However, even if you accidentally overclock your GPU instead of undervolting it, your system will not suffer much. In this case, overclocking a GPU does not pose a risk of overheating.
To what extent is it permissible to “underclock” a graphics processing unit? What are the advantages of this? Reducing the graphics card’s clock rate may help extend its lifespan and increase performance which is extremely important for handling graphics related tasks.
Reduced core or memory clock frequencies on a GPU may improve performance in certain cases. You may learn how to reduce the clock speed of your graphics card by reading this post. If you’re only browsing the Internet, watching movies, or listening to music, you may want to consider underclocking your PC. The most critical consideration is the stability of your PC. If you often alter the speed of your clock, you may have difficulties.
What Is GPU Underclocking
The upshot is that every graphics processing unit (GPU) core on your graphics card oversees a different component of visual quality. Computer clocks tick at a rate of one cycle per second. The increased clock rates of these cores boost graphics processing performance, but the inverse is also true. When it comes to the actual performance and creation of what you see on your screen, graphics cards contain an enormous number of cores, and there is a wide range of variations in the tick rate of these cores.
It is customary for graphics card manufacturers to provide a default clock speed in their products. Increasing the clock speed of a GPU is something some people do to get the most out of their graphics cards, although this isn’t common. Underclocking isn’t for everyone since most people don’t want to purposefully impair the performance of a high-priced piece of hardware.
When it comes to getting the most out of your computer, even if you have a powerful GPU jammed into a tiny ITX chassis, overclocking isn’t always the best option. “Less is more,” as the adage goes, in this case. Individual preferences may be accommodated by adjusting the clock’s frequency and speed. If you want to increase your graphics card’s performance, you may underclock it.
What Is the Process of Underclocking A GPU?
Now that you know what underclocking is and what it accomplishes, here are several ways to reduce your graphics card’s clock speed and it’s really important to follow the guidelines.
1. MSI’s Afterburner software
Reduce the clocked speed of your graphics card by using MSI Afterburner’s clock speed adjusting tools. If you wish to underclock your system, you don’t have to fiddle about with Afterburner’s memory speed modifications, which are straightforward. It is possible to utilize Afterburner’s fan profiles to regulate the fan speeds even after you have underclocked your graphics card. This will enable you to fine-tune the fan speeds even more precisely which will result in stopping your gaming PC from overheating.
MSI’s Afterburner is the gold standard when it comes to PC performance optimization software. Consequently, you have total control over your graphics performance, including the ability to see and adjust every component of your graphics card. Because of its straightforward instructions and user-friendly appearance, this program is suitable for even complete beginners.
2. Using the ATITool application
It is also possible to lower the clock speed of your graphics card with the help of the ATITool application. When compared to recent graphics cards, this software can only be used with ATI (AMD) graphics cards, and the user interface seems to be a little out of date when compared to other programs. With an ATI graphics card, you could simply alter the clock speeds of your GPU, regardless of the kind of GPU you have installed.
3. CoolBits Graphics Card Underclocking
This program’s primary job is to create a registry entry in your NVIDIA Control Panel that gives you access to a plethora of additional features. Despite this, it seems to be a relic of the days of ATITools and MSI Afterburner, which were discontinued.
Because of their complexity, NVIDIA has chosen to keep these choices hidden from the average user. If you use them wrong, you might cause significant computer harm. Your NVIDIA graphics card’s core and RAM clock speeds may be readily changed with the aid of CoolBits, which is included with the software.
Is it Necessary to Underclock A GPU?
Overclocking a graphics card is more frequent in gaming circles than underclocking one. You might think of underclocking as the exact opposite of overclocking. Underclocking is a great solution if your CPU is becoming too hot and your cooling system isn’t keeping up. Not all your problems will be solved by this but that’s for sure that you will find some positive impact on your PC or laptop.
A lot of people do this while they’re on the internet or playing low-impact games. They want to save money on power and extend the life of their equipment by doing so. If you live in a hot area, you may need to reduce the clock speed of your graphics card to avoid overheating. If air conditioning isn’t an option, underclocking your graphics card may help keep it cool.
Is There a Purpose for Underclocking GPUs?
There are a variety of reasons why people choose to underclock their graphics processing units (GPUs).
1. Reduced Consumption of Electrical Energy
The quantity of power used by your GPU lowers as the clock speed of your GPU is reduced. As a result, your energy bills will be lower, and the various components of your computer will be less stressed because of the reduced strain. According to the manufacturer, therefore it keeps things colder, which reduces the strain on your cooling system.
2. Browsing with Less Noise
Keeping a computer cool is simpler when the machine does not overheat, and your fan will run less often and make less noise as a result. A lower operating temperature and less noise are achieved because the hardware is not compelled to generate and remove heat from the system throughout its operation. As a result of overlocking, your fan will spin up to twice as rapidly as it would usually, causing it to make more noise than usual.
Conclusion
To be clear, not everyone needs to underclock or overdrive their GPUs. To properly underclock a PC, it must only be used for web surfing. Underclocking your computer is simple if you want to save money and energy. You may adjust the preset clock speeds to your needs. Because the price difference is so little, most people advise you to leave things alone for now. Underclocking and gaming may result in poor gaming performance.
Also read: How to overclock PC RAM
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