MSI Afterburner to Add Heatmap Feature in Upcoming Update for GPU Overclocking

Introduction of Heatmap Feature

MSI Afterburner, a popular GPU overclocking utility, is implementing a new heatmap feature in its upcoming update, version 4.6.7 beta4. This feature aims to provide detailed insights into the voltage and frequency behavior of GPUs during real workloads.

Functionality of the Heatmap

The heatmap will display yellow dots within the voltage/frequency curve editor, indicating commonly used points by the GPU. For example, an RTX 5090 has been shown to operate primarily at 800mv at 1200MHz and between 1000-1055mV at higher frequencies, illustrating its performance under different loads.

Comparison Between GPU Generations

The heatmap also allows users to compare the boosting behavior of different GPU generations. Notably, improvements in Blackwell’s Dynamic Voltage Frequency Scaling (DVFS) are evident, with the RTX 5090 exhibiting a more uniform usage across the V/F curve compared to the RTX 4090, which shows concentrated usage at its extremes.

Impact on Overclocking

By providing visual data on the GPU's operational characteristics, this feature is expected to aid overclockers in fine-tuning their settings. Understanding where their GPUs typically operate can lead to better power efficiency and potentially higher performance during overclocking.