amdgpu-clocks

amdgpu-clocks is a configuration script for AMD GPUs using Linux’s amdgpu kernel driver. It suits Linux users who want fine-grained, persistent control and are comfortable changing system-level settings. Its appeal is broad power-state tuning at no cost; compatibility and setup requirements make it a specialist choice.

Overview

Users define custom states in files under /etc/default, rather than tuning through a general-purpose desktop utility. Where the hardware exposes them, the script can set GPU and memory clocks, voltages, power caps, performance levels and power profiles. It can also manage multiple AMD cards, with state files selectable by card identifier or PCI address. That flexibility is useful for Linux systems with more than one supported GPU, but it does not remove the need to check what each card and driver expose.

Radeon OverDrive must be enabled in the kernel for the fine-grained controls. The README provides boot options for enabling it, but this remains a system-level prerequisite—not a plug-and-play path for casual tuning.

Key features

Custom power states

Clock, voltage and power-limit controls offer meaningful scope to tailor GPU behavior, with tuning profiles and performance levels adding further control where supported. The README says the script should work with Polaris, Vega, Navi and RDNA cards. Vega GPUs in AMD APUs do not expose the required API, so that apparent generation-level compatibility has an important exception.

Persistent settings and recovery

A systemd service can apply configured states at startup, and a resume script can reapply them after suspend. This helps keep a chosen configuration in place across reboots and sleep cycles. A restore option returns states to their initial defaults, but sets pp_power_profile_mode to 0 rather than restoring its prior value; users who rely on that setting should account for the difference.

Zero RPM fan settings

On RDNA 3 and newer, amdgpu-clocks can read, store and set Zero RPM fan settings exposed by the driver. Setting fan mode requires Linux 6.13 or newer, while the Zero RPM stop temperature control is limited to RDNA 3. This is a useful addition for compatible hardware, not a reason to expect fan controls on older GPUs.

Pricing

amdgpu-clocks is free: its Free plan costs nothing and the script is licensed under GPL-2.0. There is no paid tier or free trial to weigh against it. The trade-off is not a reduced plan but the requirement for Linux, a compatible AMD GPU and Radeon OverDrive enabled in the kernel.

Platforms

The supported platform is Linux, with AMD GPUs using the amdgpu kernel driver. Installation instructions say to place the script in /usr/local/bin; the GitHub releases page has no releases. This is better suited to users comfortable following repository instructions than to anyone seeking a packaged, cross-platform tuning app.

Who it's for

Choose amdgpu-clocks if you use a supported AMD GPU on Linux, want direct control over clocks, voltage or power limits, and are prepared to manage configuration files and kernel prerequisites. Multi-GPU selection and automatic application after startup or suspend strengthen its case for users maintaining a deliberate setup. Look elsewhere if you need Windows support, a graphical tuning interface, or controls for hardware that does not expose the required API.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Extensive power-state controls: users can configure clocks, voltages, power caps, performance levels and profiles where hardware exposes them.
• Multi-GPU targeting: state files can be selected by card identifier or PCI address, which is useful when managing more than one AMD card.
• Persistence and recovery: startup and resume scripts reapply settings, and a restore option returns most states to their defaults.
• No software fee: the GPL-2.0 script is free to use.

Cons

• Setup requires kernel configuration: Radeon OverDrive must be enabled before the fine-grained controls can be used.
• Compatibility has exceptions: Vega GPUs in AMD APUs lack the required API, and controls depend on what the hardware exposes.
• Fan settings are narrowly bounded: Zero RPM mode requires RDNA 3 or newer and Linux 6.13 or newer; stop temperature is RDNA 3-only.
• Restore is not exact for every state: the power profile is set to 0 instead of its initial value.

Alternatives

Compare GPU overclocking software for a broader category view. For another free Linux option, CoreCtrl is a free and open-source GNU/Linux application with no paid plans stated; choose it when a general application better suits your workflow. LACT is also free on Linux and self-hosted, and is described as a Linux GPU configuration and monitoring tool; consider it when monitoring alongside configuration matters. TuxClocker is a free GNU/Linux option with hardware-specific GPU and CPU support, so it may suit users seeking both kinds of controls, provided their hardware is supported.

For Windows users, ASUS GPU Tweak III is free on Windows, with no price or usage limits stated on its product page. Gainward ExperTool is a free Windows option for Nvidia GPUs, with stated minimum driver versions that vary by 32-bit or 64-bit system. Inno3D TuneIT is free for supported INNO3D GeForce series on Windows 10 or 11 64-bit. GALAX Xtreme Tuner Plus is free across Android, iOS and Windows; its iPhone app requires a GALAX graphics card and Xtreme Tuner PC software. Intel VTune Profiler is free on Linux, Windows or self-hosted and is a separate alternative for users considering a profiler rather than this AMD power-state script.

Verdict

amdgpu-clocks is a strong fit for technically capable Linux users with a compatible AMD GPU who want configurable, persistent power-state control without paying for software. Its multi-GPU support and startup and resume handling add practical value. Choose another tool if kernel-level setup, GPU-specific limitations or the lack of a graphical interface outweigh that control.