Underclocking is the process of reducing the operating frequency of computing equipment. In mining, it is used to reduce power consumption, heat generation, and component load.

Reducing frequency generally results in lower hashrate, although the magnitude of the change depends on the algorithm and equipment architecture.

Why Underclocking Is Used

  • reducing power consumption;
  • reducing chip temperature;
  • reducing the load on the cooling system;
  • limiting the total power of an installation;
  • finding an operating mode with a suitable balance between hashrate and power consumption.

Underclocking is often used together with undervolting. In this mode, both frequency and voltage can be reduced to lower power consumption.

When configuring equipment, actual hashrate per watt, temperature, and the number of hardware errors should be monitored. Excessive reduction of operating parameters can decrease performance more than it reduces operating costs.