How To Undervolt An Rx 590 Fatboy

In the world of PC gaming, every little bit of performance counts. If you’re looking for a way to squeeze a few extra frames per second out of your Radeon RX 590 Fatboy, undervolting is a great option. Undervolting involves reducing the amount of voltage supplied to your GPU, which can lead to lower power consumption, reduced heat output, and potentially improved stability. However, it’s important to note that undervolting can also lead to instability if not done correctly. In this article, we’ll show you how to undervolt your Radeon RX 590 Fatboy safely and effectively.

Before you start, it’s important to make sure that your system is stable. This means that your computer should be able to run without crashing or freezing for an extended period of time. If your system is not stable, undervolting could make things worse. Once you’re sure that your system is stable, you can begin the undervolting process. There are a number of different ways to undervolt a GPU, but we’ll be using the MSI Afterburner software in this article. MSI Afterburner is a free and easy-to-use tool that allows you to monitor and control your GPU’s settings. To download MSI Afterburner, visit the MSI website.

Once you’ve downloaded and installed MSI Afterburner, open the program and click on the “Settings” tab. In the “Settings” tab, you’ll find a number of different options. Scroll down until you see the “Voltage Control” section. In the “Voltage Control” section, you’ll see a slider that allows you to adjust the voltage supplied to your GPU. By default, the voltage will be set to 100%. You can start by reducing the voltage by 5% and then testing your system for stability. If your system is stable, you can continue to reduce the voltage in 5% increments until you reach a point where your system becomes unstable. Once you reach this point, increase the voltage back to the previous stable setting.

Preparations Before Undervolting

Hardware Requirements

  • Power supply: Ensure your power supply unit (PSU) provides sufficient and stable power for your GPU. Use a PSU with at least a 450W capacity and 80+ Bronze certification or higher.
  • GPU monitoring software: Download and install GPU monitoring software such as MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision X1, or AMD Adrenalin to monitor GPU temperatures, voltages, and frequencies. This software allows you to adjust undervolting settings.
  • Stress testing software: Use stress testing software like 3DMark or FurMark to check the stability of your undervolted GPU after applying changes.

Software Requirements

  • Graphics driver: Update your graphics driver to the latest version for optimal stability and compatibility. Visit AMD’s website for the latest driver downloads.
  • Undervolting utility: Depending on your GPU monitoring software, you may require additional undervolting utilities. For example, MSI Afterburner users can install the "MSI Afterburner Plugin for Radeon GPUs" to enable undervolting support.

Other Considerations

  • Ventilation: Ensure your GPU has adequate ventilation by providing proper airflow in your computer case. Poor ventilation can lead to overheating, which can impair the stability of your undervolted GPU.
  • Backup settings: Before making any changes to your GPU’s settings, create a backup of your existing settings. This allows you to revert to a stable configuration if the undervolting process causes any issues.
  • Incremental changes: Undervolt your GPU incrementally by small steps, such as reducing the voltage by 5-10mV at a time. This gradual approach helps maintain stability while allowing you to achieve optimal voltage reduction.

Understanding GPU Voltage-Frequency Curve

The voltage-frequency curve of a GPU depicts the relationship between the voltage supplied to the GPU and its operating frequency. This curve is crucial in understanding how undervolting works and how it can affect GPU performance.

The frequency of a GPU is directly proportional to the voltage supplied to it. As the voltage increases, the GPU can operate at higher frequencies, which can lead to improved performance. However, increasing the voltage also increases power consumption and heat generation.

The voltage-frequency curve can be represented graphically, with the voltage on the x-axis and the frequency on the y-axis. The curve typically shows a linear relationship between voltage and frequency, with a steeper slope indicating a higher sensitivity to voltage changes.

Voltage and Frequency Relationship

The relationship between voltage and frequency is not linear, and a small change in voltage can result in a significant change in frequency. This relationship is typically represented by a curve, known as the voltage-frequency (V/F) curve.

Voltage (V) Frequency (MHz)
1.00 1000
1.10 1100
1.20 1200
1.30 1300

As shown in the table, increasing the voltage from 1.00V to 1.30V results in a 30% increase in frequency, from 1000MHz to 1300MHz. However, this increase in frequency comes at the cost of increased power consumption and heat generation.

Undervolting involves reducing the voltage supplied to the GPU below the stock voltage, while maintaining or slightly increasing the frequency. This can lead to reduced power consumption and heat generation, without significantly affecting performance.

Installing AMD Radeon Software

Before undervolting your RX 590 Fatboy, you must install AMD Radeon Software. This software gives you access to the necessary settings and controls.

To install AMD Radeon Software, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the AMD website and download the latest version of Radeon Software.
  2. Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
  3. Once the installation is complete, restart your computer.

Accessing the Undervolting Settings

After installing AMD Radeon Software, you can access the undervolting settings by following these steps:

  1. Open Radeon Software.
  2. Click on the “Performance” tab.
  3. Scroll down to the “Tuning” section and click on “Advanced Control”.
  4. In the “Advanced Control” menu, select the “Voltage” tab.

Here, you will find the voltage and frequency settings for your RX 590 Fatboy. You can now proceed to undervolt your graphics card.

Setting Description
Voltage The voltage that is supplied to the graphics card.
Frequency The speed at which the graphics card operates.

Running the DDU Tool

Step 1: Download the DDU Tool

Head over to Guru3D’s website and download the latest version of the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) tool. This utility is designed to thoroughly remove all traces of previous graphics drivers, ensuring a clean slate for your new installations.

**Step 2: Enter Safe Mode

Restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly during boot-up to enter Safe Mode. This mode provides a stripped-down environment with minimal drivers loaded, allowing the DDU tool to operate effectively.

**Step 3: Run the DDU Tool

Once in Safe Mode, locate the DDU tool you downloaded and launch it. Select the “GPU” and “Clean and restart” options in the DDU interface.

The tool will automatically detect your graphics card and start the uninstallation process. Allow it to complete fully and restart your computer when prompted.

Step 4: Detailed Instructions for Advanced Users

Advanced users may wish to customize the DDU uninstallation process. Here are the options you can adjust:

Option Description
Device Select the specific graphics card(s) you want to uninstall drivers for.
Clean Mode Choose between Safe Mode (recommended for most users) or Normal Mode.
Driver Store Removal Enable this option to delete all AMD-related drivers from the Windows Driver Store.
Preserve User Settings Keep your custom graphics settings and profiles during the uninstallation.

Accessing the AMD Radeon Software Settings

To commence undervolting your RX 590 Fatboy, you’ll need to access the AMD Radeon Software settings. Follow these steps to gain access:

  1. Locate and launch the AMD Radeon Software application on your computer.
  2. Once the software is open, click the “Settings” icon located in the top-right corner of the window.
  3. In the “Settings” window, select the “Performance” tab located on the left-hand side of the window.
  4. Scroll down to the “Advanced” section and click the “Graphics” button located in the top-right corner of the “Advanced” section.
  5. In the “Graphics” settings window, click the “Voltage Control” tab under GPU Parameters.

Once you have accessed the “Voltage Control” tab, you can proceed with undervolting your RX 590 Fatboy.

Voltage Curve Editor

The Voltage Curve Editor allows you to fine-tune the voltage-frequency curve of your GPU. In the video, It is advised to keep the stock curve at the beginning and adjust it based on stability and performance.

Step 1: Selecting a Voltage Frequency Point

Click on the curve to select a voltage frequency point (V/F point).
The selected V/F point will be highlighted in blue.

Step 2: Adjusting the Voltage

Drag the blue dot representing the selected V/F point up or down to increase or decrease the voltage.

Step 3: Creating Custom Voltage Curve

Repeat steps 1 and 2 to create a custom voltage curve.
You can adjust multiple V/F points to create a desired voltage curve.

Undervolting the GPU Using Radeon WattMan

Radeon WattMan is a software utility that allows you to adjust the settings of your AMD graphics card. You can use WattMan to undervolt your GPU, which can reduce power consumption and heat output.

To undervolt your GPU using Radeon WattMan, follow these steps:

  1. Open Radeon WattMan.
  2. Click on the “Performance” tab.
  3. Click on the “Tuning” button.
  4. Click on the “Voltage” tab.
  5. Drag the “GPU Voltage” slider to the left to reduce the voltage.
  6. Click on the “Save” button.

You can now test your GPU to see if it is stable at the new voltage. To do this, run a benchmark or play a game. If your GPU crashes or experiences graphical artifacts, you will need to increase the voltage.

The following table shows the default voltage and the safe voltage range for the RX 590 Fatboy:

Voltage Safe Range
Default 1.150V – 1.200V
Safe Range 1.050V – 1.150V

Testing System Stability

Once you’ve undervolted your RX 590 Fatboy, it’s crucial to test its stability to ensure that it’s not going to crash or cause errors. There are several ways to do this:

1. Running Stress Tests

Stress testing software puts your GPU under extreme load to identify any potential stability issues. Popular options include FurMark, Heaven Benchmark, and 3DMark. Run these tests for at least 30 minutes to thoroughly stress the GPU.

2. Gaming

Play demanding games for an extended period to check stability. If your GPU crashes or shows graphical artifacts, it may indicate instability.

3. Monitoring Temperatures

Monitor your GPU’s temperature using software like MSI Afterburner or GPU-Z. Ensure that temperatures stay within safe limits. Excessive heat can cause instability.

4. Checking Event Viewer

After running tests, check the Windows Event Viewer for any error messages related to your GPU. This can provide insights into potential instability issues.

5. Using AMD WattMan

AMD WattMan’s “Performance Metrics” tab provides real-time monitoring of GPU metrics. Look for any unexpected spikes or drops in voltage, temperature, or clock speeds.

6. Decreasing Undervolt Gradually

If you experience instability, gradually decrease the undervolt amount until the system runs stably. This allows you to find the optimal undervolt for your specific card.

7. Testing Different Games and Applications

Stability may vary depending on the game or application being used. Test multiple workloads to ensure stability across a wide range of scenarios. Consistent stability across different tasks indicates a reliable undervolt.

Balancing Performance and Stability

Undervolting the RX 590 Fatboy can improve performance and stability by reducing power consumption and heat output. However, it is important to strike a balance between performance and stability to avoid system crashes or damage to the GPU. The following guide will provide detailed instructions on how to Undervolt your RX 590 Fatboy.

Step 1: Download and Install Radeon Software

Download and install the latest version of Radeon Software from AMD’s website. This software will be used to control the GPU’s settings.

Step 2: Open Radeon Software

Open Radeon Software and navigate to the “Performance” tab. Click on the “Tuning” button.

Step 3: Adjust the Core Voltage

In the “Tuning” menu, find the “Core Voltage” slider. Reduce the voltage by small increments (5-10mV) while running a benchmark or game to test for stability.

Step 4: Monitor Temperature and Performance

While undervolting, monitor the GPU’s temperature and performance using software like GPU-Z or MSI Afterburner. Ensure that the temperature remains below acceptable levels and that performance is not significantly affected.

Step 5: Save Settings

Once you have found a stable voltage, click the “Apply” button to save the settings.

Step 6: Run Stress Test

Run a stress test using a tool like FurMark or 3DMark to verify the stability of the undervolted settings.

Step 7: Adjust Memory Voltage (Optional)

In addition to core voltage, you can also adjust the memory voltage to further reduce power consumption. However, be cautious as undervolting the memory too much can lead to instability or crashes.

Step 8: Monitor System for Stability

After undervolting, continue to monitor your system for stability. If you experience any crashes or artifacts, the voltage may need to be increased.

Step 9: Optimizing Performance and Stability

To optimize both performance and stability, consider using the following settings:

Setting Value
Core Voltage 1050-1100mV
Memory Voltage 850-900mV
Power Limit Raise by 10-15%
Fan Speed Set to Manual and adjust to keep temperatures below 75°C

These settings provide a good balance between performance and stability for most RX 590 Fatboy models. However, individual cards may require different settings due to variations in manufacturing.

Exporting and Saving the Undervolt Profile

Once you have found a stable undervolt profile for your RX 590 Fatboy, it is important to export and save it so that you can easily apply it again later. To export your undervolt profile, follow these steps:

  1. Open Radeon Software and click on the “Settings” tab.
  2. Click on the “Profiles” tab and then select the profile that you want to export.
  3. Click on the “Export” button and then select a location to save the profile.

You can also save your undervolt profile to the Radeon Software cloud by clicking on the “Save to Cloud” button. This will allow you to access your profile from any computer that has Radeon Software installed.

To import an undervolt profile, follow these steps:

  1. Open Radeon Software and click on the “Settings” tab.
  2. Click on the “Profiles” tab and then click on the “Import” button.
  3. Select the profile that you want to import and then click on the “Open” button.

Once you have imported an undervolt profile, it will be applied to your RX 590 Fatboy. You can then adjust the settings as needed.

Setting Value
Core Voltage 0.950V
Core Clock 1450MHz
Memory Clock 2000MHz

How To Undervolt An Rx 590 Fatboy

Undervolting an RX 590 Fatboy can be a great way to reduce power consumption and temperatures, while also potentially improving performance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Download and install MSI Afterburner
MSI Afterburner is a free software that allows you to control your GPU’s voltage, clock speeds, and other settings. Download the latest version from the MSI website and install it.

2. Open MSI Afterburner and click on the “Settings” button
In the Settings menu, select the “Voltage” tab.

3. Find the “Core Voltage” slider and reduce it by 50mV
Click on the “Apply” button to save your changes.

4. Test your stability
Run a few benchmarks or games to test the stability of your undervolt. If you experience any crashes or other issues, increase the voltage by 10mV and try again.

5. Continue reducing the voltage until you find the optimal setting
Keep reducing the voltage by 50mV increments and testing your stability until you find the lowest voltage that your GPU can run at without crashing.

People Also Ask

How much can I undervolt my RX 590 Fatboy?

Most RX 590 Fatboys can be undervolted by around 50-100mV. However, the exact amount will vary depending on the individual GPU.

Will undervolting hurt my RX 590 Fatboy?

No, undervolting will not hurt your GPU. In fact, it can actually help to prolong its lifespan by reducing heat and power consumption.

What are the benefits of undervolting my RX 590 Fatboy?

Undervolting your RX 590 Fatboy can provide a number of benefits, including:

  • Reduced power consumption
  • Lower temperatures
  • Potentially improved performance
  • Increased GPU lifespan