BIOS Overclocking Guide¶

Advanced guide to overclocking the BC-250 GPU via BIOS settings and manual configuration.

Advanced Users Only

Overclocking can cause system instability, crashes, and potential hardware damage. Only proceed if you understand the risks.

Overclocking Overview¶

What Can Be Overclocked¶

GPU Frequency: 1500 MHz (locked) → 2000-2230 MHz (with governor/kernel patch)
GPU Voltage: 700-1100 mV
Memory: Not user-adjustable (GDDR6 runs at fixed speed)

Requirements¶

Kernel Patch: Extended frequency range (350-2230 MHz)
OR use distribution with patch included (Bazzite, PikaOS)
GPU Governor: For automatic frequency scaling
Adequate Cooling: Arctic P12 Max or better
Quality PSU: 250W+ on 12V rail

GPU Frequency Range Kernel Patch¶

The GPU frequency range kernel patch is a community-developed modification that extends the BC-250's GPU operating frequencies beyond the default software-imposed limits to match the actual hardware capabilities.

Created by: ViRazY (GitHub)

What the Patch Does¶

Frequency Range Extension: - Default range: 1000 MHz - 2000 MHz - Patched range: 350 MHz - 2230 MHz - Hardware limit: 2230 MHz (actual silicon limit)

Voltage Range: - Default: 700 mV - 1129 mV (unchanged in standard patch) - Experimental extended patch: 600 mV - 1300 mV (NOT RECOMMENDED)

Use Standard Patch Only

The extended voltage patch (600-1300 mV) is NOT recommended. The standard patch is sufficient for reaching 2230 MHz, and extended voltages risk hardware degradation.

Why It's Needed¶

Without the patch, the BC-250's GPU performance is artificially limited:

Performance ceiling: Stock 2000 MHz maximum prevents full potential
Power efficiency: Cannot downclock below 1000 MHz for idle
Governor compatibility: Cannot set frequencies outside 1000-2000 MHz range

Performance Gains¶

Gaming Performance: - Star Wars Battlefront 2: 80-85 FPS → 120-130 FPS (+50%) - Users report "huge performance boost" across multiple titles - Maximum performance at 2230 MHz @ 1000-1060 mV

Power Efficiency: - Idle downclocking to 350 MHz saves ~1-9W vs stock - Total system power can reach ~69W idle (vs ~78W stock) - Limited savings due to 700 mV floor being safe minimum

How to Obtain the Patch¶

Pre-Patched Distributions (Easiest)¶

Bazzite - Kernel pre-patched, no compilation needed
Download: Bazzite Kernel Releases
Arch Linux (AUR packages)
linux-bazzite-bin - Bazzite kernel for Arch
linux-lts-amd-bc250-headers - BC-250 LTS kernel
PikaOS - Includes GPU frequency patch by default

Manual Download¶

The patch file is available in the BC-250 Discord server: - Forum thread: bc250-resources → "Increased GPU frequency range kernel patch" - File: linux-6.12-bc250-freq.mypatch (639 bytes)

Manual Application¶

Method 1: Linux-TKG (Recommended)¶

# Clone linux-tkg repository
git clone https://github.com/Frogging-Family/linux-tkg.git
cd linux-tkg

# Create userpatches folder
mkdir linux612-tkg-userpatches

# Download and place patch
# (Get linux-6.12-bc250-freq.mypatch from Discord)
mv linux-6.12-bc250-freq.mypatch linux612-tkg-userpatches/

# Compile kernel
# Follow linux-tkg instructions
# Press Y when asked to apply userpatches

Benefits: - Automatic patch application - Gaming-optimized tweaks included - Well-tested compilation process

Method 2: AMDGPU Module Only (Fast Method)¶

Instead of 3-hour full kernel build, compile just the amdgpu module in 3 minutes:

Trade-off: Loads an out-of-tree module (taints kernel)

Process: 1. Download kernel source matching your running kernel 2. Apply patch to cyan_skillfish driver files 3. Build only amdgpu module 4. Load patched module

Note: The patch modifies only 3 values in the cyan_skillfish file.

Method 3: Distribution-Specific¶

Fedora:

# Follow Fedora's kernel patching guide
# Or install Bazzite kernel RPMs directly

Arch Linux:

# Use AUR packages (recommended)
yay -S linux-bazzite-bin
# Or linux-lts-amd-bc250-headers

# Or apply patch to PKGBUILD for custom builds

Verifying the Patch¶

Check if patch is applied:

cat /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:08.1/0000:01:00.0/pp_od_clk_voltage

Expected output should show frequency range 350-2230 MHz.

Troubleshooting: GPU Locked at 1500 MHz¶

If GPU remains at 1500 MHz after installing patched kernel:

Verify patch applied:
Try setting frequencies in unpatched range (1000-2000 MHz) via governor
If works: Patch NOT applied, rebuild kernel
If doesn't work: Governor issue, not patch

Update governor configuration:

sudo nano /etc/oberon-config.yaml

# Update to use extended range
frequency:
  min: 350    # Was 1000
  max: 2230   # Was 2000

sudo systemctl restart oberon-governor

Recommended Settings¶

Maximum Performance:

frequency:
  min: 1000
  max: 2230
voltage:
  min: 700
  max: 1060    # Adjust based on stability (1000-1060 typical)

Balanced Profile:

frequency:
  min: 1000
  max: 2000
voltage:
  min: 700
  max: 1000

Low Power Profile:

frequency:
  min: 350     # Deep idle
  max: 2000
voltage:
  min: 700     # Don't go below 700 mV
  max: 1000

Compatibility¶

Kernel Versions: - Tested: 6.12 (original), 6.15, 6.16.x - Expected: Works on newer kernels (driver-level patch)

Distribution Support:

Distribution	Status	Method
Bazzite	✅ Pre-patched	Use stock kernel
Arch (AUR)	✅ Pre-patched	Install from AUR
PikaOS	✅ Pre-patched	Use stock kernel
Fedora	⚠️ Manual	linux-tkg or Bazzite RPM
CachyOS	⚠️ Manual	May be included in future
Manjaro	⚠️ Manual	No pre-built packages
Debian	⚠️ Manual	Patch kernel source

Warnings¶

Cooling Required at 2230 MHz

2230 MHz @ 1050 mV generates significantly more heat than stock. Ensure high static pressure cooling (Arctic P12 Max or Noctua NF-A12x25). Temperature monitoring essential.

Silicon Lottery

Not all chips stable at 2000 MHz @ 1000 mV. Voltage requirements for 2230 MHz vary (1000-1060 mV typical). Test stability incrementally.

PSU Requirements

Maximum power draw can exceed 320W with full GPU load (Furmark). Ensure adequate PSU capacity. Games typically draw 220-250W max.

Do NOT: - Use extended voltage patch (600-1300 mV) - unnecessary and risky - Go below 700 mV (unstable, minimal power savings) - Exceed 1129 mV without careful testing (hardware degradation risk)

Safe Overclocking Limits¶

Community-Tested Safe Limits¶

Frequency	Voltage	Stability	Power Draw	Cooling Required
2000 MHz	1000 mV	✅ Safe (all boards)	190-200W	Stock + fan
2100 MHz	1025 mV	✅ Good (most boards)	200-210W	Arctic P12
2175 MHz	1025 mV	⚠️ Some boards	210-220W	Arctic P12 Max
2230 MHz	1035-1050 mV	⚠️ Best boards only	220-235W	Dual fans
2230 MHz	1085 mV	⚠️ High risk	250W+	Excellent cooling

Known Unstable Frequencies¶

980 MHz Instability

980 MHz is unstable across all boards tested. Avoid this frequency.

Manual Overclocking¶

Method 1: Via sysfs (Temporary)¶

Test frequencies before making permanent:

# View current frequency/voltage table
cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_od_clk_voltage

# Set voltage and frequency
# Format: vc <level> <frequency_MHz> <voltage_mV>
echo "vc 0 2100 1025" | sudo tee /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_od_clk_voltage

# Commit changes
echo "c" | sudo tee /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_od_clk_voltage

# Verify
cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_od_clk_voltage

Test with benchmark:

# Run Unigine Superposition or game for 30+ minutes
# Monitor temperatures and stability

Method 2: Via Governor Config (Permanent)¶

Edit governor config:

sudo nano /etc/oberon-config.yaml

Safe overclock example:

opps:
  frequency:
    min: 1000    # 1000 MHz idle
    max: 2100    # 2100 MHz load
  voltage:
    min: 700     # 700 mV idle
    max: 1025    # 1025 mV load

Aggressive overclock example:

opps:
  frequency:
    min: 1000
    max: 2175    # 2175 MHz load
  voltage:
    min: 700
    max: 1050    # Higher voltage for stability

Apply changes:

sudo systemctl restart oberon-governor

Method 3: Cyan-Skillfish Governor (Multi-Point)¶

Edit config:

sudo nano /etc/cyan-skillfish-governor/config.toml

Multi-voltage point configuration:

safe-points = [
    [1000, 700],   # 1000 MHz @ 700 mV
    [1500, 900],   # 1500 MHz @ 900 mV
    [2000, 1000],  # 2000 MHz @ 1000 mV
    [2100, 1025],  # 2100 MHz @ 1025 mV
    [2175, 1050],  # 2175 MHz @ 1050 mV (overclock)
]

Restart governor:

sudo systemctl restart cyan-skillfish-governor

Testing Stability¶

Stress Testing¶

1. Unigine Superposition (Recommended):

# Download from: https://benchmark.unigine.com/superposition

# Run benchmark
# 1080p Extreme preset
# Loop for 30+ minutes

2. Gaming Stress Test: - Run demanding game for 60+ minutes - Test different scenarios (loading screens, open world, combat)

3. Monitor During Testing:

# Watch sensors
watch -n 1 sensors

# Check for:
# - GPU temp < 85°C (< 80°C better)
# - No crashes or artifacts
# - Stable frame rates

Signs of Instability¶

Reduce frequency or increase voltage if: - System crashes/freezes - Visual artifacts (flickering, black textures, corrupted graphics) - Performance degradation - GPU temp > 90°C

Performance Gains¶

Benchmark Results¶

Unigine Superposition (1080p Extreme):

Config	Score	FPS	GPU Temp	Power
Stock 2000 MHz @ 1000mV	3888	~57	76°C	190W
Patch 2230 MHz @ 1035mV	4118	~60	86°C	235W
Gain	+230	+3	+10°C	+45W

Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p High):

Config	FPS	Notes
Stock 2000 MHz	57.66	Without overlay
OC 2220 MHz	60.82	+5.5% performance

Performance vs Power Trade-Off¶

Analysis: - 2000 MHz → 2230 MHz: +11.5% frequency - Performance gain: +5-6% (not linear due to other bottlenecks) - Power increase: +20-25% - Temperature increase: +10°C

Conclusion: Diminishing returns above 2100 MHz for most users

Voltage Tuning¶

Undervolting for Efficiency¶

Goal: Reduce voltage while maintaining frequency

Process: 1. Start at stock frequency (2000 MHz @ 1000mV) 2. Reduce voltage by 25mV (to 975mV) 3. Test stability 4. If stable, reduce another 25mV 5. If crashes, increase by 25mV 6. Find minimum stable voltage

Example Results: - Some boards stable at 2000 MHz @ 950mV (-50mV) - Reduces power by ~10-15W - Lowers temperature by 5-7°C

Overvolting for Higher Clocks¶

Use Case: Pushing beyond 2100 MHz

Caution: - Higher voltage = more heat and power - Diminishing stability gains above 1050mV - Risk of hardware degradation

Safe limits: - Maximum recommended: 1085mV - Absolute maximum: 1100mV (high risk)

Cooling Requirements¶

Temperature Targets by Overclock¶

Overclock Level	Max Temp	Recommended Cooling
Stock (2000 MHz)	76°C	Single Arctic P12
Light OC (2100 MHz)	80°C	Arctic P12 Max
Medium OC (2175 MHz)	85°C	Dual fans or Arctic P12 Max
Heavy OC (2230 MHz)	90°C	Dual high-performance fans

Thermal Throttling

Above 85°C, performance may be reduced. Above 90°C, system instability is likely.

Improving Cooling for Overclock¶

Upgrade fan: Arctic P12 Max (highest static pressure)
Add second fan: For VRM/memory cooling
Improve airflow: Remove case panels for testing
Replace thermal paste: Quality paste (Arctic MX-6, Kryonaut)
Straighten fins: Improve heatsink airflow
Add thermal pads: Cool memory chips on underside

Power Supply Considerations¶

Power Requirements by Overclock¶

Overclock	Typical Power	Peak Power	PSU Recommendation
Stock 2000 MHz	190W	200W	220W+
2100 MHz	200W	215W	250W+
2175 MHz	210W	230W	270W+
2230 MHz	220W	250W	300W+

PSU Overload

Inadequate PSU will trigger over-current protection, causing crashes under load.

Furmark Power Draw¶

Unrealistic stress test: - Stock: 250W - OC 2230 MHz @ 1085mV: 320W

Note: No game reaches Furmark power levels. Use game testing.

Overclocking Checklist¶

Before overclocking:

BIOS flashed and configured (VRAM split set)
Kernel 6.12-6.14 LTS (with frequency patch if needed)
Mesa 25.1.3+ installed
GPU governor installed and running
Adequate cooling (Arctic P12 Max minimum)
PSU rated for 250W+ on 12V rail
Thermal monitoring set up (sensors)
Backup of current config

During overclocking:

Increase frequency in 50-100 MHz steps
Test stability for 30+ minutes per step
Monitor temperatures (< 85°C target)
Monitor power draw
Check for visual artifacts
Verify no performance degradation

Troubleshooting Overclocking Issues¶

System Crashes Immediately¶

Cause: Voltage too low for frequency

Solution: - Increase voltage by 25-50mV - OR reduce frequency by 50-100 MHz

Crashes After 10-30 Minutes¶

Cause: Thermal throttling or marginal stability

Solutions: 1. Check temperatures (should be < 85°C) 2. Improve cooling 3. Increase voltage slightly 4. Reduce frequency

Visual Artifacts¶

Symptoms: - Black textures - Flickering - Corrupted graphics

Causes: - Memory clock too high (not adjustable) - Unstable frequency/voltage - Overheating

Solutions: - Reduce GPU frequency - Add RADV_DEBUG=nohiz to environment - Check cooling

Performance Worse After Overclock¶

Possible Causes: 1. Thermal throttling (too hot) 2. Power limit hit (PSU insufficient) 3. Hitting frequency that triggers instability

Solutions: - Check temperatures - Verify PSU wattage - Try different frequency (avoid 980 MHz range)

Governor Not Applying Overclock¶

Check:

# Verify governor running
systemctl status oberon-governor

# Check config loaded
cat /etc/oberon-config.yaml

# Restart governor
sudo systemctl restart oberon-governor

# Check applied settings
cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_od_clk_voltage

Advanced: Multiple Voltage Points¶

For Cyan-Skillfish Governor or manual tuning:

Create voltage curve:

Test each frequency point:

# Test 1500 MHz
echo "vc 0 1500 875" | sudo tee /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_od_clk_voltage
echo "c" | sudo tee /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_od_clk_voltage
# Run benchmark, find minimum stable voltage

# Test 1750 MHz
echo "vc 0 1750 950" | sudo tee /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_od_clk_voltage
echo "c" | sudo tee /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_od_clk_voltage
# Run benchmark, find minimum stable voltage

# Repeat for 2000, 2100, 2175, 2230 MHz

Record stable voltage for each frequency
Add to governor config

Benefits: - More efficient (lower voltage at mid frequencies) - Better temperature management - Smoother frequency transitions

Time Investment: - Testing each frequency point thoroughly - Recording stable voltages - Validating with benchmarks

BIOS Overclocking Guide¶

Overclocking Overview¶

What Can Be Overclocked¶

Requirements¶

GPU Frequency Range Kernel Patch¶

What the Patch Does¶

Why It's Needed¶

Performance Gains¶

How to Obtain the Patch¶

Pre-Patched Distributions (Easiest)¶

Manual Download¶

Manual Application¶

Method 1: Linux-TKG (Recommended)¶

Method 2: AMDGPU Module Only (Fast Method)¶

Method 3: Distribution-Specific¶

Verifying the Patch¶

Troubleshooting: GPU Locked at 1500 MHz¶

Recommended Settings¶

Compatibility¶

Warnings¶

Safe Overclocking Limits¶

Community-Tested Safe Limits¶

Known Unstable Frequencies¶

Manual Overclocking¶

Method 1: Via sysfs (Temporary)¶

Method 2: Via Governor Config (Permanent)¶

Method 3: Cyan-Skillfish Governor (Multi-Point)¶

Testing Stability¶

Stress Testing¶

Signs of Instability¶

Performance Gains¶

Benchmark Results¶

Performance vs Power Trade-Off¶

Voltage Tuning¶

Undervolting for Efficiency¶

Overvolting for Higher Clocks¶

Cooling Requirements¶

Temperature Targets by Overclock¶

Improving Cooling for Overclock¶

Power Supply Considerations¶

Power Requirements by Overclock¶

Furmark Power Draw¶

Overclocking Checklist¶

Troubleshooting Overclocking Issues¶

System Crashes Immediately¶

Crashes After 10-30 Minutes¶

Visual Artifacts¶

Performance Worse After Overclock¶

Governor Not Applying Overclock¶

Advanced: Multiple Voltage Points¶

See Also¶