OVERCLOCK ANY GPU

Here's a complete step-by-step guide to overclocking any GPU whether it be Nvidia, AMD or even and Intel GPU using MSI Afterburner, with Kombustor for stability testing. This guide is aimed at beginners but is detailed enough for most users. It covers:

  • Setting up MSI Afterburner and Kombustor
  • Performing a safe, stable overclock
  • Testing and monitoring
  • Saving profiles and enabling auto-start

✅ What You Need

  1. MSI Afterburner: GPU overclocking utility 🔗 Download MSI Afterburner

  2. MSI Kombustor: GPU stress testing tool 🔗 Usually installed with Afterburner, or Download Kombustor

🔧 Step 1: Setting Up MSI Afterburner

  1. Power Limit: Slide it all the way to the right (max %)

  2. Temp Limit: Also slide to the right. This tells the GPU it can go hotter before throttling.

  3. Fan Speed: Set it manually to 70–100% to keep things cool.

    • Or enable “Auto” and adjust the fan curve in Settings > Fan if needed.

💡 You’ll hear more fan noise, but it’s better for safe overclocking.

🧪 Step 3: Run Kombustor to Establish a Baseline

  1. Launch Kombustor (via the 'K' icon in Afterburner)
  2. Select a resolution that matches your gaming resolution (e.g., 1920x1080 or 2560x1440).
  3. Start the test (e.g., “GPU Stress Test” or “FurMark Donut”).
  4. Keep Kombustor running in the background while you overclock to monitor temperatures and stability.

🚀 Step 4: Start Overclocking the Core Clock

Increase in Steps of +20 MHz

  1. Slide Core Clock (MHz) to +20

  2. Click Apply (checkmark icon)

  3. Watch Kombustor for 5–10 minutes:

    • ❌ If it crashes or freezes → Dial back by 20–30 MHz
    • ✅ If stable → Increase by another +20 MHz

  4. Repeat until:

    • Kombustor crashes
    • You see graphical glitches (artifacts)
    • Temperatures get too high (>85°C is pushing it)

🎯 Stop at the last stable value.

💾 Step 5: Overclock the Memory Clock

Again, increase in +20 MHz steps

  1. Slide Memory Clock (MHz) to +20
  2. Click Apply
  3. Monitor for crashes/artifacts in Kombustor
  4. Repeat the same process as the core clock

💡 Memory tends to go higher than core before failing, but don’t get greedy!

⚠️ Step 6: DO NOT Touch Voltage

  • Voltage increases can help push higher overclocks.

  • But they come with:

    • 🔥 Higher temperatures
    • 🧨 Increased risk of damage
    • 🧾 Voiding warranties

Leave voltage at default. It’s not worth the risk for most users.

🔐 Step 7: Save Your Overclock Profile

Once you're happy with your stable overclock:

  1. Click the Save (floppy disk icon) in MSI Afterburner

  2. Select a profile slot (1–5)

  3. Click the small Windows icon to the right of the profile buttons to:

    • ✅ Enable “Apply overclock at startup”

🧼 Optional: Create Different Profiles

You can create multiple profiles for different needs:

  • Profile 1: Max Overclock for gaming
  • Profile 2: Moderate Overclock (quieter fans)
  • Profile 3: Stock Settings (reset all values)

To switch profiles:

  • Just click the number and hit Apply.

✅ Final Checklist

StepTask
✅Max Power Limit and Temp Limit
✅Set Fan Speed manually
✅Match Kombustor resolution to gaming res
✅Gradually increase Core Clock (+20 MHz)
✅Gradually increase Memory Clock (+20 MHz)
✅Monitor Kombustor for crashes/artifacts
✅Save profile and enable auto-start
🚫Do NOT increase voltage

🏁 Done!

You now have a stable, safe GPU overclock tailored to your system. Enjoy better performance in games with minimal risk. 🎮🔥


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