Undervolting can be done in a few different ways, depending on the platform and tools available. Below are some general methods for both Windows and Linux systems.
Before You Start:
- Backup Important Data: Always back up your data before making any system-level changes.
- Monitor Temperatures and Stability: Use tools to monitor CPU temperature, voltage, and system stability throughout the process.
Step 1: Use BIOS/UEFI Settings (for Desktop Systems)
Most desktop motherboards allow undervolting through the BIOS/UEFI. Here’s how to do it:
Enter the BIOS/UEFI Setup:
- Reboot your computer and press the designated key (usually DEL or F2) during startup to enter the BIOS/UEFI.
Locate CPU Voltage Settings:
- In the BIOS/UEFI menu, look for CPU-related settings. These can often be found under tabs like "Advanced," "Overclocking," or "Power."
- The exact wording can vary by motherboard, but look for an option like “CPU Voltage,” “CPU Core Voltage,” or “CPU Vcore.”
Adjust the CPU Voltage:
- Set the voltage to a lower value. You can either manually input a lower value or use offset settings to decrease the voltage by a fixed amount (e.g., -0.05V).
- Start with a small reduction (e.g., -0.05V or -0.1V) to test for stability.
Save and Exit:
- After making your adjustments, save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
Test for Stability:
- Boot into your operating system and use stress testing tools (e.g., Prime95, AIDA64) to check for stability. Monitor the CPU temperature using tools like HWMonitor or Core Temp.
- If the system is stable, you can attempt further reductions. If you encounter instability or crashes, you may need to increase the voltage slightly to return to stability.
Step 2: Use Software Tools (for Windows Users)
There are several third-party programs you can use to undervolt your CPU without entering the BIOS. One popular tool is
Intel XTU (for Intel CPUs) or
AMD Ryzen Master (for AMD CPUs). Here’s how to use them:
Intel CPUs (Using Intel XTU)
Download and Install Intel XTU:
- Go to Intel’s website and download Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU).
Open Intel XTU:
- Launch the program, and you’ll see a simple interface with various performance settings.
- Reduce the Core Voltage:
- Look for the “Core Voltage Offset” setting.
- Reduce the voltage by small increments (e.g., -0.05V). Start by making modest adjustments to ensure stability.
Apply and Test:
- After applying the changes, use stress tests and monitoring software to check for stability.
AMD CPUs (Using AMD Ryzen Master)
- Download and Install Ryzen Master:
- Get Ryzen Master from AMD’s official website.
Launch Ryzen Master:
- Open the application, and it will show you your CPU’s current settings.
Adjust the Voltage:
- In Ryzen Master, you can either adjust the CPU voltage directly or apply an offset.
- Reduce the voltage in small steps, similar to the Intel method.
Test for Stability:
- Use stress tests and monitor temperatures.
Step 3: Monitor and Optimize
After undervolting, monitoring the system’s temperature, voltage, and overall performance is crucial:
- Use Tools to Monitor: Install temperature and system monitoring tools like HWMonitor, Core Temp, or Ryzen Master.
- Test Stability: Run intensive workloads or stress tests (Prime95, AIDA64) for several hours to ensure stability.
- Fine-Tune: If the system is unstable, slightly increase the voltage or try reducing it even more if your system handles it well.
Step 4: Revert Changes If NecessaryIf you experience instability or crashes after undervolting, revert to the default voltage settings in BIOS/UEFI or use software tools to restore the previous configuration.