amdgpu-clocks

amdgpu-clocks is a Linux script for configuring power states on AMD GPUs that use the amdgpu kernel driver. It is best suited to users comfortable with system-level setup who want fine-grained controls that can persist across startup and suspend. Its chief advantage is configurable, multi-GPU tuning at no cost; its narrow hardware and kernel requirements rule it out for many others.

Overview

Rather than a general-purpose graphics utility, amdgpu-clocks applies custom states defined in files under /etc/default. Where the GPU and driver expose the necessary controls, users can configure GPU and memory clocks, voltages, power caps, performance levels and power profiles. Selecting state files by card identifier or PCI address makes it useful on Linux systems with multiple AMD GPUs.

These controls depend on Radeon OverDrive being enabled in the kernel. The README provides boot options for enabling it, but that prerequisite makes setup more involved than installing a typical desktop application. The project is a GPL-2.0-licensed script; its README directs users to install it in /usr/local/bin, and it has no GitHub releases.

Key features

Hardware-dependent tuning

The range of clock, voltage and power settings gives experienced users meaningful control over supported hardware, but does not make the script a universal tuning layer. The README says it should work with Polaris, Vega, Navi and RDNA cards. Vega GPUs in AMD APUs do not expose the required API, and individual controls still depend on what the hardware makes available.

Persistent settings and restore

A provided systemd service can apply custom states at startup, while a resume script can reapply them after suspend. That helps users who want a chosen configuration to survive routine power transitions without manually repeating the setup. The restore option returns states to their initial defaults, with one exception: it sets pp_power_profile_mode to 0 rather than restoring its initial value.

Zero RPM fan controls

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 stop-temperature control is limited to RDNA 3. This is a useful addition for compatible systems, not a reason to choose the script if fan controls are the main requirement on older hardware.

Pricing

amdgpu-clocks is free and open source, with no paid tier or trial. The Free plan costs nothing and includes the GPL-2.0-licensed script; it requires Linux and a compatible AMD GPU. There are no paid plans to weigh against the free option, but users must supply compatible hardware and meet the kernel prerequisite for fine-grained controls.

Platforms

Linux is the only supported operating system. The script targets AMD GPUs using the amdgpu kernel driver, and compatibility depends on the GPU exposing the controls it needs. Radeon OverDrive must be enabled for fine-grained power-state control; Zero RPM settings add a Linux 6.13-or-newer requirement on RDNA 3 and newer cards.

Who it's for

Choose amdgpu-clocks if you run a supported AMD GPU on Linux, are comfortable editing system configuration and want custom power states that can be reapplied at startup or after suspend. Multi-GPU selection is an additional advantage for systems with several AMD cards. Look elsewhere if you need Windows or macOS support, a broadly compatible desktop interface, or expect tuning controls without enabling Radeon OverDrive.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Custom clocks, voltages, power caps and profiles provide control over several aspects of GPU behavior where the hardware exposes them.
• Pros: Multiple AMD cards can be managed with state files selected by card identifier or PCI address.
• Pros: Startup and resume scripts can reapply settings, and the restore option provides a route back to defaults.
• Pros: The GPL-2.0-licensed script is free.
• Cons: Radeon OverDrive must be enabled in the kernel, adding system-level setup before fine-grained controls are available.
• Cons: Vega GPUs in AMD APUs lack the required API, and the listed GPU families do not guarantee that every control is exposed on each card.
• Cons: Zero RPM fan settings require Linux 6.13 or newer, and stop temperature is available only for RDNA 3.
• Cons: Installation is script-oriented, and the project has no GitHub releases.

Alternatives

GPU Overclocking Software is a useful starting point if you want to compare options across the category rather than commit to this Linux-focused script.

• CoreCtrl is another free, open-source GNU/Linux application with no paid plans stated; consider it if you prefer an application instead of a configuration-file-oriented script.
• LACT is a free Linux GPU configuration and monitoring tool; choose it if you want a configuration-and-monitoring tool rather than amdgpu-clocks' script-based approach.
• TuxClocker is a free GNU/Linux option with hardware-specific GPU and CPU support; consider it if that combination of hardware coverage suits your system.
• GALAX Xtreme Tuner Plus is a free app for iPhone, Android and Windows, but its app requires a GALAX graphics card and Xtreme Tuner PC software.
• ASUS GPU Tweak III is a free Windows option; consider it if you need a Windows GPU utility rather than a Linux script.
• Inno3D TuneIT is a free Windows utility for INNO3D GeForce cards from the listed series, suited to owners of that hardware on Windows 10 or 11 64-bit.
• Intel VTune Profiler is a free download for Linux, Windows or self-hosted use; choose it if you need Intel's profiler rather than AMD GPU power-state controls.
• MoreClockTool is a free Windows option for newer AMD graphics cards, aimed at experienced users and evaluation, with use and overclocking at the user's own risk.

Verdict

amdgpu-clocks is a strong fit for experienced Linux users with a compatible AMD GPU who want configurable power states that persist through startup and suspend. Its multi-GPU support and free, open-source licensing make it a practical choice for that specific job. Choose another tool if your GPU lacks the required controls, you cannot enable Radeon OverDrive, or you need a different operating system.