How to Disable AMD Ultra Low Power State (ULPS)

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What is AMD ULPS

AMD ULPS (Ultra Low Power State) is a power-saving feature found in AMD graphics cards. It helps reduce energy use and heat when the GPU isn’t under heavy load, like when you're browsing the web or using simple applications.

This feature is most useful for multi-GPU setups, where one card might be idle while the other is active. By letting the unused GPU enter a low-power mode, ULPS improves efficiency and helps reduce power consumption.

When Should You Consider Disabling AMD ULPS

While ULPS is great for saving power, there are some situations where turning it off might be a better choice. Here’s why:

Stability Issues: Some users have reported system crashes or freezes when ULPS is enabled, particularly in multi-GPU setups, especially in multi-GPU setups. If you notice frequent crashes, try disabling ULPS to see if it helps.
Using a Single GPU: If you only have one graphics card, ULPS doesn’t provide much benefit since there’s no second GPU to manage. Some AMD drivers may still enable ULPS on single-GPU systems, but disabling it usually has little to no effect on performance or power savings. If you don’t see any power savings or you want your GPU to always be fully active, you might prefer to turn it off.
Performance Delays: ULPS can sometimes cause a slight delay when waking up an idle GPU. This might not matter for everyday use, but gamers or users running high-performance tasks may prefer to disable it for smoother performance.
Software Compatibility: Some older games or programs don’t work well with ULPS. If you notice certain apps freezing or acting strangely, disabling ULPS might solve the issue.
Overclocking Problems: If you like to overclock your graphics card for extra performance, ULPS can sometimes interfere with the process. Disabling it can help maintain a stable overclock.
Personal Preference: Some people just prefer to have full control over their hardware. If you’d rather not have your GPU automatically switching power states, you can turn off ULPS to keep things consistent.

AMD ULPS is a useful feature, especially for multi-GPU setups, as it helps save power and reduce heat. However, it’s not always perfect. If you’re facing crashes, slow wake-up times, or software issues, you might want to disable it. In the end, it’s all about what works best for your system and needs.

2 Ways To Disable AMD ULPS

1. Disable ULPS using Registry Editor (Regedit)

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

2. Disable ULPS using MSI Afterburner

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