A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Undervolt A GPU to Improve Performance
Introduction
Do you want to get the most out of your GPU? Are you looking for a way to improve the performance of your GPU? GPU undervolting is one of the most effective ways to do this. In this article, we will be discussing what GPU undervolting is, How to Undervolt A GPU with MSI Afterburner. So, let’s get started!
What Is GPU Undervolting?
GPU undervolting is the process of reducing the voltage supplied to the GPU to reduce its power consumption and improve its performance. The process involves adjusting the voltage/frequency curve of the GPU to reduce the amount of voltage it receives. This can be done using software such as MSI Afterburner.
The process of undervolting is not only beneficial to the performance of the GPU, but it can also help to reduce the amount of heat generated by the GPU, prolong the life of the GPU, and reduce the power consumption of the system.
It is important to note that undervolting is not the same as overclocking. Overclocking is the process of increasing the voltage supplied to the GPU to increase its performance. Undervolting, on the other hand, is the process of reducing the voltage supplied to the GPU to reduce its power consumption and improve its performance.
What Does GPU Undervolting Do?
GPU undervolting is a powerful way to improve the performance of your GPU and reduce its power consumption. When you undervolt your GPU, you are reducing the amount of voltage supplied to the GPU, which in turn reduces the amount of power it consumes. This can help to improve the performance of the GPU and reduce the amount of heat generated by it.
In addition to improving the performance of the GPU, GPU undervolting can also help to prolong the life of the GPU. The reduced voltage supplied to the GPU means that there is less strain on the components of the GPU, which can help to reduce the amount of wear and tear on the GPU over time.
How to Undervolt a GPU With MSI Afterburner:
If you want to undervolt your GPU, the first step is to download MSI Afterburner. MSI Afterburner is a powerful tool that can be used to adjust the voltage/frequency curve of the GPU. It is important to note that the process can be slightly different depending on which GPU you are using, so it is best to consult the documentation for your specific GPU.
Step 1: Download MSI Afterburner
The first step is to download MSI Afterburner. This can be done by visiting the MSI Afterburner website and downloading the latest version of the software. Once the software has been downloaded, you can install it on your system.
Step 2: Access the Curve Editor
Once the software has been installed, you can access the curve editor. This is where you can adjust the voltage/frequency curve of the GPU.
To access the Curve Editor in MSI Afterburner, follow these steps:
- Open MSI Afterburner and ensure that your graphics card is properly detected by the program.
- Click on the “Core Voltage” or “Core Clock” button in the main window to bring up the Voltage/Frequency curve editor.
- Alternatively, you can also find the button in the “Monitoring” tab or “Core Voltage” and “Core Clock” options under the “Settings” tab.
- Once the editor is open, you can adjust the voltage or frequency settings for your graphics card by clicking and dragging the points on the curve.
Step 3: Analyze the Voltage/Frequency Curve
When analyzing the Voltage/Frequency curve to undervolt your GPU, the goal is to reduce the voltage while maintaining stability and performance. Here are a few steps to follow:
Gradually reduce the voltage by adjusting the points on the curve.
To find the correct axis, you can look for the label on the axis or you can check the settings at the middle of the editor window. The x-axis will be labeled as “Core Clock” or “Frequency” and the y-axis will be labeled as “Core Voltage” or “Voltage”.
You can also use the sliders at the bottom of the editor window to adjust the frequency and voltage values. By moving the sliders, the point on the curve will move accordingly, showing the relationship between the frequency and voltage.
Step 4: Pick Your New Voltage
It’s all about experimenting with different settings to find the perfect balance between power and performance. Think of it like a delicate dance between voltage and frequency.
Start with your base voltage, say 1000mV, and a frequency of 1873MHz. Now, take it slow and steady, like a ballerina, and lower the voltage ever so slightly to 950mV. Keep in mind, every graphics card is unique and your numbers may vary.
Once you’ve found your desired voltage, you may notice that it’s tied to a lower frequency than you’d like. Don’t fret, there are ways to adjust the frequency without sacrificing stability.
Remember, undervolting is a process of trial and error, so take it to step by step and don’t try to change too much at once. It is important to note that the voltage should not be set too low, as this can cause damage to the GPU.
Step 5: Save and Adjust
To ensure that your undervolt settings are preserved, navigate to the MSI Afterburner window and select the “Save” button located at the bottom of the screen. This will save the current settings as a profile.
To verify the effectiveness of the new voltage/frequency settings, put the GPU to the test by running a resource-intensive program, such as a game. Monitor the values in MSI Afterburner to ensure that the frequency remains consistent with the previous settings before undervolting. If the frequency is not consistent, make a small adjustment to the core clock and repeat the test.
Run the program for a minimum of 20-50 minutes to ensure stability. If the GPU operates without any issues or crashes, the undervolt settings are successful. If desired, repeat the process to lower the voltage further.
However, if any graphical issues or crashes occur, it indicates that the GPU has been undervolted too much. In this scenario, repeat the process with a higher voltage while maintaining the same clock speed. Through trial and error, the optimal undervolt settings for the specific GPU can be determined.
Step 6: Stress-Test the Card
After you have undervolted your GPU using MSI Afterburner’s Curve Editor, it is important to stress-test your GPU to ensure that it is stable and running within safe limits. Stress testing is the process of putting a heavy load on the GPU to test its performance and stability.
Here are a few steps to follow when stress-testing your GPU:
- Run the stress test for at least 30 minutes to ensure that your GPU is stable under heavy load.
- Monitor your GPU’s temperature, clock speed, and voltage during the stress test. Your GPU’s temperature should not exceed safe limits, and the clock speed and voltage should remain consistent with the undervolt settings.
- If your GPU passes the stress test without any issues, the undervolt settings are likely stable and can be used for normal operation.
- If your GPU experiences any issues, such as crashing or graphical artifacts, during the stress test, the undervolt settings may be too aggressive and should be adjusted accordingly.
It’s important to keep in mind that stress testing can push your GPU to its limits and can potentially cause damage to the GPU if not done properly, so make sure to use caution and monitor the temperature of your hardware while stress testing.
“After Unlock the Power of Silent Operations and Prolong the Life of Your GPU” Enjoy Noise Free GPU
GPU undervolting is a powerful way to improve the performance of your GPU, reduce the amount of heat generated by it, and prolong the life of the GPU. By reducing the amount of voltage supplied to the GPU, you can reduce the power consumption and improve the performance of the GPU.
Undervolting is not only beneficial for the performance of the GPU, but it can also help to reduce the noise generated by the GPU. By reducing the amount of voltage supplied to the GPU, you can reduce the amount of noise generated by it and make your system quieter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, GPU undervolting is a simple yet powerful technique to unlock the hidden potential of your GPU and boost its performance while also reducing power consumption and prolonging its lifespan. By following the step-by-step guide and using software like MSI Afterburner, you can make adjustments to the voltage/frequency curve of your GPU and enjoy a smoother, cooler, and more efficient computing experience. So, don’t let your GPU run at full throttle, take control and give it a break, undervolt it today!
FAQ’s
Is it Good to Undervolt a GPU?
Undervolting a GPU can potentially reduce power consumption and heat generation, which can extend the lifespan of your hardware and lower the noise of your cooling solution.
It is a good practice to undervolt your GPU if you want to achieve a balance between performance and power consumption, but it is important to do it in a safe and controlled way.
Can Undervolt Damage Your GPU?
Undervolting itself won’t damage your GPU, but it is important to ensure that the GPU remains stable and within safe temperature limits while undervolting. If you undervolt too much, it can cause instability and crashes.
It’s important to test the GPU’s stability after undervolting and monitor the temperature. If you notice any issues, it’s better to adjust the voltage to a higher value.
Does Undervolt Reduce FPS?
Undervolting can potentially reduce power consumption and lower the GPU’s temperature, but it may also decrease performance and cause a slight reduction in FPS. However, the impact on FPS will vary depending on the specific GPU’s and the amount of undervolting.
Is Undervolting GPU Better than Overclocking?
When it comes to tweaking your GPU, it’s important to remember that more power doesn’t always mean better performance. If you don’t need that extra boost, there’s no need to push your GPU to the limit by overclocking. It’s like a race-car, pushing it too hard can cause overheating and wear and tear on the engine.
Instead, consider undervolting – it’s like turning down the AC in your car, it keeps things running cool and prolongs the life of your GPU. So, if you decide to make some adjustments, take it one step at a time, and make small incremental changes.
How Much Should I Undervolt My GPU?
The amount you should undervolt your GPU depends on your specific GPU and the balance you want to achieve between performance and power consumption. It’s best to start with small incremental changes like
( 5 – 6%) and monitor your GPU’s performance while undervolting.
It’s important to find the sweet spot where your GPU is stable and runs within safe temperature limits while still providing the desired performance.
Final Words
I hope that this article has given you a better understanding of how to undervolt a GPU If you’re interested in learning more about graphics cards, be sure to check out our other articles!
