How to underclock a GPU in 2024

If you don’t know how to underclock your GPU, or why underclocking can be beneficial to preserve the longevity of your GPU, then you’re in the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about what underclocking is, why it’s important and step by step guide to safely underclock your GPU. 

What is underclocking and why is it important?

Underclocking is essentially reducing your GPU’s clock speed, which is typically a default speed set by the manufacturer. Underclocking involves gradually decreasing the processing speed of your GPU, while ensuring your graphics card remains stabilized, which shouldn’t mean a huge sacrifice in performance quality. 

Although running your GPU at a higher speed will offer better performance, it can also result in steeper electricity bills and a higher risk of overheating depending on your GPU and PC, as the faster your GPU processes tasks, the more heat that will be produced over a period of time; reducing the speed at which it works and therefore lowering the thermal output should help maintain the longevity of your GPU and prevent it from degrading too soon. Less heat production will also mean less fan noise, longer-lasting thermal paste and less demand on your GPU cooler, if you use one. Unless you have a GPU with a low power consumption, like the RTX 4070 Super, your GPU may use more power than is ideal, which is where underclocking will come in handy. 

Underclocking is a safe and smart choice if you are not putting a great amount of demand on your GPU, or are just using your PC for casual gaming. If you are rendering frequently or playing 4K games frequently, for extended periods of time, underclocking (under powering) your GPU may lower the quality of your PC’s performance. If you are looking to maximize the performance of your GPU check out how to overclock your GPU in 2024. 

How to underclock your GPU with MSI Afterburner

MSI Afterburner is arguably the simplest third-party software to use for underclocking if you’re a beginner or not comfortable using complicated interfaces. It’s worth noting MSI Afterburner offers several interface options, which can be changed via User interface skinning properties, but your current interface should not affect these steps. 

1. Launch MSI Afterburner if you already have it, or go to MSI’s website to install. Follow the download instructions and then launch the software when it is ready.
2. Once the page is open check to see the name of your current GPU is somewhere on your interface (e.g. Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super)
3. You should be able to see a section called Clock, under which you should see sliders labeled Core Clock and Memory Clock
4. Lower the Core Clock (underclock) slider – it is better to do this incrementally to avoid underclocking too much, meaning that your GPU is underpowered, so rather than dropping it massively, make small adjustments. 
5. Select the Apply button once you’ve adjusted your Core Clock speed and are happy with it. You can also then select Save to save these changes to your profile. 

How to underclock your GPU with NZXT Cam

1. Launch the application if you already have it or go to NZXT Cam’s website to install the software. Follow instructions as prompted and then open the app when it is ready.
2. You should be prompted to make an account, log in or continue as a guest when the window opens. Unless you want to make or use an account, select Guest Mode. 
3. Select the Overclocking tab
4. In Overclocking Settings you will see two sliders (Core Clock Speed and Memory Clock Speed)
5. As with Afterburner, lower the Core Clock slider down in small increments. Once you are happy, select Apply. 

Is it okay to underclock GPU?

Gradually underclocking or lowering the clock speed of your GPU can maintain your graphics card’s performance while also lowering power consumption, which will help reduce fan noise, heat production and keep down electricity bills. Underclocking too much could make your PC shut down or experience technical issues so underclock incrementally.

Does underclocking reduce heat?

Yes, underclocking lowers the speed at which your GPU’s processors run. If they were running at a lower speed, less heat is produced. Other things that may affect your GPU’s heat is dust, poor airflow or old thermal paste.