Overclocking is simply increasing or incrementing the clock speed of your PC components like CPU, RAM and GPU.
So, what is GPU? Graphics processing unit (GPU) is a single-chip processor designed for accelerating the creation of images in a frame buffer intended for output to a display. It is used to process mathematical operations, usually those involved in graphical computations, image and sound processing. Overclocking the GPU involves increasing the frequency at which these mathematical calculations occur. This results in faster graphics performance and may even extend the life of your graphics card (although this claim is debatable).
Overclocking GPU is the process of modifying the frequency components of your graphics card. The frequency components are read by the clock which determines what speed your GPU functions at to run your application. It’s simply about increasing this clock frequency to deliver more performance; if you increase it too much, however, things can go wrong.
1. MSI Afterburner
MSI Afterburner is by far the most popular GPU overclocking software available in the market. It’s very reliable and works with non-MSI graphics cards as well.
It’s a free piece of software with a wide range of features (mainly the GPU overclocking) and a custom fan profile for a perfect balance of performance and cooling.
You’ll also get real-time reports of voltage, GPU usage, temperatures, and clock speeds.
Main Feature Highlights
- Compatible with most available GPUs
- You can adjust fan speed and GPU voltage
- Real-time performance and temperature reports
2. RivaTuner
You can use RivaTuner, the second most popular GPU overclocking app, to tweak and manage your system’s RAM, fan speed, and performance. You can use it with most Nvidia GPUs and a limited number of AMD graphics cards.
It may not be as visually appealing as MSI Afterburner or EVGA Precision, but it’s a very capable and powerful GPU overclocking software that you can rely on.
Main Feature Highlights
- Supports most Nvidia graphics cards
- Supports both 30-bit and 64-bit Windows versions
- Real-time performance and temperature monitoring
3. NVIDIA Inspector
NVIDIA Inspector, as the name suggests, is solely for the Nvidia GPUs. With it, you can overclock your GPU and check your graphics card info, as it tells you most of the technical information you need to know about your GPU.
Its simple user interface allows you to overclock your Nvidia GPU with ease. You can use NVIDIA Inspector to set custom targets for fan speed, GPU voltage, power, and temperature for a better overclock.
Main Feature Highlights
- Works with Nvidia GPUs
- Simple user interface
- Total control over your Nvidia graphics card
4. EVGA Precision X
Next up, we have a feature-rich GPU overclocking software from EVGA, called EVGA Precision X.
It allows you to overclock your graphics card and your memory, along with other advanced features, including voltage adjustment, performance graph curves, fan control, automatic tuning, custom profiles, and hotkeys.
Main Feature Highlights
- Supports Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
- Hotkeys for easy control
- Full control over your GPU
5. ASUS GPU Tweak
Next on the list is ASUS GPU Tweak, which resembles MSI Afterburner in terms of the user interface. Along with its main feature of overclocking your GPU, you can use it to overclock your memory and control voltage and fan speed.
If you prefer, you can also set your fan speed manually in its auto mode.
Main Feature Highlights
- Manual fan speed control
- Support for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and 10
- Supports most AMD and Nvidia GPUs
6. Sapphire TriXX
Designed specifically for Sapphire Nitro+ and Pulse graphics cards, TriXX is an all-in-one GPU solution that allows you to monitor clock speeds and set new targets. It includes the Toxic Boost mode for more automated optimization, as well as monitoring software to keep an eye on how components are running. The fan settings section lets you test current fan performance, while the Nitro Glow section is for controlling your RGB lighting on compatible hardware. While the UI isn’t quite as flashy as other options, there’s still a lot to appreciate here, and owners of Sapphire cards should certainly take a look.
7. Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (INTEL XTU)
Coming up next, we have the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel XTU). Now, do note that this software is only compatible to overclock CPU from Intel. Also, it does not support all the CPUs due to certain limitations. The tool has a great user-friendly interface with a dark theme that caters to a great user experience.
Intel’s own overclocking software XTU is a unique software developed exclusively for Intel CPUs. This software provides a stress testing feature to find a stable overclocking range. While overclocking manually is a time-consuming process this software tends to simplify the exercise.
Because of certain limitations, XTU does not work with all CPUs. Check here if your processor supports XTU. Scroll down to find the “the download is valid for the products listed below” segment from its website.
The interface of this software communicates directly with the motherboard’s BIOS, allowing overclocking without the need to restart. The software itself is more intuitive than a traditional BIOS interface. Apart from processors, this software can also improve the performance of Intel Extreme Memory.
System Requirements
- Windows 10 (only 64-bit versions)
8. AMD Ryzen Master
Ryzen Master is AMD’s response to Intel’s XTU. AMD’s Ryzen Master is only compatible with the latest versions of Ryzen processors. Ryzen processors are factory unlocked which allows huge overclocking output. Ryzen Master is merely the tool to access this potential. It is the best CPU overclocking software for Ryzen processors.
This utility software comes with a basic view and advanced view options to show the overclocking features as per your knowledge. The basic view will allow you to select how much overclocking you wish to apply along with important system parameters such as CPU temperatures, speed, and voltages.
Ryzen Master offers 3 different modes for overclocking- Default, Auto, and Manual. It can also overclock the Ryzen integrated graphics, providing a better gaming experience. You can customize and save multiple profiles for individual games or software apps or custom performance requirements.
System Requirements
- Windows 8, 10 (both 32 and 64-bit versions)
- Ryzen CPUs on AM4 socket X370, B350 or X300 chipsets.
- Ryzen Threadripper CPUs on TR4 socket motherboard with X399 chipsets
9. ATI Tray tools
Developed for ATI Radeon Cards this utility tool enables overclocking for ATI graphics cards. Though the user interface is not as user-friendly as the above-mentioned overclocking software, ATI Tray tools feature temperature control and Fan Control. It also provides a 3D output to check for Artifacts and find the best overclocking settings for your video card.
You can set multiple profiles and save them as desktop shortcuts. This helps in instant overclocking as per software or personal requirements, especially for demanding games. ATI Tray Tools also allows overclocking the VRAM.
This software takes little storage space but does require the latest drivers. You can also take screenshots from the on-screen display hotkeys and operate this software in over 20 languages.
System Requirements
- Windows XP, Vista, 7, 2000, 2003 and 2008
10. AMD Overdrive
As the name suggests, the AMD Overdrive can be used to overclock CPUs from AMD. Like Intel XTU, the AMD Overdrive also does not support all the CPUs due to hardware limitations. The tool does a magnificent job when it comes to overclocking and also share some useful stats about your CPU.
11. CPU-Z
Now, you might have seen this tool in a lot of reviews. Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t know that this tool can actually be used to overclock your CPU with the help of this tiny tool. This tool does not have the best user interface but for the size it holds, it does the job pretty well.
Conclusion
Overclocking GPU is a practice in which the clock speed of the graphics-processing unit of a computer is set higher than its default value. The process is done by manufacturers if users want to overclock the card on their own. Some people think of it as a way to get a little more performance out of a video card they already own, others see it as an important tool for squeezing every ounce of power out of their new or existing computer.