Laptops MSI - some of the most popular gaming and workstations thanks to powerful processors Intel Core i7/i9 and video cards NVIDIA RTX. However, even top models like GE76 Raider or GP66 Leopard often do not operate at full capacity due to factory limitations on heat generation and power consumption. Overclocking (overclocking) allows you to remove these limits, but requires caution: incorrect settings can lead to overheating, throttling or even component failure.

In this article - 7 working overclocking methods for laptops MSI, from basic (changing power plans) to advanced (BIOS unlocking and undervolting). We'll look at which models support overclocking, how to avoid common mistakes, and what to do if your laptop starts to choke its performance. For clarity, we present a comparative table of the effectiveness of methods and unique data on PL1/PL2 limits for 12-13 generation processors in MSI laptops.

1. Compatibility check: which MSI laptops can be overclocked

Not all models MSI support overclocking. Main criteria:

  • 🔹 Processor: only models with index H (For example, i7-12700H) or HK (i9-13980HK). Processors with index U or P blocked.
  • 🔹 Video card: overclocking is only possible at NVIDIA RTX 20/30/40 series (models Max-Q have reduced limits).
  • 🔹 BIOS: older versions E17xx (for rulers GE/GP/GS) are usually unlocked. Check the version via msinfo32.
  • 🔹 Cooling system: laptops with 3 fans And heat pipes ≥6 mm (For example, GE76) tolerate overclocking better.

List of models with confirmed overclocking support:

SeriesModelsMax. CPU overclockingMax. GPU overclocking
Raider (GE)GE76, GE66+200 MHz (i9-13980HK)+150 MHz (RTX 4090)
Leopard (GP)GP76, GP66+150 MHz (i7-12800H)+120 MHz (RTX 3080 Ti)
Stealth (GS)GS66, GS77+100 MHz (i7-12700H)+90 MHz (RTX 3070 Ti)
Katana (GF)GF66, GF76+80 MHz (i5-12450H)+60 MHz (RTX 3060)

Important: Laptops with processors AMD Ryzen (For example, Alpha 15/17) do not support overclocking via BIOS, but allow undervolting. For them use Ryzen Controller.

📊 What MSI laptop do you have?
  • Raider (GE)
  • Leopard (GP)
  • Stealth (GS)
  • Katana (GF)
  • Other
  • I don't know

2. Preparing for overclocking: cooling and monitoring

Before any manipulations with settings necessarily check:

  • 🌡️ Temperatures: in load mode (for example, in Cinebench R23) CPU must not exceed 90°C, GPU — 85°C. If it is higher, cleaning or replacing the thermal paste is required.
  • 🔌 Food: Use the original power supply (such as 230W for RTX 4080). Overclocking with battery is prohibited!
  • 🛠️ Monitoring software: install HWInfo64, ThrottleStop (for Intel) or MSI Afterburner (for GPU).

If the CPU temperature under load exceeds 95°C, overclocking is contraindicated. In this case, first:

  1. Blow out the radiators with compressed air (especially if the laptop is older than 1 year).
  2. Replace thermal paste with Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut or Noctua NT-H2.
  3. Calibrate fans to MSI Dragon Center (mode Cooler Boost).
⚠️ Attention: If in HWInfo64 in section CPU [#0] the flag is on THRM (thermal throttling), overclocking will lead to an automatic reduction in frequencies. Solve the cooling problem first.

Install HWInfo64 and MSI Afterburner|

Check temperatures in stress test (AIDA64)|

Update BIOS to latest version|

Disable Turbo Boost in BIOS (if you plan to undervolt)|

Create a Windows restore point-->

3. Overclocking via BIOS: step-by-step instructions

The most effective, but also the most risky method. Suitable for indexed processors HK (For example, i9-13980HK in MSI Titan GT77).

Steps:

  1. Restart your laptop and click DEL (or F2 for some models) to enter the BIOS.
  2. Go to section Advanced → Overclocking Performance Menu.
  3. Activate the option Overclocking Feature (default Disabled).
  4. Install:
    • CPU Ratio: increase by +1–2 (for example, with 50 to 52).
    • CPU Cache Ratio: leave on Auto or increase by +1.
    • CPU Core Voltage: don't change (risk of overheating!).
  • For GPU (if available) find GPU Overclocking and increase Core Clock on +50–100 MHz, Memory Clock - on +200–300 MHz.
  • Save the settings (F10) and reboot.

    • After overclocking, check the stability in Prime95 (CPU) and FurMark (GPU) within 30 minutes. If artifacts or BSOD (blue screen) appear, reduce the frequencies.

    ⚠️ Attention: On laptops with processors Intel 12–13 generations overclocking via BIOS may block the function E-Cores. If after overclocking the performance in multi-threaded tasks drops, return the settings to factory settings.
    What to do if the BIOS is locked?

    If section Overclocking missing or gray, try:

    1. Update BIOS to the latest version from the MSI website (sometimes unlocks hidden options).

    2. Use the utility AMIBCP to modify the BIOS (risky, only for advanced users).

    3. Contact MSI support with an unlock request (indicate the serial number).

    4. Overclocking via MSI Center (Dragon Center)

    For beginners, the safest way is to use proprietary software MSI Center (formerly Dragon Center). Supports most models, but with limitations:

    • 🔧 User Scenario: select profile Extreme Performance to automatically increase power limits.
    • ⚡ Power Limit: In manual mode, increase PL1 (long term limit) up to 60–80W, PL2 (short-term) - up to 100–120W.
    • 🔄 Cooler Boost: Activate for maximum fan speed.

    For video card in MSI Afterburner:

    1. Enlarge Power Limit on +15–20%.
    2. Boost Core Clock on +100 MHz And Memory Clock on +500 MHz.
    3. Apply changes and test in 3DMark.

    Limitations of the method:

    • 🔸 CPU overclocking is limited +100–150 MHz (against +300 MHz in BIOS).
    • 🔸 On some models (for example, GF63 Thin) GPU overclocking options are locked.
    💡

    If your laptop becomes very noisy after overclocking in MSI Center, create a custom fan curve in Fan Control (tab Cooler Boost). This will allow you to reduce speed without losing performance.

    5. Undervolting: how to reduce temperatures and increase productivity

    Undervolting (voltage reduction) allows reduce heat generation and avoid throttling, and sometimes even improve stability during overclocking. Particularly relevant for processors Intel 10th–13th generations, which heat up even at standard frequencies.

    Instructions for ThrottleStop (Intel only):

    1. Download ThrottleStop 9.5 from the official website.
    2. Open the program and uncheck the box BD PROCHOT.
    3. Go to the tab FIVR and reduce CPU Core And CPU Cache on -100 mV.
    4. Click Apply and check the stability in Cinebench R23.
    5. If the test is successful, try reducing the voltage another -25 mV.

    For AMD Ryzen (for example, in MSI Alpha 15) use Ryzen Controller:

    • Install EDC on 90–95%.
    • Reduce CPU Voltage Offset to -0.075V.
    • Activate Fast Limit to reduce lags.

    Critical nuance: on MSI laptops with processors Intel 13th generation (Raptor Lake) Undervolting can lead to instability due to changed architecture. Maximum safe value - -50 mV for kernels and -75 mV for cache.

    💡

    Undervolting gives a performance increase of up to 10% by reducing throttling, but requires individual settings for each processor.

    6. Extreme Overclocking: Unlocking Hidden Limits

    For advanced users willing to take a risk, advanced methods are available:

    1. BIOS modification:

    • With AMIBCP or UEFITool you can unlock hidden overclocking options (for example, increase TDP to 120W for i9-13980HK).
    • Risk: incorrect changes will lead to briku (the laptop will not turn on).

    2.Usage XTU (Intel Extreme Tuning Utility):

    • Allows fine tuning Turbo Boost And Thermal Velocity Boost.
    • For example, for i7-12800H in MSI GP66 can be increased Turbo Ratio Limits for individual cores.

    3. Overclocking via vBIOS (for GPU):

    • Some models MSI allow you to flash a modified vBIOS with increased power limits (for example, for RTX 3080 Ti with 165W to 180W).
    • Risk: inconsistent vBIOS may damage the video card.
    ⚠️ Attention: On laptops with NVIDIA RTX 40-series (For example, RTX 4090 in MSI GT77) acceleration through vBIOS blocked by the driver. Use only official tools like MSI Afterburner.

    7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced users make mistakes that lead to instability or damage to the hardware. Let's look at the top 5 problems and their solutions:

    1. Overheating after overclocking:

    • 🔥 Reason: Limit exceeded Tjunction (For example, 100°C for Intel).
    • 🛠️ Solution: Reduce frequencies or increase PL1/PL2 in ThrottleStop.

    2. Artifacts on the screen:

    • 🖥️ Reason: GPU overclocking too high (especially memory).
    • 🛠️ Solution: Reset Memory Clock in MSI Afterburner and increase gradually +50 MHz.

    3. Laptop shuts down under load:

    • ⚡ Reason: Insufficient power supply (such as power supply 180W instead of the required 230W).
    • 🛠️ Solution: Connect the original adapter or reduce the overclocking limits.

    4. Decreased gaming performance:

    • 🎮 Reason: Activated Eco Mode in BIOS or NVIDIA driver.
    • 🛠️ Solution: Disable in NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D Settings → Power Management Mode (select Prefer Maximum Performance).

    5. BSOD with error WHEA_UNCORRECTABLE_ERROR:

    • 💥 Reason: Unstable voltage or overclocking the CPU too aggressively.
    • 🛠️ Solution: Reset BIOS settings to factory defaults and try undervolting.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about overclocking MSI laptops

    ❓ Is it possible to overclock an MSI laptop with an i5-12450H processor?

    No, processors with index H without a letter K (For example, i5-12450H) have a locked multiplier. The most that can be done is to increase the power limits (PL1/PL2) through ThrottleStop or MSI Center.

    ❓ What FPS increase does GPU overclocking give in games?

    Depends on model:

    • RTX 3060: +5–10 FPS (for example, in Cyberpunk 2077 with 60 to 68 FPS).
    • RTX 4080: +15–20 FPS (in Alan Wake 2 with 90 to 110 FPS).

    A greater increase comes from overclocking GPU memory (for example, +1000 MHz on RTX 3070 Ti).

    ❓ Will overclocking settings be reset after updating the BIOS?

    Yes, updating the BIOS resets all user settings, including overclocking and undervolting. It is recommended to record the current settings (for example, a screenshot ThrottleStop) and apply them again after the update.

    ❓ Is it possible to overclock the RAM in an MSI laptop?

    In 90% of cases - no. RAM in laptops is soldered to the motherboard, and its frequency is determined by the SPD profile. Exception: models with support XMP (For example, MSI GT77 with DDR5-5600), but even in them overclocking is limited +200–300 MHz.

    ❓ How to return a laptop to factory settings after an unsuccessful overclocking?

    Methods:

    1. Reset BIOS: When booting, press F3 (or remove the CMOS battery for 10 seconds).
    2. B ThrottleStop click Reset in the tab FIVR.
    3. B MSI Afterburner Click on the reset icon (↻) next to the sliders.

    If your laptop won't turn on, try Blind Flash BIOS (requires USB flash drive with firmware).