Popular graphics card monitoring and overclocking tool, MSI Afterburner, has received a beta update enabling owners of Nvidia’s RTX 50-series GPUs to boost their GDDR7 memory speeds by up to 10%. This enhancement allows data transfer rates to reach up to 36 gigatransfers per second (GT/s), surpassing Nvidia’s standard specifications.
The RTX 50-series graphics cards are equipped with GDDR7 memory modules rated between 28GT/s and 32GT/s. However, Nvidia often sets default data transfer rates slightly lower, at 28GT/s for most models and 30GT/s for the RTX 5080, to ensure stability and longevity. The new update to MSI Afterburner unlocks the potential to exceed these factory settings, offering enthusiasts the opportunity to maximize their hardware’s performance.
To utilize this feature, users must replace a specific database file within MSI Afterburner version 4.6.6 Beta 5 Build 16555. This modification extends the memory clock adjustment range, facilitating higher overclocking capabilities. Detailed instructions and the necessary files are available on the Guru3D forums, where Unwinder has provided guidance on implementing the update.
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It’s important to note that while this update unlocks higher memory speeds, overclocking carries inherent risks. Memory controllers may not be designed to operate consistently at these elevated speeds, potentially leading to system instability or reduced hardware lifespan. Users are advised to proceed with caution and ensure they have adequate cooling solutions in place to manage the increased thermal output associated with higher memory frequencies.
This development is particularly significant for RTX 5080 users, whose cards come with 32GT/s memory modules downclocked to 30GT/s by default. The update enables these users to fully leverage their hardware’s capabilities, potentially achieving data transfer rates beyond the original specifications.
While MSI Afterburner has traditionally been a go-to tool for GPU overclocking, some users have explored alternatives like Asus’ GPU Tweak III, which also supports GDDR7 memory overclocking on RTX 50-series cards. However, the recent update to MSI Afterburner reaffirms its position as a versatile utility for enthusiasts seeking to push their graphics cards beyond factory limits.
As always, users are encouraged to thoroughly research and understand the implications of overclocking their hardware. While the prospect of enhanced performance is enticing, it should be balanced against the potential risks to system stability and component longevity.
Kunal Khullar is a computing writer at Digital Trends who contributes to various topics, including CPUs, GPUs, monitors, and…
Nvidia says melting power connectors are a thing of the past
Nvidia has expressed confidence that the infamous melting issues with the 12VHPWR power connectors, which plagued some RTX 40-series GPUs, will not recur with its next-generation RTX 50-series lineup.
As reported by QuasarZone, during the Nvidia RTX AI Day 2025 event in South Korea, Nvidia representatives assured attendees that the overheating and melting issues experienced with the RTX 4090’s 12VHPWR connector have been resolved in the RTX 50 series. “We don’t expect that to happen with the RTX 50 series. We made some changes to the connector to respond to the issue at the time, and we know that it is not happening now, about two years later,” said an Nvidia representative.
Nvidia’s RTX 50-series might give us a repeat of the GPU shortage
Nvidia’s RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 are set to release later this month, and there’s no doubt that they’ll end up being some of the best graphics cards of the year. Unfortunately, it also seems that they might be hard to come by, as many sources expect that the RTX 50-series will have very limited availability to start with. If this checks out, we might see a similar situation to the GPU shortage we endured during the launch of the RTX 30-series.
VideoCardz compiled a number of leaks that all add up to the same thing: Nvidia and its partners may not be able to supply many next-gen GPUs in time for the launch date. This wouldn’t necessarily mean that the official January 30 release date would get pushed — that’s pretty unlikely at this point. Instead, the GPUs might be up for sale, but limited in number, and they won’t be restocked for some time.
Nvidia is giving away the RTX 5090 — here’s how to win
Nvidia’s insanely powerful RTX 5090 is right around the corner. Priced at $2,000, the GPU is far from cheap — but Nvidia is hosting a sweepstakes where you can try your luck at winning one. Here’s how to participate and attempt to win Nvidia’s best graphics card.
Nvidia has already been giving away some GPUs, as well as a whole custom PC, in the lead-up to the launch of the RTX 50-series. Now that the cards are no longer a secret, the sweepstakes have moved on from the classic GeForce 256 to the GeForce RTX 5090, which is bound to be a beastly card (although perhaps not as beastly as the benchmarks would have you believe).
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