amdgpu-clocks vs CoreCtrl

amdgpu-clocks is a free, GPL-2.0-licensed Linux script for setting custom power states on AMD GPUs that use the amdgpu kernel driver. Where the hardware exposes the controls, it can adjust GPU and memory clocks, voltages, power caps, performance levels, and power profiles. The project says it should work with Polaris, Vega, Navi, and RDNA cards, but Vega GPUs in AMD APUs lack the required API. It can manage multiple cards, with custom state files selected by card identifier or PCI address. Users define settings in files under /etc/default. Fine-grained control requires Radeon OverDrive to be enabled in the kernel. A systemd service can apply states at startup, and a resume script can reapply them after suspend. For RDNA 3 and newer, it can handle driver-exposed Zero RPM fan settings; these require Linux 6.13 or newer, and stop-temperature control is available only on RDNA 3. A restore option returns states to their initial defaults, except the power profile, which it sets to 0. The README directs installation to /usr/local/bin; the GitHub releases page lists no releases.

CoreCtrl is a free, open-source GNU/Linux application for controlling hardware through profiles. Profiles can launch when an associated Linux or Windows application starts, then restore their settings when it ends. You can also activate a manual profile, which takes priority over automatic profiles; only one manual profile can be active at a time. The project describes its AMD GPU controls as full, covering fans, frequency, power, sensors, and hardware and software information. CPU support is more limited: it includes a frequency-scaling governor control, a package maximum-frequency sensor, and CPU package information. Automatic profiles need an executable binary name, so they cannot be tied to scripts or interpreted-language applications. The available controls depend on the Linux kernel version and hardware. Full AMD GPU control with the amdgpu driver requires a boot parameter and reboot. CoreCtrl is free, with no paid plans stated, and the project recommends installation through a distribution package manager. It is in maintenance mode, with development focused on fixes and upkeep rather than new features or hardware support.