How to Undervolt a GPU for Lower Temps

What is undervolting a GPU?

Undervolting a graphics card means reducing the voltage that the GPU receives while keeping the clock speed the same. The GPU is designed to run at a certain voltage to achieve its boost clock, but many cards are set to a higher voltage than necessary from the factory. By lowering the voltage, the card draws less power, produces less heat, and the fans do not need to spin as fast.

This is different from overclocking, which increases the clock speed and often the voltage. Undervolting keeps the performance the same or slightly lower, but it makes the card run cooler and quieter. It is a common adjustment for gamers who want a more efficient system without buying new hardware.

Why undervolt a GPU for gaming?

The main reason to undervolt is to reduce heat and noise. When a graphics card runs at a high voltage, it generates more heat, which makes the cooling fans work harder. In a gaming PC, this can be noticeable, especially during long sessions or in a room with limited airflow.

Lower temperatures also help the card maintain its boost clock for longer. If a card gets too hot, it may reduce its clock speed to protect itself, which can cause a drop in performance. By undervolting, you can keep the card within a comfortable temperature range and avoid this behavior.

Undervolting can also reduce the overall power consumption of the system. This is useful if you have a power supply that is just enough for your components, or if you want to lower your electricity bill. It is a safe adjustment that does not require opening the case or changing any hardware.

What you need to undervolt a GPU

To undervolt a graphics card, you need software that allows you to adjust the voltage and clock speed. For NVIDIA cards, MSI Afterburner is a popular choice, and for AMD cards, AMD Radeon Software has built-in tuning options. Both are free to download and use.

You also need a way to monitor the GPU temperature and clock speed. Tools like GPU-Z or the monitoring features in MSI Afterburner can show you real-time data. This helps you see the effect of your changes and ensure the card is stable.

It is important to note that undervolting does not require any physical modifications. You are only changing software settings, so it does not void the warranty. The changes are saved in a profile, and you can revert to the default settings at any time.

How to undervolt a GPU step by step

The process of undervolting involves creating a voltage-frequency curve. In MSI Afterburner, you can open the curve editor by pressing Ctrl+F. This shows a graph with voltage on the horizontal axis and clock speed on the vertical axis. The goal is to flatten the curve at a lower voltage while keeping the same clock speed.

Start by noting the current boost clock and voltage. Then, select a point on the curve that is a few steps lower in voltage. Drag that point up to match the original boost clock. This tells the card to run at that clock speed with less voltage. Apply the changes and run a stability check.

For AMD cards, the process is similar. In AMD Radeon Software, go to the Performance tab and select Tuning. Enable manual tuning and adjust the voltage and frequency sliders. Set the voltage to a lower value and keep the frequency the same. Apply and test for stability.

After applying the changes, it is important to test the card under load. Play a demanding game or run a stress tool for at least 30 minutes. Watch for crashes, artifacts, or a drop in performance. If the card is stable, you can save the profile. If not, increase the voltage slightly and try again.

Stability and safety considerations

Undervolting is generally safe, but it requires patience. Every GPU is different, so the optimal voltage varies. Start with a small reduction, such as 50 millivolts, and test. If the card is stable, you can try a larger reduction. If you go too low, the card may crash or show visual glitches.

It is also important to note that undervolting does not increase performance. The goal is to maintain the same performance while reducing heat and noise. If you see a drop in frame rates, it means the voltage is too low, and you should increase it slightly.

Always monitor the temperature during testing. The card should run cooler than before, but it should not exceed the manufacturer's maximum temperature. If the temperature is still high, you may need to adjust the fan curve or improve the case airflow. For more on airflow, see the guide on how to improve gaming PC airflow.

When should you undervolt your GPU?

Undervolting is most useful for gamers who are sensitive to noise or who play in a warm room. If your graphics card fans are loud during gaming, undervolting can make a noticeable difference. It is also helpful if you have a small form factor PC where airflow is limited.

It is not necessary for every system. If your card runs cool and quiet already, undervolting may not be worth the effort. However, it is a good skill to learn if you want to optimize your system for efficiency.

For those building a new gaming PC, consider the cooling solution and case airflow. A well-ventilated case with good fans can reduce the need for undervolting. Check the best prebuilt gaming PC guide to see what cooling is included in different models. Also, see how to set fan curves and how to monitor gaming PC temperatures for more tips.

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Questions

Does undervolting a GPU void the warranty?

No, undervolting is a software change and does not void the warranty. It does not involve any physical modification to the card.

Will undervolting reduce performance?

Undervolting aims to keep the same clock speed, so performance should remain the same. If you see a drop, the voltage is too low and should be increased.

How much can I undervolt my GPU?

The amount varies by card. A common starting point is a 50 millivolt reduction, then test for stability. Some cards can handle more, but it is best to go gradually.

Can undervolting damage my GPU?

Undervolting is safe and does not damage the GPU. It reduces the voltage, which is less stressful on the card than running at higher voltages.