SOLVED: How To Disable GPU Overclocking?

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Abdul Hadi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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While it is true that overclocking can enhance your GPU’s operation without any additional costs, I recommend not going beyond its optimum capacity. Plus, you should immediately turn off overclocking in the GPU if it shows signs of overheating or instability. Turning off GPU overclocking can become necessary when you want to lower GPU temperature and fix sudden crashes or freezes in your system.

Key Takeaways

• Overclocking a GPU helps in enhancing its performance for better gameplay and smoother graphics.
• You can disable overclocking on your GPU via third-party software, graphics card software, or the BIOS.
• Consider turning off overclocking if your GPU is overheating, the system is malfunctioning, or the power source is being strained.

Disable From BIOS Settings

The system BIOS offers an option to enable or disable the GPU overclocking. However, the key combinations to access BIOS vary with each manufacturer, so make sure you are pressing the right ones. You can also check the manufacturer’s manual to find the correct BIOS keys for your computer.

Here is how to disable overclocking from BIOS:

1. Restart your computer and press the relevant keys to enter the BIOS mode. I have listed down the BIOS key combinations for some common manufacturers.
   

   MANUFACTURER	BIOS MENU KEY
   Lenovo	F1, F2, or F12
   HP	F10, Esc, Or F9
   Dell	F2 Or F12
   Asus	F2 or Esc
   Acer	F2 Or F12
   Samsung	F2 Or Esc
   Sony	F1, F2, F3, Or F11

2. Go to Advanced / Advanced Settings > GPU Settings or a similar option relating to GPU Overclocking > Disable GPU Overclocking> Save Settings > Exit BIOS menu.

Uninstall Overclocking Software

There are dedicated pieces of software for overclocking purposes, such as MSI Afterburner or Gigabyte Xtreme Engine. Uninstall any such programs to return your GPU to its default speed and settings.

Through Control Panel Software

Most graphics card manufacturers have exclusive software designed to control and modify different aspects of a GPU. For example, if you own an NVIDIA Graphics Card, you can download the NVIDIA Control Panel to modify its settings.

NVIDIA Control Panel

Here is how to disable overclocking from NVIDIA Control Panel:

1. Right-click Desktop > NVIDIA Control Panel > Manage 3D Settings > Performance > Global Settings > Power Management Mode.
2. If it is set to Prefer Maximum Performance, it means overclocking is active.
3. Change to the Optimal Power option to disable overclocking in the NVIDIA GPU.

AMD Radeon Control Panel

Here is how to disable overclocking from AMD Radeon Control Panel:

1. Right-click Desktop > AMD Radeon Software > Performance > Tuning > GPU  > Tuning Control > Default.

MSI Afterburner

We also tried this one, and it worked flawlessly. Here is how to disable overclocking using MSI Afterburner:

1. Launch MSI Afterburner > Curve Editor.
2. Flatten the curve > Apply / Reset at the bottom.

   

This will disable GPU overclocking on your PC.

Intel Extreme Tuning Utility

Here is how to disable overclocking using Intel Extreme Tuning Utility:

1. Open the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility software on your computer.
2. Highlight Advanced Tuning> Select Graphics > Processor Graphics Voltage > Default.
3. Next, set Processor Graphics Voltage Offset > 0.000V.
4. Press Apply > Save. 

Are There Risks Associated With Overclocking GPU?

Although overclocking may appear as a useful process at first, it brings along potential damage to your GPU, according to my research. For example, overclocking may;

• This leads to graphics card overheating, which could cause your computer to malfunction or crash.
• Cause various system or driver errors.
• Consume more power than usual.
• Damage the data and files in your computer.
• Decrease the lifespan of your GPU and affect its overall healthy operation.

Therefore, I advise you to take precautionary measures if you choose to overclock your GPU or any other component. To reduce the chances of the risks mentioned above, you can apply cooling solutions, vigilantly monitor the system’s temperature, and not increase the speed beyond an optimal range.

Abdul Hadi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com