How to Use MSI Afterburner Like a Pro

How to Use MSI Afterburner Like a Pro

MSI Afterburner is highly coveted for elevating the performance of your graphics card to remarkable levels, garnering praise from individuals aiming to boost their PC’s performance. At first glance, it might seem challenging, but this guide will demonstrate the ease of utilizing MSI Afterburner. It’s the favored software for tweaking and refining your GPU settings, and understanding its notable features is essential. Prepare to dive into mastering MSI Afterburner with this guide!
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What Does MSI Afterburner Do?

MSI Afterburner is an intuitive software designed to manage your GPU’s performance and control various aspects related to it. With its easy-to-use interface, you can tweak settings like fan speed, power limit, and much more. MSI Afterburner has you covered whether you’re looking for overclocking tools or a hardware monitor. In addition, it also offers features like custom fan profiles and video capture that make it a must-have tool for gamers and professionals alike. So if you want precise control over your graphics card with minimal effort, look no further than MSI Afterburner!

#1- Overclocking tools

MSI Afterburner is a powerful tool that any GPU overclocking enthusiast should have in their toolkit. With its intuitive interface and wide range of features, it’s no wonder it has been the go-to option for years.

The software offers a suite of overclocking tools to help you squeeze every ounce of performance out of your GPU. While the software may have a learning curve, it becomes quite beneficial once you get the hang of it.

From adjusting clock speeds to tweaking voltage settings and more, MSI Afterburner gives you all the tools necessary to take your GPU’s performance to new heights. So if you’re looking for an easy-to-use tool to boost your system’s performance, look no further than MSI Afterburner!

Begin by launching the curve editor—just hit the Curve Editor button or use the handy Ctrl+F shortcut. Before making changes, it’s wise to run a demanding game or use a benchmarking tool like Furmark. Record your current frame rates, GPU temperature, voltage, and clock speeds; you’ll want these numbers later for comparison.

#3- The Perks of Undervolting Your GPU

Undervolting your graphics card is another great way to boost your system’s efficiency, especially if you’re aiming for cooler and quieter operation without sacrificing performance. By carefully lowering the voltage your GPU uses, you can minimize power consumption—meaning your PC draws less electricity and generates less heat during intense gaming sessions or heavy workloads.

This reduction in heat buildup translates to quieter fan operation, since your cooling system doesn’t have to work overtime to keep temperatures down. In some cases, undervolting can even give your GPU a subtle performance boost, as the chip avoids thermal throttling and can maintain its turbo speeds for longer. So, whether you’re focused on silent computing or squeezing every drop of efficiency from your hardware, undervolting is a savvy strategy worth exploring.

Tips & Shortcuts for Mastering the Curve Editor

Getting the most out of MSI Afterburner means making the most of the voltage/frequency curve editor—one of the more advanced features at your disposal. Luckily, there are plenty of handy shortcuts and workflow tricks that can help you navigate this tool like a pro.

Adjusting the Entire Curve:

• Want to move the whole curve up or down? Hold the Alt key while dragging a point vertically, and the rest of the adjusted section will move in tandem—no more tweaking each dot individually.

Quick Profile Access:

• Hold down Shift while dragging a point, and you’ll snap the curve back to a saved or default profile. This is a lifesaver if you want to revert your experiments or restore sanity after a rogue adjustment.

Fine-Tuning Specific Sides:

• For granular control, use Ctrl as you drag a point—it allows you to shape only the top or bottom section of the curve, so you can tweak those crucial voltage areas.

Point Editing Shortcuts:

• Need to clear a section you’ve been testing? Double-click the area to reset it. If your attempts to flatten a region aren’t working, try double-clicking again or selecting a point farther along the curve.
• To enter a precise voltage value, simply select a point and hit Enter—then type the number you want. Need incremental adjustments? Hit the up or down arrow keys to nudge the selected point by 1, or hold Ctrl for a jump of 10.

Locking Settings for Testing:

• Press the L key to lock your GPU’s voltage and frequency to a specific point after clicking Apply. This freezes your GPU at those settings, which is perfect for stress testing—just remember to unlock with L and Apply when you’re finished, so your card returns to normal behavior.

Pro Tip: Once you’ve dialed in a few profiles, you can reset your card to defaults (Ctrl+D) without waiting for another round of curve testing.

Armed with these shortcuts, you’ll spend less time fussing with the curve editor and more time enjoying smooth, high-performance gaming sessions.

#2- OC Scanner One-Click Overclocking

Unleash the full power of your GPU with MSI Afterburner’s OC Scanner One-Click Overclocking feature. This tool automatically tests and configures your graphics card to deliver maximum performance without any manual input required. This streamlined process ensures you get the most out of your hardware with a single click.

With this feature, you won’t have to worry about fiddling around with complex settings or risking damage to your GPU through improper overclocking techniques. The OC Scanner does all the heavy lifting, so you can sit back and enjoy your enhanced gaming experience. And if you want to fine-tune things further, the app’s other features are at your fingertips whenever you need them.

So why settle for less? With MSI Afterburner’s OC Scanner One-Click Overclocking, take advantage of every bit of power available from your graphics card effortlessly, comfortably, quickly, and safely!

#3- On-Screen Display (In-Game FPS Counter)

One useful feature of MSI Afterburner is its ability to display an in-game FPS counter. This feature allows you to monitor your gaming performance while you’re playing so that you can identify any areas for improvement and make adjustments on the fly.

To enable this feature, go to the “Monitoring” tab in MSI Afterburner’s settings, and then select which information you want to be displayed, including your FPS counter. You can also customize where on your screen this information appears.

With this feature enabled, you’ll see how well each game performs on your system and whether any issues need addressing. It’s a great way to avoid potential problems before they worsen and affect gameplay quality.

#4- Hardware Monitor

One of the primary features of MSI Afterburner is its ability to monitor your hardware and ensure that everything is performing optimally. If you’re experiencing issues with your GPU, using MSI Afterburner’s hardware monitoring tools can help identify the problem so you can dive into fixing it.

While it may seem daunting at first, once you get the hang of it, monitoring your hardware with MSI Afterburner is relatively simple. By keeping an eye on key performance indicators such as temperature, fan speed, and power consumption, you can ensure your system is running smoothly.

MSI Afterburner’s hardware monitoring capabilities make it an essential tool for anyone who wants to keep their system performance in check. Whether you’re a seasoned overclocker or just starting with tweaking your settings, this feature will prove invaluable in ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.

#5- Custom Fan Profiles

One of the most helpful features, and often the very first thing I end up doing, of MSI Afterburner is its ability to create custom fan profiles. While many modern GPUs perform well thermally and acoustically without needing a custom fan curve, some struggle to maintain safe temperatures due to their default settings. In these cases, creating your own custom fan curve profile in MSI Afterburner can significantly improve your experience with the GPU. Adjusting the fan settings ensures your graphics card stays cool and runs smoothly during demanding tasks like gaming or video editing. So if you’re dealing with a GPU with a subpar default fan curve, don’t hesitate to create your custom fan curve profile using MSI Afterburner. It’s an easy way to optimize your system’s performance and ensure it’s running at its best possible level.

#6- Video Capture

MSI Afterburner isn’t just great for overclocking and on-screen displays – it’s also a top-notch video capture tool. While there are plenty of other options, you can’t go wrong with MSI Afterburner if you want something simple to use and gets the job done without any hiccups.

Recording your gameplay or streaming content is made easier with this software, as it offers a convenient way to capture all the action without any issues, especially if you want to limit the number of programs actively running while gaming. If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for managing your GPU performance and recording videos, MSI Afterburner is worth considering.

Where To Download MSI Afterburner?

If you’re wondering where to get your hands on MSI Afterburner, it’s a straightforward process. The software can be downloaded from the official MSI website with ease. However, if you encounter any issues, there are other sources like Guru3D that also offer downloads, but if you have the option, it’s always recommended to download from the official source.

A quick word of caution: Only download MSI Afterburner from trusted sites like the official website or Guru3D. There are some shady websites out there with modified installers that can compromise your data—so double-check that URL before clicking “download.”

Before you install, make sure you have the latest drivers for your GPU to avoid compatibility headaches. MSI Afterburner typically comes bundled with RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS), which handles all the on-screen display and monitoring features. Let RTSS install alongside Afterburner to unlock all the stats and overlays you’ll need.

If you run into installation issues—like the installer complaining that Afterburner is already running—just open the Settings menu, disable “Start with Windows,” save your changes, restart your PC, and try again. This little trick usually clears up any stubborn install problems.

It’s worth noting that another piece of software called “Rivatuner Statistics” will be installed simultaneously with MSI Afterburner. This program handles OSD, statistics, and monitoring, so it’s important to let it install along with MSI Afterburner. Once both programs are ready to go, you’ll have everything you need to start using MSI Afterburner and taking full advantage of its features.

It’s worth noting that another piece of software called “Rivatuner Statistics” will be installed simultaneously with MSI Afterburner. This program handles OSD, statistics, and monitoring, so it’s important to let it install along with MSI Afterburner. Once both programs are ready to go, you’ll have everything you need to start using MSI Afterburner and taking full advantage of its features.

First Settings For Your MSI Afterburner?

MSI Afterburner is a handy tool that can help you optimize your GPU’s performance. Once you’ve downloaded and installed the app, it will run automatically in the background every time Windows boots up. The landing page displays your GPU’s current state, including clock speed, memory speed, voltage, and temperature.

If you’re new to using MSI Afterburner, it may seem overwhelming at first glance – but don’t worry! The manual controls on the landing page allow you to adjust settings like voltage, clock speed, and fan speed. You’ll also find options for setting profiles on the right side of the screen and general settings on the left.

Saving and Loading Overclock or Undervolt Profiles

After you’ve dialed in your preferred overclock or undervolt settings, you’ll likely want to save them for future use—or maybe you want to experiment with a few profiles for different tasks. Thankfully, MSI Afterburner makes this a breeze.

To save your current configuration, simply hit the “Save” (floppy disk) icon, then choose one of the numbered profile slots to store your setup. It’s smart to save your favorite fan curve or overclock settings to a couple of slots, just in case you want to switch back and forth between profiles for gaming, daily use, or even benchmarking.

Switching between profiles is just as straightforward—at any time, just click on the desired profile number along the bottom of the Afterburner window, and your saved settings will instantly apply. If you prefer keyboard shortcuts, pressing numbers 1 through 5 (while the main window is selected) will also load those respective profiles.

Made a mistake, or want to restore everything to factory-fresh defaults? Just tap the circular reset arrow on the main interface, or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+D. This wipes your active settings but keeps all your saved profiles safe, so you can switch back anytime.

Remember to save any tweaks you might want to revisit—nothing’s worse than nailing the perfect curve and forgetting to stash it! Experiment freely, knowing you can quickly revert or swap between custom profiles with ease.

While you can certainly tweak all of these settings to optimize your GPU’s performance even further, there’s no need to tinker with them if you’re uncomfortable doing so. Just leave everything as it is and enjoy the improved performance without the hassle.

How To Overclock Your GPU With MSI Afterburner?

If you’re looking to overclock your GPU, MSI Afterburner can be an excellent tool to help you achieve the perfect overclock. However, overclocking can be pretty complicated, and it’s essential to understand what you’re doing before diving in.

Firstly, remember that overclocking is a trial-and-error process. You’ll need to take things slowly and carefully test different settings until you find the perfect balance.

To get started with MSI Afterburner, open up the program and click on the “Core Clock” slider in the middle of the interface. Increase this by a small amount (e.g., 10 MHz) and then run a benchmark or stress test to gauge your system’s stability.

If everything looks good, keep increasing it until you find your GPU’s maximum stable clock speed. It’s essential not to push things too far, as they could cause damage or instability.

Stability Testing and Monitoring

Once you’ve made adjustments, you’ll want to check the stability of your overclock. This is where benchmarking software like Unigine Heaven or FurMark comes into play. Let the benchmark run for about 10 minutes, keeping an eye out for any glitches, flickering, blackouts, or crashes. If you notice any issues, dial back your settings, save your changes, and test again.

For a more thorough check, try running your favorite game’s built-in benchmark or simply play for a bit. Pay attention to your frame rate and note any frame stutters, artifacts, or unexpected crashes. It’s helpful to jot down your framerate, as well as your GPU clock, Memory Clock, Voltage, and Temperature. You can keep the benchmark running in the background while you tweak settings in MSI Afterburner to see real-time effects. Utilities like HWinfo are also handy for cross-checking live GPU temperatures and voltages.

Incremental Adjustments

When you’re ready, start increasing the Memory Clock in small steps of 50–100 MHz, testing for stability after each change. If your system remains stable, save the configuration to a profile for easy access later. Remember to enable the “Apply at Windows Startup” option so your settings load automatically every time you boot up.

Signs of Instability

Knowing when you’ve gone too far is key. Artifacts on the screen, frame stutters, lower than usual 1% lows, or outright crashes are all red flags. If you see these, try fine-tuning in smaller increments—30 or 50 millivolt steps—until you hit a stable setting.

For undervolting, perform a similar process: adjust in small steps, run a 10-minute benchmark, and then test with your favorite game. Keep in mind that certain features like Ray-Tracing, DLSS, or FSR can put additional stress on your GPU, so be extra thorough with your testing.

By taking your time and methodically testing each change, you can safely push your GPU for better performance—without sacrificing stability.

Another great feature of MSI Afterburner is its ability to show FPS in games. To do this, follow some simple steps, such as installing Rivatuner Statistics for displaying frame rate options like CPU usage or temperature within games.

By following these tips and taking things slowly, you should be able to successfully overclock your GPU using MSI Afterburner without any issues. So give it a try today!

How To Undervolt Using MSI Afterburner

Curious about squeezing extra efficiency and cooling out of your graphics card? Undervolting is a clever tweak that can help you lower temperatures, reduce noise, and sometimes even boost your performance a bit—all without the risks that typically come with traditional overclocking. If you’re comfortable navigating the MSI Afterburner interface, the process is fairly straightforward. Below, I’ll walk you through both the curve editor and the power limit slider methods.

Method 1: Using the Curve Editor

1. Prep and Monitor:
   Launch MSI Afterburner and press Ctrl+M (or click the monitor icon) to bring up the hardware monitoring window. For best results, you might want to run a quick gaming session or a benchmarking tool like 3DMark or Furmark to record your current framerate, clock speeds, voltage, and temperature for later comparison. Additional tools like HWinfo can be handy for cross-checking temps and voltages.
2. Save a Baseline:
   Before making changes, run OC Scanner (found in Afterburner) to generate a stable overclocked profile. Save this to a profile slot so you can revert if needed.
3. Open the Curve Editor:
   Open the voltage/frequency curve by pressing Ctrl+F or clicking the curve icon. Enlarge the window if it helps with dragging points.
4. Adjust the Curve:
   Research common undervolt targets for your GPU model (Reddit and YouTube—like those by Tech Yes City—are full of user-tested results).

• Hold Alt and drag the entire curve down by your target offset (for many modern cards, this is typically around 50-100 mV, often settling near 900-950 mV).
• If desired, use Ctrl and drag the lower points up slightly, ensuring low-power states aren’t excessively undervolted.
• Identify the key voltage point (e.g., 950 mV) and adjust it to your desired boost clock.
• To flatten the curve after your target voltage, select just to the right and hold Shift while dragging across, then press Shift+Enter to keep the frequency flat past your target.

5. Apply and Test:
   Hit “Apply,” then save your new curve to a profile. Fire up a benchmark or demanding game and keep an eye out for visual glitches or stuttering—signs your voltage may be too low. If you pass a 10-minute stress test, you’re good to go.

Method 2: Power Limit Slider

Prefer to keep things even simpler? You can also undervolt by lowering your GPU’s power limit:

1. Set to Defaults:
   Make sure both Power Limit and Core Voltage are at their stock positions (usually 100% and 0%).
2. Lower the Power Limit:
   Reduce the Power Limit slider in increments of 5%—try dropping to 90%, then 85%, and so forth. Hit “Apply” after each change.
3. Test and Monitor:
   With each adjustment, boot up a game or run a stress test. Monitor your frames-per-second (FPS), temperatures, and wattage in the Hardware Monitor or in-game OSD (On-Screen Display). Find the point where you maintain stable performance but enjoy reduced temperatures or quieter fan noise.
4. Save and Automate:
   Once you’ve found a comfortable setting, save your profile and enable the “Apply at Windows Startup” option. This ensures your settings stick every time your PC boots.

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That’s it! By following either of these methods, you can enjoy a cooler, quieter gaming experience without sacrificing performance. And don’t forget—you can always tweak as you go along, since every GPU is a little different.

Troubleshooting Undervolting Issues

If you notice your system crashing, games stuttering, or odd artifacts appearing on your display after undervolting, don’t panic—these are common signs that your voltage settings might be a bit too low for your GPU’s liking. Luckily, dialing things back is a straightforward process.

Here’s what you can do:

• Raise the voltage in small increments: Try increasing the core voltage (using the appropriate slider in MSI Afterburner) by 30 or 50 millivolts at a time. After each adjustment, run a stress test or play your most demanding game to check for stability.
• Watch for warning signs: Keep an eye out for screen flickers, unexpected program closures, frame rate dips, or full system crashes. If any of these occur, your previous settings were probably a bit too aggressive.
• Repeat as needed: Continue making slight voltage adjustments and testing until you find the sweet spot—where your GPU runs cool and efficiently, but without those pesky stability issues.
• Use reliable stress tools: Benchmarks like 3DMark or Unigine Heaven (available from Guru3D and similar sites) are great ways to put your changes to the test and spot instability before it impacts your real-world gameplay.

Taking a slow, methodical approach is the key to safe undervolting. If you ever feel unsure, simply return to your default settings and start fresh—there’s no harm done.

How To Reset Your GPU to Default Settings

If you ever want to undo your overclocking changes and return your GPU to its original settings, there’s no need to worry—resetting is a breeze. Within MSI Afterburner, look for the circular arrow icon (typically located near the volume and power controls). A single click will instantly revert everything—core clock, memory clock, voltage, and fan speed—back to factory defaults, all without disturbing any profiles you might have saved.

Alternatively, you can use the handy Ctrl+D keyboard shortcut for the same result. This is especially useful if you’re experimenting and want a quick, no-fuss way to start fresh without reinstalling the software or losing your custom profiles.

What Should You Consider with Firmware-Limited GPUs?

When working with GPUs that have firmware restrictions—such as certain models from NVIDIA like the 4090—there are a few extra steps to keep in mind during undervolting or overclocking. These cards may come with preset boundaries that prevent you from easily adjusting voltage or clock speed beyond the manufacturer’s intended limits, which means you might need to work within a narrower range or make more gradual changes than with fully unlocked GPUs.

Before making adjustments, it’s a good idea to run a baseline stress test or benchmark for about 10 minutes. This way, you’ll have a clear starting point for stability. After each change—whether that’s reducing voltage or pushing clock speeds—run another round of stress testing, and then play a few of your favorite games to see how the changes hold up in real-world scenarios.

It’s also important to remember that features like Ray Tracing, DLSS (NVIDIA), or FSR (AMD) can place additional demands on your graphics card, sometimes drawing more power than traditional rendering. Keep an eye on temperatures, stability, and overall system performance, particularly if you enable these advanced graphics options while overclocking or undervolting. Taking it step by step and observing how your GPU responds will help ensure you get the most out of your hardware without unintended side effects.

Power Supply and Cable Management Tips for Overclockers

When you’re ramping up your GPU’s performance, it’s important to pay attention to your power supply and cable setup. Overclocking can significantly increase your graphics card’s power demands, sometimes in unpredictable spikes. If your power supply isn’t up to the task—or if cables aren’t properly connected—this could lead to unexpected shutdowns or even damage to your hardware.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Use Dedicated PCIe Cables: Always connect each power input on your GPU to a separate cable from your PSU. Avoid daisy-chaining or using a pigtail to feed multiple connectors from a single cable. This ensures stable power delivery and helps prevent overcurrent protection from kicking in during high power draws.
• Choose a Quality PSU: Make sure your power supply is reputable and has enough wattage headroom for overclocking. Well-known brands like Corsair, EVGA, and Seasonic are generally reliable options and provide PSUs that can handle transient power spikes.
• Monitor for Power Spikes: Overclocked GPUs can draw a burst of extra power when under heavy load. If your system shuts down suddenly during stress tests or demanding games, this could be a sign that your PSU is being triggered by these spikes.
• Cable Management Matters: Arrange your cables neatly and avoid sharp bends or tangled wires. Not only does this improve airflow and make your build look tidy, but it also reduces the risk of accidental disconnects or hotspots.

By taking these simple steps, you ensure your GPU gets clean, reliable power—letting you push your overclock further, safely and smoothly.

How To Set A Fan Profile?

Customizing your fan profile on MSI Afterburner is a great way to boost the performance of your GPU while keeping temperatures under control. However, it’s important to note that this process should only be attempted by users familiar with setting the fan curve, as improper adjustments can cause issues.

Assuming you’re comfortable adjusting your fan curve, the process within MSI Afterburner’s interface is easy to follow. With just a few clicks, you can fine-tune your GPU’s cooling settings for maximum performance and efficiency.

Remember: setting a custom fan profile may not be necessary for everyone, but it can pay off in spades for those who want to get the most out of their hardware. Just make sure you know what you’re doing before diving in – otherwise, you could end up causing more harm than good!

Is MSI Afterburner Safe To Use?

The answer is yes for those wondering if MSI Afterburner is a safe software. The program has been designed to be user-friendly and straightforward by default. However, for those who want to change the settings, it’s important to understand what you’re doing before proceeding.

MSI Afterburner has many settings that can negatively affect your system if not used properly. It’s essential to exercise caution and thoroughly understand the software before attempting any changes.

While it is generally considered safe, always remember that you are tinkering with your system’s hardware when using MSI Afterburner. Therefore, take all necessary precautions and do adequate research beforehand to avoid potential damage or issues.

Why Don’t Manufacturers Undervolt GPUs By Default?

Many people wonder why graphics cards don’t come with undervolting applied straight from the factory. The main reason comes down to consistency and stability. Even GPUs built to the exact same specifications—say, two cards from EVGA or ASUS with identical chips—can behave slightly differently when it comes to voltage tolerance.

If a manufacturer were to apply a universal undervolt across all cards in a product line, some GPUs might perform perfectly fine, but others could end up crashing, showing graphical glitches, or experiencing other forms of instability. Companies like NVIDIA and AMD need to ensure that every card leaving the warehouse works reliably for everyone, regardless of those tiny differences from one unit to another.

That’s why they choose safe, stable voltage settings that are guaranteed to work across the entire batch, even if it means sacrificing a bit of efficiency or leaving some performance “on the table.” If you decide to undervolt, you’re venturing into territory that’s unique to your individual GPU. While you can usually undo any changes without harming your hardware, it’s important to keep in mind that undervolting can sometimes cause frame drops, lower performance, or visual artifacts if pushed too far.

Ultimately, manufacturers take the cautious route so your card just works, right out of the box—no surprises or troubleshooting required.

Final Thoughts on MSI Afterburner

Overall, MSI Afterburner is an incredibly powerful tool that can help you get the most out of your GPU. Whether you’re looking to overclock, monitor your hardware, or record gameplay footage, this free software has got you covered.

Of course, it’s essential to use caution when making any changes to your graphics card settings. Start with minor adjustments and test them thoroughly before going too far. And always keep an eye on your temperatures – overheating can be a real problem if you push things too hard.

We recommend trying MSI Afterburner if you’re serious about getting maximum performance from your GPU. Just remember to use it carefully and responsibly – with great power comes great responsibility!

Is Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 1050W Compatible with MSI Afterburner?

The Thermaltake Toughpower GF A3 1050W has garnered positive feedback in the thermaltake toughpower gf a3 1050w review department. As for compatibility with MSI Afterburner, this powerful PSU should seamlessly integrate with the software, allowing users to achieve optimal performance and control over their system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)