MSI Afterburner Adds Triple‑Channel Voltage Control for Future RTX 5000 Series GPUs
Key Points
- MSI Afterburner will add triple‑channel voltage control for future MSI RTX 5000 GPUs.
- The update expands adjustable voltages to include memory and auxiliary rails.
- Core voltage offset can be increased from 20 mV to up to 100 mV.
- Feature is limited to upcoming MSI‑branded cards; current reference designs are locked by Nvidia.
- Beta testing is underway, with a public release planned after validation.
- Potential for higher frame rates and performance gains for overclocking enthusiasts.
- Non‑MSI RTX 5000 owners may not benefit until other manufacturers adopt similar support.
MSI’s popular Afterburner utility is being updated to support triple‑channel voltage control, allowing users to adjust not only core voltage but also memory and auxiliary voltages on upcoming MSI‑branded RTX 5000 graphics cards. The feature is currently in beta and limited to future MSI models, as current reference‑design cards are locked by Nvidia. If adopted widely, the addition could give enthusiasts new avenues for performance gains in high‑end PC gaming.
New Overclocking Features
MSI Afterburner, the overclocking utility that works with a range of graphics cards, is set to receive a major enhancement called triple‑channel voltage control. This upgrade expands the range of adjustable parameters beyond the core voltage that can presently be modified. Users will be able to increase memory voltage and auxiliary voltage, providing more flexibility to push GPUs to higher performance levels.
The developer, Alexey Nicolaychuk, explained that the new functionality will let enthusiasts "juice up" memory and auxiliary voltages, unlocking additional possibilities for faster frame rates in demanding PC games. The tool also plans to raise the permissible core voltage offset from the current 20 mV up to 100 mV, offering a broader overclocking headroom.
Limited Availability
Although the feature is poised to benefit any RTX 5000‑class GPU, the implementation will initially be restricted to future MSI‑branded models. The developer noted that current reference‑design cards, such as the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090, are locked by Nvidia, preventing the necessary PWM (pulse‑width modulation) controller access. Consequently, the triple‑channel control will not work on existing boards and will only apply to upcoming MSI cards that are designed to accommodate the expanded voltage controls.
The feature is currently being tested in a closed‑beta version of Afterburner, with plans for a public release once validation is complete.
Potential Impact for Gamers and Enthusiasts
By allowing adjustments to memory and auxiliary voltages, the update could deliver noticeable performance improvements for users who fine‑tune their hardware. Overclockers who invest in high‑end GPUs and robust cooling solutions may see higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in the latest titles. The ability to raise the core voltage offset up to 100 mV also expands the overclocking envelope, though the real‑world gains remain uncertain.
Because the feature is limited to MSI cards, many PC gamers who own non‑MSI RTX 5000 GPUs may initially miss out on the benefits. However, the move sets a precedent that could encourage other manufacturers to adopt similar support if they choose to deviate from Nvidia’s reference‑design restrictions.
Future Outlook
The MSI Afterburner team has a history of extending support to new hardware, including unofficial compatibility with AMD’s RX 9000 series. This latest update follows that pattern, aiming to keep the utility relevant for‑the‑enthusiast market. If other card makers follow MSI’s lead, triple‑channel voltage control could become a broader feature across the high‑end GPU landscape, offering more users the ability to extract extra performance from their graphics cards.