But there is an opposite side to this, and its called underclocking.

Underclocking means setting the GPUs clock below the stock speed.

The thing is, GPUs dont need higher GHz to accomplish low-end graphical tasks.

underclock-gpu

And there are other benefits of doing this.

What is GPU Underclocking & Should you Do it?

Underclocking the GPU refers to lowering the graphics cards clock speed.

gpu-underclocking

A dedicated GPU has its own cores to process graphics, running at a specific speed while rendering graphics.

When the GPU starts to render graphics, all the cores get busy collecting information and processing it.

Then they channel the output & maintain a certain speed while doing this.

underclocking-with-msi-afterburner

But all the cores will do graphics calculations slowly when you underclock the graphics card.

But should you underclock your GPU?

That really depends to what extent you prefer the machines performance.

underclocking-gpu-with-asus-gpu-tweak

However, not all games require higher GPU clock speed; some can run on lower tweaks.

So, dropping the clock speed will keep the graphics processor and VRAM cool.

Well, you canapply some fixes to fix loud GPU fans.

use-evga-precision-x1-app-to-underclock-gpu

Sometimes GPU overheats if the fans spin slower when the GPU is hot.

Thats why you must know how to adjust theGPU fan speedaccording to the temperature.

Plus, running the GPU with a lower clock speed will reduce the electricity bill too.

enhanced-thermal-management

So, now, its up to you whether you should underclock your GPU or not.

If you want, I will show you how to underclock the GPU without damaging it within a minute.

Then, run any benchmark and save the tweaks if the test shows no stutter or lag.

Technology improved so much that you dont need to go to the BIOS to control the GPUs clock speed.

Several renowned apps are now available to overclock or downclock the dedicated graphics card clock speed.

Otherwise, youll have a dead CPU or GPU after modifying the clock speed.

And Ill show how to lower the clock speed with these apps.

But the steps are the same for every overclocking program that I mentioned.

Here are the steps to underclock graphics card using multiple apps:

1.

MSI Afterburner

Its a very well-known app among PC enthusiasts.

And the same thing goes for underclocking it.

So, go to MSIsofficial websiteto download and drop in the app.

Next, follow the below steps.

After that, run any benchmark such as 3D Mark, Heaven Unigine, or PassMark.

you could decrease the clock speed slightly if you dont see any lag or stuttering in the test.

You shouldnt lower the clock speed further when you face lag while benchmarking.

Increase the clock speed if you face stutter and save the tweaks by clicking theSavebutton.

Asus GPU Tweak III

Asus is the most popular brand in the PC market.

They make top-class gaming PC hardware and laptops.

So, go to theofficial websitefirst, then download and load the app.

After that, launch the app to lower the GPUs clock.

After that, hit theApplybutton to save the changes.

Downclocking the GPU might cause lag or stutter in the game.

So, check that by any benchmarking app.

If you find any issues, increase the clock speed a little.

Or else keep the changes.

EVGA Precision X1

Its an app from the renowned PC hardware accessories manufacturer EVGA.

They offer GPU cards of both AMD & NVIDIA.

To use this app, go to theirofficial websiteto download & roll out the app.

Then follow the below procedure to downclock the card.

You must increase the clock speed if you find a stutter while benchmarking.

Otherwise, leave the changes in case everything is running okay.

Remember, alwayscheck whether your GPU is workingcorrectly or not.

What are the Benefits of GPU Underclocking?

There are several benefits to underclocking the GPU.

TheGPU can overheatfor many reasons.

If you use the GPU in the overclocked state for a long time, itll heat up a lot.

So, downclocking might solve the issue for you.

Now lets look at the positive sides of underclocking in depth.

Additionally, GPU will run longer without issues.

Who Shouldnt Lower GPU Clock Speed & Why?

People buy powerful graphics cards to play high-resolution games and get higher FPS.

But underclocking it will affect your gameplay negatively because you wont get a lower FPS.

Plus, the game will lag and cause stutter if you set everything high.

Thats where higher GPU core clock speed comes in handy.

Is Underclocking & Undervolting the Same?

Some might mix up underclocking & undervolting together, but these are different.

When you underclock a GPU, it runs at a lower clock speed and consumes less power.

As a result, the graphics card cant reach a higher clock speed due to a lack of voltage.

To clarify this underclocking & undervolting factor, let me give you a quick example.

Suppose you want to reduce the cost of driving your car.

Limiting the cars speed is the same as underclocking the GPU.

And limiting the fuel passing to the engine is similar to GPU undervolting.

I bet this example clears your confusion about underclocking & undervolting.

FAQs

Is Underclocking safe?

No underclocking isnt safe if youre seeking high-level performance out of the graphics card.

However, lowering the clock speed will keep the GPU cool and increase its life span.

Plus, it will save you some bucks because underclocking makes the GPU energy efficient.

Is Underclocking the same as undervolting?

No, underclocking & undervolting both are different.

Undervolting refers to limiting GPUs voltage-pulling capacity.

In contrast, underclocking is lower the GPUs clock speed below stock.

So, both might sound the same, and they are not.

Will GPU perform better if you lower GPUs clock speed?

The clock speed, or GHz, determines how fast the GPU can render graphics.

The higher the clock speed, the quicker the GPU.

Ending Remarks

Now, you understand what is downclocking the GPU and how to achieve that.

In this article, I have also clarified the contrast between underclocking & undervolting.

I believe you have already underclocked your GPU safely by following my guide.

If you need any help, just let me know.

Ill reach you as fast as possible, and best of luck!