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Ethereum: GPU Memory Underclock Below “Recommended” Limits on Linux

Published by Terlumun Aondover on February 5th, 2025.

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Underclocking GPU Memory: A Guide to Reducing Heat Without Sacrificing Hashrate

Ethereum’s high hashrate is not only necessary for the operation of the network but also contributes significantly to its energy consumption. However, excessive heat can be a problem for both hardware and users. In this article, we’ll explore underclocking GPU Memory on Linux systems to reduce heat without sacrificing hashrate.

Why Underclocking GPU Memory Works

Underclocking GPU Memory involves reducing the clock speed of your graphics card’s memory (VRAM) while keeping the overall system clock speed (CPU and GPU combined) steady. This technique works by using the CPU to handle most tasks, freeing up the GPU to focus on computations. By doing so, you can reduce heat generation due to increased thermal dissipation.

How to Underclock GPU Memory

To underclock your GPU Memory on Linux:

Check your system settings: Before underclocking, ensure that your graphics drivers are up-to-date and compatible with the new memory setting. You can check for updates in your system’s repository or manually install a newer driver.

Use a tool to monitor temperatures: Use tools like dmidecode (for motherboard temperature monitoring) and htop (for system-level process management). These will help you identify any potential issues with heat generation.

Adjust the memory settings in the GRUB configuration file: Open the GRUB configuration file (/etc/grub.cfg) using a text editor. Look for the line that starts with GRUB MEMORIES. You’ll need to add or modify lines to underclock your GPU Memory. Here’s an example of how you might adjust it:


GRUB MEMORIES=(MEM1+16) MEM2=128 
Add the following lines to set the underclocked memory for each graphics card

Underclocking Guidelines

When underclocking, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Keep the CPU clock speed steady: Underclocking your GPU Memory will cause a reduction in system-wide temperature. To avoid overheating, ensure that the CPU remains within its recommended operating range.

Avoid overclocking other components: Overclocking can lead to reduced performance and increased power consumption. Avoid overloading other CPU or GPU cores with high-frequency tasks.

Be cautious with overclocked settings: If you’re underclocking your GPU Memory for too long, it may eventually cause the system to become unstable.

Hashrate Boosting (Optional)

If you’ve successfully underclocked your GPU Memory, you might be wondering if this will boost your hashrate. While underclocking does reduce heat and power consumption, its primary effect is on the CPU’s ability to handle computations. However, by reducing the number of graphics cards used in parallel computing (e.g., Ethereum mining), you may still see a slight increase in overall hashrate.

Conclusion

Underclocking GPU Memory can be an effective way to reduce heat without sacrificing hashrate. By following these guidelines and monitoring your system’s temperatures, you can successfully underclock your graphics card’s memory while maintaining optimal performance for your Ethereum mining endeavors. However, keep in mind that overclocked settings should be used with caution, and it’s essential to monitor the system’s behavior closely to avoid any potential issues.

Additional Resources