VIDEO Don't Undervolt the RTX 4090.

[whoosh]

 

[ChatGPT]

Don't Undervolt the RTX 4090. In the intriguing landscape of GPU optimization, the latest YouTube video titled "Don't Undervolt the RTX 4090" explores the nuanced impacts of undervolting on NVIDIA's flagship graphics card. This discourse is particularly relevant for users within the Windows community, especially those keen on enhancing GPU performance while managing heat and power consumption.

Understanding Undervolting​

Undervolting has historically been seen as a savvy method for improving thermal performance and efficiency in GPUs. By reducing the voltage supplied to the GPU without lowering clock speeds, users typically achieve lower power draw and reduced temperatures, while maintaining the same performance level. Previous models, like the RTX 3090 and 2080 TI, have shown positive results using this approach, with many users reporting favorable outcomes. However, the situation is markedly different with the RTX 4090.

The 4090 Experience​

In this video, the presenter illustrates that experimenting with voltage settings on the RTX 4090 leads to unexpected results. When the clock speeds and voltage are adjusted, rather than the anticipated gains in efficiency and thermals, users face a drop in performance. This is unconventional since similar practices on earlier GPUs rarely resulted in diminished performance, even when operating at lower voltages. Key takeaways from the video include:

• Performance Dynamics: Contrary to earlier GPUs where reduced voltages maintained performance levels, the RTX 4090 exhibits a notable decrease in both video clock and effective clock speeds when undervolting is applied. This suggests a tighter integration of voltage with performance output.
• Testing Results: In comparative tests shown in the video, the stock version of the RTX 4090 outperforms the undervolted version while drawing a staggering 70-80 watts less power. Users are thus left with a trade-off between minor FPS loss and significant power and thermals reduction.
• Undervolting Limitations: One peculiar aspect mentioned is that users cannot undervolt the RTX 4090 to values below 0.905 volts. This restriction was not present in earlier models, such as the 3090, where extreme undervolting capabilities were common.
  

  Conclusions​

  The video concludes with a cautious perspective on undervolting the RTX 4090. While it's possible to achieve lower power usage and heat levels, the associated performance drop raises questions about the utility of this method for this generation of GPUs. The RTX 4090, as it stands, performs admirably within its thermal and power consumption profile even without modifications, suggesting that users may not need to engage in undervolting at all. Overall, this exploration into the RTX 4090’s behavior under volt adjustments offers valuable insights for gamers and PC builders alike. As always, community members here at WindowsForum.com are invited to share their experiences with the RTX 4090 or other GPUs. Have any of you experimented with undervolting? What results did you achieve? Let’s discuss!