While overclocking your graphics card boosts its performance by increasing the clock speed, which is helpful for gamers, underclocking GPU lowers its performance but it has its own benefits. Before we proceed further, let’s discuss underclocking the graphics card.
What is GPU underclocking?
The term underclocking in this context is reducing the GPU clock speed below the default or factory clock speed. This may result in low performance and lag (especially for heavy games and programs) but there will be less stress on the graphics card. Underclocking your graphics card can be helpful if you aren’t satisfied with the default clock speed results or overclocking results and your PC can run smoothly by lowering the GPU clock speed to an optimal level. Now, let’s see how to underclock a graphics card.
How to underclock GPU?
If you want to underclock GPU on a Windows 11/10 computer, then you can use the most popular and universal software MSI Afterburner. It is one of the best free overclocking software that also lets you easily underclock GPU. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to operate for beginners. Here are the steps: The work is not done yet. You need to check if underclocking GPU results in some hiccups (games or programs are lagging or crashing or something else). If yes, you need to adjust the underclocking level until everything runs smoothly. Along with the required underclock level, you can also adjust the fan speed, core voltage, etc., but there must be a balance and it shouldn’t affect the performance of your system.
Benefits of underclocking your graphics card
Following are the positive effects or benefits of underclocking your graphics card: Read: How to force a Game to use a Graphics Card or GPU in Windows 11
How safe is underclocking?
If you are wondering, if is it safe to underclock your graphics card, then it is up to you only. Simply put, you shouldn’t underclock GPU if you have little to no idea about it. You might have unwanted consequences and that may lead you to take the help of a technician. Why mess up things if everything is running smoothly as needed? Underclocking the GPU does have benefits as explained above, but you should do it only when you are well aware of what you are going to do and how to set a balanced performance.
Can underclocking cause damage?
There is no fair answer to this question since it depends on the GPU hardware and settings as well. However, to answer this question, underclocking may not damage your GPU or CPU physically or electrically. However, it is highly recommended to follow the official instructions if there is any for your installed GPU. Read next: TPU vs GPU vs CPU Performance and Differences discussed.
