How To Undervolt GPU

Do you want to undervolt your GPU or wish to increase the performance of your system and reduce power demands? Are you a gamer or a pro user who’s decided to undervolt your GPU but isn’t aware of the process? Don’t worry; we will guide you through everything about undervolting GPU.

This guide will teach you what is undervolting, why you need to undervolt your GPU, and how to undervolt GPU.

What Is Undervolting?

Undervolting is the process of reducing the operating voltage of a GPU so that you can reduce heat dissipation and energy consumption without disturbing the performance of your computer. In some cases, it can even boost performance while lowering power requirements, temperature, and noise levels.

Why Undervolt Your GPU

Your GPU will heat up significantly more quickly when receiving less voltage power. Lowering the voltage applied to your GPU can reduce the amount of heat it generates. Before continuing, it is essential to understand that undervolting your GPU may not have any negative impacts of note, but doing it in the wrong way may harm your computer.

Steps for Undervolting GPU

Before starting, keep in mind that not all the models of GPU can be undervolted. It may not be possible on older models, especially from Nvidia’s 10 series undervolting tools for old models may be not compatible.

In this guide, we will undervolt an Nvidia Graphics Card using the MSI Afterburner software.

Step #1: Install MSI Afterburner

MSI Afterburner is the best working undervolting tool for this purpose. For starting the process, install and run this program on your system.

Step #2: Launch the Curve Editor

The voltage of your GPU is displayed in your MSI Afterburner interface’s lower-left corner. Below there, you may access the curve editor. You can find it by double-clicking or using the Ctrl + F shortcut.

When the curve editor is opened, you can check a fairly intimidating graph.

This graph will show you two critical pieces of information. The x-axis will show you the graphics card’s voltage, and the y-axis will show you the frequency (clock speed).

Step #3: Test Your Graphics Card

First, you need to check what frequency your GPU runs under stress. You can do this using two methods: running a GPU-intensive program or a stress test like FurMark.

The simplest method is to start your resource-intensive game and leave it running for at least 15 minutes. 

As soon as the software starts, select windowed mode so you can view MSI Afterburner from the side. Check the “MHz” area and keep that given number in your mind.

Step #4: Locate the Exact Axis in Your Curve Editor

It’s time to check again with Afterburner and find the current frequency at the y-axis. To find the proper frequency at the left side, best set with the curve, click along the dotted curve line. Check the relative voltage by looking down.

Step #5: Pick the New Voltage You Want

As a rule of thumb says, it is preferable to gradually undervolt rather than immediately.

Select the voltage you want by clicking on it. Here, the number will be associated with a frequency lower than what you wish to keep.

Step #6: Adjust the Core Clock

Return to MSI Afterburner’s main window and check the “Core Clock” area. To ensure that your card’s frequency and the voltage you wish you should retain are compatible, you should modify the core clock.

To achieve this, follow these steps.

1. Raise the core clock until the curve editor’s curve changes.
2. Track the frequency on the left and the voltage you’ve selected at the bottom.
3. Continually raise the clock until that frequency is operating at the same voltage as it happened while doing your test.

In the end, your card should be working at the same frequency as before while maintaining maximum voltage.

Step #7: Manage the Processor’s Speed Level and Voltage

It’s time to ensure you don’t exceed your targeted values after successfully changing your GPU’s voltage and clock frequency. Now, open your curve editor again after closing it.

Once more, click the desired voltage. You can begin dragging the little squares in the highlighted region downward from the voltage point you choose. Verify that your line is positioned according to the frequency your graphics card has been hitting. If you can’t, keep the final portion of the curve below your maximum frequency point.

Step #8: Update and Save

If you want to keep these changes, go back to the MSI Afterburner window and press the save icon at the bottom of the screen.

Put the new frequency you selected and test it properly to see if it’s working as you wanted.

If not, then increase the core clock again and try again. If you are facing any graphics issues, it means you undervolted the card too much, so do all the steps again in the right way.

Summary

For undervolting your GPU you can use MSI Afterburner software. It is best to use it if you want to increase the performance of your computer. It can reduce temperature and noise levels.

Frequently Asked Questions