Confused about PNY GPU 5090 memory clock speeds – seeing 1725 MHz instead of 1750 Mhz

Understanding Memory Clock Speeds on PNY GeForce RTX 5090: What You Need to Know

If you’ve recently acquired the PNY GeForce RTX 5090 and are monitoring its performance, you might have noticed discrepancies in reported memory clock speeds. These variations can lead to questions about your GPU’s actual performance and how to optimize it. This article aims to clarify common confusion regarding memory clock readings and provide guidance on ensuring your graphics card operates at its optimal settings.

Deciphering Memory Clock Readings

Graphics cards report memory speeds using different metrics, which can sometimes cause confusion. Typically, you’ll encounter two primary figures:

• Actual Clock Speed (MHz): This is the base frequency at which the GPU’s memory engine operates. For the PNY 5090, manufacturer specifications generally list this as 1750 MHz.

• Effective Data Rate (MHz): Since GDDR memory uses a quad data rate (or higher), the effective data transfer rate is calculated by multiplying the base clock by the data rate factor (e.g., 8 for GDDR6x). So, 1750 MHz actual clock x 8 = 14,000 MHz effective data rate.

Monitoring Software Discrepancies

Tools like HWiNFO and MSI Afterburner can display these different metrics:

• HWiNFO: Often reports the actual core clock speed, which, in this case, might be around 1725 MHz—noting that slight variations are common due to dynamic clock adjustments.

• MSI Afterburner: Usually shows the effective data rate, which might be approximately 13,801 MHz, reflecting the transfer rate rather than the base frequency.

Why Is the Actual Clock Speed Slightly Below 1750 MHz?

It’s normal for modern GPUs to adjust their clock speeds dynamically based on workload, temperature, or power management policies. This feature, known as “GPU boosting,” allows the card to operate efficiently while maintaining performance stability. Slight dips from the stock 1750 MHz are typical and not indicative of any malfunction.

Restoring the Expected Performance

If you’d like to ensure your GPU runs at its default clock speeds consistently, consider the following steps:

1. Check Power and Temperature Settings: Ensure your system provides adequate power delivery and cooling. Overheating or undervolting can cause the GPU to underclock temporarily.

2. Adjust Settings in MSI Afterburner:

3. Open MSI Afterburner.