CoreCtrl vs ZenMaster
CoreCtrl
gitlab.comZenMaster
github.comSide by side
| Figure | CoreCtrl | ZenMaster |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 0 |
| Spec score · PC Overclocking Software | 8.5 (#6) | 6.9 (#28) |
| Hardware limits | The exposed functionality depends on the Linux kernel version and available hardware. | Intel processors are not supported; the FAQ says ZenMaster interfaces exclusively with AMD SMU and SMN hardware. |
| Installation | Official instructions list packages or installation paths for Arch Linux, Fedora, Gentoo, openSUSE, Debian and Ubuntu, plus source builds for other systems. | It installs with pip as a pure Python package and requires Python 3.10 or later. |
| Purpose | CoreCtrl is a free and open source GNU/Linux application for controlling computer hardware with application profiles. | ZenMaster configures power limits, thermal thresholds, VRM current limits, clocks, voltages, and Curve Optimizer offsets on AMD Zen processors through the SMU. |
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.