an Intel-based motherboard. It is the part of an Intel motherboard's firmware that determines how the computer's memory (RAM) will be initialized, and adjusts memory timing algorithms correctly for the effects of any modifications set by the user or computer hardware.
Overview
Intel has defined the Memory Reference Code (MRC) as follows:
As such, the MRC is a part of the BIOS (or firmware) of an Intel motherboard. George Chen, a research and development (R&D) director at ASUS, described it in 2007 as follows:
The article author describes the MRC as "One of the most important aspects of the BIOS for an Intel board" and the reason why "one [board might be] a brilliant overclocker and another [is] as stable as a plate of jelly on a bouncy castle"; adding that "When you're overclocking, you're literally running clocks faster than normal. Working out the effect of this on the various different components on the board is a task that a good BIOS must be able to handle."