Essential overclocking software: our top programs for tweakers
Squeezing extra performance out of your GPU is an art in itself, and can often be just as enjoyable as the benefits it brings to your gaming. Thanks to the variety of powerful overclocking software that’s on offer, tweaking your computer has become easier and more popular than ever, meaning people with just a touch of tech savvy can get their machine firing on all cylinders.
Here’s a few recommended overclocking programs based on usability, tweakability (that well-known, highly technical term), and compatibility.
GPU Tweak II
Ahem...well we couldn’t exactly overlook this one, could we? The interface is clear, stylish, and easy to read, making it nice and accessible whether you’re a hardcore veteran or tweaking newbie. This is a good choice if you’re using ASUS or ROG hardware, of course, and it comes bundled with most graphics cards. This software offers all the options and in-depth analysis you’ll need to tweak effectively on the fly. Try playing around with the GPU clock, memory clock and keep your eye on the GPU temperature, or simply get into OC mode, Gaming Mode, or Silent Mode with a single click.
GPU-Z
Although still in development, GPU-Z is only set to get better. It already displays everything you could want to know about your GPU and more, and gives you complete control over memory, shader frequencies, and voltage. The interface is efficient, but perhaps a bit overwelming if you’re new to overclocking. Enthusiasts will appreciate the level of detail.
RealBench
Even if you’re experienced at overclocking, finding that sweet spot for a newer card, like the ROG STRIX GTX 1080 (here an overclocking guide), can sometimes be tricky. You don’t have to spend hours trawling the web for benchmarks anymore though (thankfully). RealBench is a handy benchmark to verify the performance before and after you overclock or tweak the BIOS, so you know if you've got an extra 10% performance for free, or 30%! This is valuable for newcomers too, especially if you’re not sure what results you should be aiming for with your card. There is of course, plenty of friendly competition too.
Check the RealBench Leaderboard to compare your system against the world's best. The new ROG World Records page is now available to show the top scores for a recognized list of benchmarks by HWBOT.
ASUS XTU
ASUS XTU is another CPU stress test and benchmarking tool for your new Z170 or X99 motherboard. Be sure to run a different benchmarks a few times and play some intensive games to make sure your system is stable.
Hardware Care
Before you don your mad scientist coat, you'll need to make sure your GPU is able to handle overclocking. Radically altering settings to get the 60fps/Ultra-HD holy gaming grail could cause heat damage to your card. Changing settings could void your warranty in some cases, too.
However, don’t let that put you off. Some cards are specially set up to be more customisable than others. For example, the ROG Strix series or graphics cards such as ROG STRIX RX 480, and GTX 1060, are both designed for tweaking. They also have innovative features such as one-click overclocking, and DirectCU III cooling, so you can tweak easily, and with the peace of mind there won't be a cataclysmic thermal meltdown.
Whether you’re new to overclocking, or a seasoned vet, check out our guides page to tweak your system and games in every way possible. Why not join in the discussion with our knowledgeable community for some more tips, tricks, and advice?
By Simon Marshall
