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SPECIFICTION
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nvuv

github.com

Linux
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Spec score 6.5 #18 of 19 in GPU Overclocking Software

What it is

nvuv is a free Linux command-line utility for adjusting NVIDIA GPU power and clock behavior. It can set power limits, lock GPU or memory clock ranges, and apply offsets to either clock. On systems with several GPUs, the `-i GPU_INDEX` option chooses the device. The project describes nvuv as a thin wrapper around NVIDIA’s NVML library. Its indirect undervolting method locks the GPU’s maximum clock and applies a positive offset because direct voltage control is not exposed on Linux. The project says this can preserve roughly similar performance while lowering voltage and power draw, with possible reductions in temperature and fan noise. Settings may come from a TOML file, using `/etc/nvuv/nvuv.toml` by default. Applying, changing, or resetting settings requires root privileges. Changes do not survive reboot, resume, or driver reload unless the supplied systemd service reapplies them. That service can run at startup and after resume or driver reload. Downloads are linked through GitHub releases and an Arch User Repository package. nvuv uses Apache License 2.0 WITH Commons-Clause-1.0.

Spec sheet

Purpose
nvuv is a command-line tool for indirectly undervolting and overclocking NVIDIA GPUs on Linux.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The project uses Apache License 2.0 WITH Commons-Clause-1.0.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maker
The GitHub profile identifies the maintainer as Pierre Dommerc and says Arch Linux is his main driver.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Automation
A provided systemd service can apply configuration at startup and after resume or driver reload.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Configuration
nvuv can apply settings from a TOML configuration file, with `/etc/nvuv/nvuv.toml` as the default path.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Controls
The CLI can set power limits, lock GPU or memory clocks, and apply GPU or memory clock offsets.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Download options
The README links to GitHub releases and an Arch User Repository package.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Downloads
The README links to GitHub releases and an Arch User Repository package.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Expected effect
The README says this technique can deliver roughly the same performance with lower voltage and power draw, reducing temperature and fan noise.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
GPU controls
It can set GPU power limits, lock GPU or memory clock ranges, and apply GPU and memory clock offsets.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
GPU selection
The `-i GPU_INDEX` option selects a specific GPU when multiple GPUs are present.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Implementation
nvuv is described as a thin wrapper around NVIDIA's NVML library.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
NVIDIA library
The project describes nvuv as a thin wrapper around NVIDIA's NVML library.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Permissions
Applying, changing, and resetting GPU settings requires root privileges.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Persistence limit
Settings changes do not survive reboot, resume, or driver reload unless a systemd service reapplies the configuration.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Requirements
Root privileges are required to change or apply GPU settings.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Startup and resume
A provided systemd service can apply the configuration at startup and after resume or driver reload.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com
Undervolting method
The project describes indirect undervolting as locking the GPU maximum clock and applying a positive clock offset because NVIDIA does not expose direct voltage control on Linux.Read 7 Oct 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free Linux command-line tool
  • Power limits and clock controls
  • TOML configuration support
  • Systemd startup and resume service
  • Multiple-GPU selection option

Limits

  • Requires root privileges
  • No direct voltage control
  • Settings need service reapplied after reboot
  • NVIDIA GPUs only

Who it suits

nvuv suits Linux users with NVIDIA GPUs who want command-line control over power limits and clock ranges. It is also relevant when configuration must be reapplied automatically through systemd.

Verdict

nvuv provides focused NVIDIA GPU power and clock controls on Linux, including an indirect undervolting method. Its persistence depends on configuring the supplied systemd service, and all changes require root access.

Where Specifiction places it

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