amdgpu-clocks

For Linux users tuning compatible AMD GPUs, amdgpu-clocks offers a configurable alternative to a vendor-style desktop utility. Its appeal is control over power states and the ability to reapply them at startup or after suspend; its main cost is setup work tied to the kernel and hardware.

Overview

amdgpu-clocks applies custom power-state settings through files under /etc/default. Where the GPU and driver expose the relevant controls, users can set GPU and memory clocks, voltages, power caps, performance levels and power profiles. That file-based approach suits people who prefer explicit system configuration, but is less approachable than a graphical tuning panel.

The script can manage multiple AMD cards, selecting state files by card identifier or PCI address. That is useful on Linux systems with more than one GPU, while still requiring each card to expose the controls being configured. Fine-grained power-state controls require Radeon OverDrive enabled in the kernel; the README provides boot options for enabling it.

Key features

Power-state configuration

The control set covers the main levers enthusiasts use to tune GPU behavior, including clock and voltage settings as well as power limits and profiles. The README says the script should work with Polaris, Vega, Navi and RDNA cards. Vega GPUs in AMD APUs do not expose the required API, so that family-specific exception matters before investing time in configuration.

Startup, resume and restore

A systemd service can apply custom states at startup, and a resume script can reapply them after suspend. These options make the configuration useful beyond a one-off change. A restore option returns states to their initial defaults, but sets pp_power_profile_mode to 0 rather than restoring its prior value.

Zero RPM fan settings

On RDNA 3 and newer, the script can read, store and set Zero RPM settings exposed by the driver. Setting Zero RPM fan mode requires Linux 6.13 or newer, and the stop-temperature control is limited to RDNA 3. This is a focused addition, not a broad fan-management feature for every supported GPU.

Pricing

The Free plan costs nothing and includes the GPL-2.0 licensed script. There is no software fee, but users need Linux and a compatible AMD GPU, and must meet the kernel prerequisite for fine-grained controls. The README directs users to install the script in /usr/local/bin; the project has no GitHub releases, so it is not distributed as a release package there.

Platforms

Linux is the only supported operating system. The script targets AMD GPUs using the amdgpu kernel driver, and practical support depends on driver-exposed controls as well as Radeon OverDrive being enabled. It is not a fit for Windows users or for AMD hardware that lacks the necessary API.

Who it's for

Choose amdgpu-clocks if you are comfortable editing system configuration and want repeatable, file-defined power settings for a compatible AMD GPU on Linux. Multi-GPU selection and startup or resume reapplication make it particularly useful for Linux systems where tuning needs to persist across sessions. Look elsewhere if you need a graphical workflow, broader operating-system support or controls your GPU and driver do not expose.

Pros and cons

Pros

Detailed controls for clocks, voltages, power caps and profiles, where the hardware exposes them.

Multiple-card selection by identifier or PCI address supports systems with more than one AMD GPU.

Startup and resume scripts can reapply settings, while a restore option provides a route back to default states.

Free and GPL-2.0 licensed, with no software charge.

Cons

Radeon OverDrive must be enabled in the kernel, making setup more involved than installing a typical desktop utility.

Support is constrained by hardware and driver exposure; Vega GPUs in AMD APUs lack the required API.

Zero RPM fan settings have narrow hardware and kernel requirements, with stop temperature limited to RDNA 3.

The restore option sets the power profile mode to 0 instead of returning it to its initial value.

Alternatives

For other GPU tuning choices, browse GPU Overclocking Software.

TuxClocker is another free Linux option; choose it if you want a different tool with hardware-specific GPU and CPU support.

Green Curve is a free alternative for Linux or Windows, so it may suit readers who need both operating systems.

MoreClockTool is a free Windows option for newer AMD graphics cards, intended for experienced users and evaluation purposes.

GALAX Xtreme Tuner Plus is a free option for GALAX graphics-card owners who can use its iPhone app and Xtreme Tuner PC software.

ASUS GPU Tweak III is a free Windows alternative.

Gainward ExperTool is a free Windows option for Nvidia GPUs, subject to its stated driver-version requirements.

Inno3D TuneIT is a free Windows utility for specified INNO3D GeForce series on Windows 10 or 11 64-bit.

Intel VTune Profiler is a free Linux, Windows or self-hosted profiler, rather than a direct substitute for AMD GPU power-state tuning.

Verdict

Choose amdgpu-clocks if you want persistent, file-based power-state control for a compatible AMD GPU and are prepared to enable Radeon OverDrive and configure Linux system files. Its breadth of GPU and memory tuning at no charge is compelling for that audience. Look elsewhere if you need a graphical interface, a different operating system or reliable controls on hardware that does not expose the required API.