amdgpu-clocks

amdgpu-clocks is a free, GPL-2.0-licensed script for setting power states on AMD GPUs that use the amdgpu Linux kernel driver. It can adjust GPU and memory clocks, voltages, power caps, performance levels, and power profiles where the hardware exposes those controls. The project says it should work with Polaris, Vega, Navi, and RDNA cards, but Vega GPUs in AMD APUs lack the required API. Multiple cards can be managed using custom state files selected by card identifier or PCI address. Users define settings under /etc/default, and a systemd service can apply them at startup; a resume script can reapply them after suspend. Fine-grained controls require Radeon OverDrive enabled in the kernel. On RDNA 3 and newer, it can handle driver-exposed Zero RPM fan settings, which require Linux 6.13 or newer; stop-temperature control is limited to RDNA 3. A restore option returns settings to their initial defaults, except the power profile, which it sets to 0. The README directs installation to /usr/local/bin, and the GitHub releases page lists no releases.

amdgpu-clocks offers detailed AMD GPU power-state controls through configuration files and scripts. Its use depends on kernel support, compatible hardware, and enabling Radeon OverDrive.

It suits Linux users with compatible AMD graphics cards who want to configure GPU power states. Users of Vega GPUs in AMD APUs should note that the required API is not exposed there.

amdgpu-clocks is a configuration script for custom power states on AMD GPUs using Linux’s amdgpu driver. It suits Linux users who are comfortable with kernel settings and want direct control over supported GPU hardware. Its strongest case is no-cost, persistent tuning; compatibility and Radeon OverDrive requirements narrow its audience.

Overview

Users define states in files under /etc/default, then use the script to apply them. Depending on what the GPU and driver expose, those states can set GPU and memory clocks, voltages, power caps, performance levels and power profiles. The ability to select state files by card identifier or PCI address is useful on systems with multiple AMD graphics cards.

Radeon OverDrive must be enabled in the kernel for the fine-grained power controls. The README provides amdgpu.ppfeaturemask boot options, so setup requires system-level configuration rather than simply installing a desktop utility. The project instructs users to install the script in /usr/local/bin, and provides a systemd service to apply states at startup and a resume script to reapply them after suspend.

Key features

Power-state controls

Clock, voltage and power-limit adjustments offer meaningful control when the hardware exposes them. The README says the script should work with Polaris, Vega, Navi and RDNA cards. Vega GPUs in AMD APUs lack the required API, however, and support for any particular control depends on the GPU and driver. That makes checking the specific hardware essential before relying on a desired setting.

Fan settings and recovery

On RDNA 3 and newer, amdgpu-clocks can read, store and set Zero RPM fan settings exposed by the driver. These settings require Linux 6.13 or newer; the Zero RPM stop temperature control is limited to RDNA 3. A restore option returns states to their initial defaults, with one exception: it sets pp_power_profile_mode to 0. That exception matters to users who expect a restore command to reproduce every original setting.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and provides the GPL-2.0-licensed script for Linux and a compatible AMD GPU. There is no paid plan or trial to weigh against it. The cost is zero, but users still need compatible hardware, Radeon OverDrive support and the time to configure the system-level requirements.

Platforms

Linux is the only supported operating system. This is a focused option for AMD GPUs driven by the Linux amdgpu kernel driver, not a cross-platform tuning utility. The repository has no releases, and its installation instructions point to placing the script in /usr/local/bin.

Who it's for

Choose amdgpu-clocks if you use a supported AMD GPU on Linux, want to define precise power states, and are comfortable enabling Radeon OverDrive and editing configuration files. Multi-GPU selection and startup or resume application make it particularly useful for users who want custom settings to persist across system events.

Look elsewhere if you need Windows support, a graphical tuning workflow, or control over a Vega GPU in an AMD APU. It is also a poor fit if your GPU or driver does not expose the particular controls you want.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Fine-grained clock, voltage, power-cap and profile controls let compatible AMD hardware be tuned through custom states.
• Pro: Multi-GPU targeting by identifier or PCI address helps keep separate cards’ configurations distinct.
• Pro: Startup and resume scripts can reapply settings, while the restore option provides a way back to initial defaults.
• Con: Radeon OverDrive must be enabled in the kernel, adding system-level setup before the main controls are available.
• Con: Hardware and driver exposure vary; Vega GPUs in AMD APUs lack the required API, and Zero RPM controls have newer-kernel requirements.
• Con: Configuration files and installation instructions suit users willing to work at the system level, not those seeking a ready-made desktop utility.

Alternatives

GPU Overclocking Software is a useful starting point for comparing options across the category.

For another Linux option, CoreCtrl is a free, open-source GNU/Linux application with no paid plans stated. LACT is a free Linux GPU configuration and monitoring tool; choose it if monitoring is part of what you need. TuxClocker is another free GNU/Linux option, with hardware-specific GPU and CPU support.

On Windows, MSI Afterburner offers free GPU overclocking and undervolting, hardware monitoring, custom fan control and an on-screen display. ASUS GPU Tweak III is a free Windows alternative. Gainward ExperTool is free for Nvidia GPUs with the stated driver requirements, while Inno3D TuneIT targets specified INNO3D GeForce series on 64-bit Windows 11 or 10.

GALAX Xtreme Tuner Plus is a free app for iPhone, Android and Windows, but its iPhone app requires a GALAX graphics card and Xtreme Tuner PC software.

Verdict

amdgpu-clocks is a strong fit for technically comfortable Linux users with a compatible AMD GPU who want precise, persistent power-state control without a software fee. Its multi-GPU targeting and resume support add practical value. Choose another tool if you need broader hardware coverage, Windows support, or a graphical setup without a kernel prerequisite.