CoreCtrl vs TuxClocker
CoreCtrl
gitlab.comTuxClocker
github.comSide by side
| Figure | CoreCtrl | TuxClocker |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · GPU Overclocking Software | 8.5 (#2) | 7.1 (#16) |
| Spec score · GPU Tuning Software | 8.5 (#2) | 7.1 (#14) |
| Spec score · PC Overclocking Software | 8.5 (#6) | 7.2 (#25) |
| Installation | Official instructions list packages or installation paths for Arch Linux, Fedora, Gentoo, openSUSE, Debian and Ubuntu, plus source builds for other systems. | The project provides a prebuilt tarball from its release page and distribution packages for openSUSE Tumbleweed. |
| Integrations | Automatic profiles recognize native Linux applications and Windows executables, including Wine-launched programs. | Optional dependencies integrate NVIDIA support through libnvml and libxnvctrl, AMD support through libdrm, and prettier AMD names through python-hwdata. |
| Purpose | CoreCtrl is a free and open source GNU/Linux application for controlling computer hardware with application profiles. | TuxClocker is a hardware controlling and monitoring program consisting of a D-Bus daemon and Qt GUI. |
Plans
In their own words
CoreCtrl
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.
TuxClocker
TuxClocker is a GNU/Linux hardware monitoring and control program made up of a D-Bus daemon and a Qt graphical interface. It can handle any number of devices at once, with users selecting device nodes to read or change properties. NVIDIA features include fan, clock, and power-limit controls, plus temperature, utilization, and VRAM monitoring; voltage settings and readings are available for 600–900 series GPUs under Xorg. AMD features include fan and clock control, performance parameters, voltage and VRAM monitoring, and voltage-frequency curve editing on applicable GPUs. CPU tools cover frequency and utilization monitoring, governor settings, frequency limits, power usage, and energy-power preferences. Installation options include a prebuilt release tarball and packages for openSUSE Tumbleweed. NVIDIA editing requires Coolbits, while AMD editing requires the amdgpu.ppfeaturemask boot parameter. Optional dependencies provide vendor support, and python-hwdata can improve AMD device names. The project is licensed under GPL-3 only and lists GNU/Linux as its current platform focus.