How to Disable AMD Ultra Low Power State (ULPS)

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What is AMD ULPS

AMD ULPS stands for "Ultra Low Power State". It is a feature used in AMD graphics cards to reduce power consumption when the GPU is not in heavy use, such as during idle periods or when running less demanding applications.

When ULPS is enabled, the graphics card can enter a low-power state, which helps to save energy and reduce heat output. This feature is particularly useful in multi-GPU setups, where one card may be idle while the other is under load. 

By allowing the idle card to enter a low-power state, ULPS can contribute to overall system efficiency and lower electricity costs.

When Should You Consider Disabling AMD ULPS

Now, while ULPS sounds great in theory, there are some reasons you might want to disable it. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Stability Issues:
   • Some users have run into problems with their systems crashing or freezing when ULPS is enabled, especially if they’re using multiple GPUs. If you’re experiencing these kinds of hiccups, turning off ULPS might help stabilize things.
2. Single GPU Considerations:
   • If you’re using just one GPU, ULPS might not really offer much in terms of benefits since there’s no other card to manage. If you’re not noticing any power savings or heat reduction, and you want to make sure your GPU is always ready to go, turning off ULPS could be a smart move.
   • This way, you can avoid any delays when the GPU wakes up from its low-power state, making for a smoother experience when you’re gaming or tackling demanding tasks.
3. Performance Concerns:
   • If you’re a gamer or someone who pushes their hardware to the limit, ULPS can sometimes get in the way. It might slow down how quickly your GPU can ramp up performance when you need it.
   • Disabling ULPS could lead to smoother gameplay and better overall performance.
4. Software Compatibility:
   • Some older games or specific applications just don’t play nice with ULPS. If you find that certain programs are acting up, disabling ULPS might be the fix you need for a smoother experience.
5. Overclocking:
   • If you’re into overclocking your graphics card to squeeze out every bit of performance, you might want to turn off ULPS.
   • The low-power state can interfere with the overclocking process, so disabling it can create a more stable environment for pushing your hardware.
6. Personal Preference:
   • At the end of the day, it’s all about what works best for you. Some people just prefer to have full control over their hardware’s performance and power states. If that sounds like you, disabling ULPS might be the way to go.

In summary, AMD ULPS is a cool feature that helps save energy and reduce heat, especially in multi-GPU setups. But it’s not perfect for everyone. If you’re facing stability issues, performance drops, or compatibility problems, you might want to consider turning it off. 

Ultimately, it’s all about finding what works best for your setup and your needs.

Source: DDG AI

2 Ways To Disable AMD ULPS

1. Disable ULPS using Registry Editor (Regedit)

1. Press Windows+R, then type regedit. Press enter
2. Navigate to HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Video
3. Press Ctrl+F, then type EnableUlps. Press enter
4. Double-click EnableUlps and change the value data to 0 (from 1)
5. Restart PC

2. Disable ULPS using MSI Afterburner

1. Open Settings
2. Under General tab, scroll down to AMD Compatibility Properties
3. Find Disable ULPS and check the box. Click OK
4. Restart PC

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