Help with overclocking 9070xt using MSI afterburner isn't functioning properly due to a locked voltage setting.
Help with overclocking 9070xt using MSI afterburner isn't functioning properly due to a locked voltage setting.
So I obtained a new 9070xt and have been attempting to overclock it beyond the power limits using MSI afterburner. I’ve tried every method available online—modified the afterburner files, agreed to unofficial overclocking, adjusted voltage settings, and even undervolted the system as much as possible while increasing core clock and memory clocks. Despite these efforts, the MSI afterburner isn’t functioning correctly. I also tested the beta version but ultimately gave up on getting the software to work properly. Now I’m undervolting hard, raising power limits, and pushing performance, though I’m still seeing only 76 to 77 FPS in 3D Mark 4K test.
actually radeon and ryzen share quite similar overclocking configurations. The curve optimizer for undervolting combined with pbo for overclocking behaves almost identically on radeon. In both scenarios, these adjustments are handled through the firmware. However, when it comes to non-firmware level overclocking...
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Apart from MSI Afterbruner, what other utilities have you tried tinkering with?
i have a 1000 watt psu
Please list the specs to your build like so:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
Ram:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
include the age of the PSU apart from it's make and model. BIOS version for your motherboard at this moment of time.
im wanting to push like 400 450 to the card and really overclock it for everything its worth
Why?
i eventually gave up on getting the afterburner software to work correctly and undervolted it as hard as i could while raising power limit and raising core clock and memory clocks and im getting 76 to 77 fps in 3d marks 4 k test
Would be a good idea to share your numbers with us, as in the undervolted numbers.
CPU: 9800x3d
CPU cooler: nzxt kraken elite
Motherboard: msi x870 e pro wifi
Ram: g skill flare, overvolked to about 6400 cl 36 with pbo enhanced profile
SSD/HDD: 990 evo plus 1tb
GPU: 9070xt steel legend
PSU: msi mpg a 1000g
Chassis: h9 flow
OS: windows 11 not yet activated
Monitor: tuff vg27aq3a
Why?
Just because I can, but mainly for learning and experience, please help.
It would be a good idea to share your numbers with us, especially the undervolted ones.
I will share the details. I'm currently at work and will provide more information and BIOS version later today.
I don't think I replied correctly—I edited your comment.
Also, everything is brand new.
With the 9070 XT, a modest undervolt is all you require. Just keep in mind that trying to follow what was shared on the XYZ site is a risky endeavor. Each card will react uniquely. You might struggle to reach the desired frequency or undervolt compared to others.
Posting benchmarks or gaming FPS videos usually comes from the top .1% of results. These aren’t typical— they stand out as exceptions. Most people won’t share 'meh' scores or casual gaming FPS clips. Benchers, reviewers, and enthusiasts repeatedly adjust settings until they achieve a score they consider impressive, only then do they post. These individuals typically have technical expertise with hardware and settings. Many also know how to manipulate benchmarks by using unrealistic configurations, altering priorities, or messing with settings like borderless/alt tab.
In summary, don’t stress about aligning with official benchmark or FPS numbers.
Thanks you for your knowledge and input tbh i have aton of thermal headroom so im just really wanting to learn how to overclock effectively its mainly for learning as this is my first pc i built myself by hand and i already have a nasty undervolt but i truly want to overclock it and surpass the 350 power limit thats why i got a brand new pcie 5.0 1000 watt power supply with a new msi motherboard that has a pcie power port for extra power through the pcie port
I was also wanting to take this card apart and repaste and re pad it with the highest performance thermal paste and thermal pads i could just for learning and experience and if i cant over clock it theres no point in doing all of that
Everyone knows the same thing: insufficient testing is the biggest mistake. You achieve what looks like a stable overclock, you run tests for a short period and declare it stable. But after some time—maybe six months—you start noticing strange issues (crashing, glitches, etc.) and wonder if it’s something else entirely, other than the original overclock itself. A recent case shows this clearly. I thought I had a solid overclock. I pushed CPU, RAM, and GPU to their limits. When I started playing the Oblivion remaster, odd sounds appeared—static and occasional CTDs. Many others shared the same symptoms. I initially blamed the game, but I investigated further. It turned out my RAM OC/timings weren’t fully consistent. After making a minor adjustment (relaxing timing), the remaster became stable the very next day it was released.
Another tip to stay sane while optimizing: establish a solid baseline of stability, settings, and performance goals. Test everything at default levels for an extended period—at least a week. Keep recording timings, frequencies, voltages. Only then should you begin making changes. So many people spend a month trying without success, only to realize, “It’s not even stable at stock!”
I have been thoroughly testing and establishing a baseline; I already encountered some oddities with my RAM while overclocking, so I slightly adjusted it and it seems stable. It was fine until 2 am when I tweaked my undervolt settings after work today. I plan to return home and perform a stress test for about an hour or longer to verify the stability of my undervolt, but I’m still facing difficulties overclocking anything I’ve tried—MSI Afterburner, ASUS GPU tweaks, adrenaline-based undervolting—I can’t push the voltage beyond its limit. I really want to seriously overclock this card and get it to draw more than 350 watts. My entire PC build is centered around overclocking this 9070xt, and using this card for learning has been frustrating so far.
If anyone has any ideas about why I can’t increase the voltage or exceed the power limit, I think it might be because the card is very new and their software is still developing.
CPU cooler:nzxt kraken elite
Motherboard: msi x870 e pro wifi
RAM: g skill flare, overclocked to around 6400 cl 36 with pbo enhanced profile
SSD/HDD: 990 evo plus 1tb
GPU: 9070xt steel legend
PSU: msi mpg 1000g
Chassis: h9 flow
OS: windows 11 not activated yet
Monitor: tuff vg27aq3a
All components are brand new
My under volt specs are in adrenaline software; max frequency is capped at 1000, memory timings are fast at 2876 mhz, voltage offset is -115, and I have custom aggressive fan curves.