amdgpu-clocks vs Gainward ExperTool
amdgpu-clocks
github.comGainward ExperTool
gainward.comSide by side
| Figure | amdgpu-clocks | Gainward ExperTool |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · GPU Overclocking Software | 8.2 (#4) | 8.3 (#3) |
| Purpose | A script for setting custom power states on recent AMD GPUs driven by the amdgpu Linux kernel driver. | Gainward describes EXPERTool as a tuning utility for customized performance enhancements and efficient desktop management. |
Plans
In their own words
amdgpu-clocks
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.
Gainward ExperTool
Gainward ExperTool is a free Windows utility for tuning graphics-card performance and desktop management. Gainward positions its dedicated Expert Tool for overclocking. ExperTool II adds flexible fan curve control and a BIOS saving feature, and also offers LED lighting control for ARGB effects. Gainward says fans stop during multimedia or general workloads and start under heavier loads when GPU temperature exceeds 60°C. Download requirements depend on system architecture and Nvidia driver version: the 64-bit download is listed for Nvidia GPUs with driver 436.xx or newer, while 32-bit downloads specify drivers 415.xx or newer and 347.xx or newer. The listed 64-bit package is version 11.13, dated 2025-02-19, and is 16.5 MB. Its supported Windows versions are Windows 7 (64-bit), Windows 10 (64-bit), and Windows 11. Gainward was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. Warranty and return handling goes through authorized distributors or the original store.