My RTX 3070 Ti and i7-12700K both reach around 80°C in demanding games, even with the frame rate capped at 60. Would undervolting lower temperatures without costing much performance, or should I check the cooling setup first?
Would undervolting help my gaming temps?
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Zedlet
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80°C under a heavy gaming load is generally within normal operating range for these parts, so it does not automatically mean something is wrong. Undervolting can reduce heat and fan noise, though the result depends on the individual chip and settings. If you try it, change settings gradually and test stability rather than assuming one value will work for every system.
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Before tuning, check the basics: clean dust filters and heatsinks, confirm the fans are spinning and oriented sensibly, and make sure the CPU cooler is mounted properly. Case airflow and room temperature matter too. If temperatures remain a concern, the cooler model and fan layout would help explain what to investigate.
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For the GPU, a voltage and frequency curve adjustment can be a useful way to cut power draw while keeping performance close to stock. Results vary, and an unstable setting can cause a crash or visual glitches. Test with demanding games as well as a stability test, and keep a note of the original settings so you can revert.
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Undervolting the CPU is also worth considering, but the exact controls depend on the motherboard and firmware. Make small changes, then check for errors or crashes under sustained load. If you prefer a simpler first step, lowering the GPU power limit or adjusting fan curves may reduce heat, with some performance or noise tradeoff.
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Zedlet:
So 80°C by itself isn't necessarily a reason to repaste or replace the cooler?