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You can’t overclock a CPU with MSI Afterburner: its overclocking controls are for graphics cards. Afterburner can show CPU monitoring statistics, but CPU tuning requires a supported BIOS setting or a platform tool such as Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) or AMD Ryzen Master.
What MSI Afterburner can—and can’t—do
MSI documents Afterburner as a GPU utility, with controls for graphics-card core and memory clocks, GPU voltage, and GPU temperature, plus a GPU OC Scanner. Its mention of CPU temperatures in a laptop-GPU context is monitoring, not CPU overclocking. See MSI’s Afterburner guide.
Do not apply Afterburner’s GPU sliders or clock increments to a CPU. The two components use different controls, and the CPU options available to you depend on the processor, motherboard, firmware, and platform support.
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Which tool should you use for CPU tuning?
| Approach | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Motherboard BIOS or UEFI | Apply supported CPU settings in the system firmware. Intel describes BIOS tuning in its BIOS overclocking guide; motherboard menus and options vary. | Confirm the exact CPU and motherboard support the settings, and follow the documentation for that board and firmware. MSI notes that options vary by motherboard and recommends manual overclocking only for advanced users in its BIOS manual. |
| Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU) | An Intel platform utility for supported CPU tuning. Intel covers CPU overclocking in its CPU overclocking guide. | Check Intel’s guidance for your particular processor and system; availability is not universal. |
| AMD Ryzen Master | AMD’s CPU tuning utility for supported processors. | Check AMD’s Before You Begin guidance and confirm your processor is supported. |
There is no universal best method. BIOS and operating-system utilities differ in where settings are applied and in the controls and recovery options the relevant manufacturer documents. Choose only a method supported for your exact system.
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- [Product specification] Thermalright PA120 SE; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x135(W)x155(H)mm (4.92x5.31x6.1 inch); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation, double tower cooling is stronger（(Note:Please check your case and motherboard for compatibility with this size cooler.）
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What to check before changing CPU settings
- Identify your hardware. Record the CPU model, motherboard model, and BIOS or UEFI version. Also note your cooling setup and intended workload.
- Read the matching documentation. Check your motherboard manual and the processor maker’s current guidance for supported tuning methods and settings. Do not assume that instructions for a different board or CPU apply.
- Establish a baseline. Note how the system behaves before tuning, including temperatures and stability under your usual workload.
- Plan for recovery. Find the documented way to restore firmware defaults and recover from a failed boot before making changes. The exact procedure depends on the motherboard.
- Make only documented changes. Use the controls and limits specified for your exact platform; do not copy voltage or ratio values from another system.
- Check stability and temperatures. Monitor the system as you test it, and stop if it becomes unstable or temperatures are concerning. No single temperature ceiling or expected performance gain is established for an unspecified CPU and cooling setup.
Understand the risks
Overclocking can make a system unstable or damage hardware. MSI warns that improper overclocking may void warranty or damage components in its BIOS manual. AMD warns that operation outside official specifications or factory settings may damage components, cause instability or data loss, shorten component life, and may not be covered by AMD or the system maker’s warranty; see the Ryzen Master User Guide warning.
Download Afterburner only from a legitimate source
If you want Afterburner for GPU tuning or monitoring, MSI says to download it from MSI or Guru3D and warns about fake sites. MSI’s product page listed versions 4.6.6 Final and 4.6.7 Beta, both released in September 2026, when checked on October 7, 2026. Version listings can change; check the MSI Afterburner product page for current availability.
Rank #2
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- INTEGRATED VRM FAN: PWM-controlled fan that lowers the temperature of the voltage converters and thus ensures reliable performance
- INTEGRATED CABLE MANAGEMENT: The PWM cables of the radiator fans are integrated in the sheathing of the hoses so that only a single visible cable is connected to the motherboard
What information is needed for a specific setup?
A safe, specific CPU-tuning procedure requires at least your CPU model, motherboard model, BIOS version, and cooling setup. Without those details, it is not responsible to prescribe voltage, clock ratios, or a step-by-step overclock: supported controls and recovery steps vary by system.
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Best Value
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Rank #4
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Rank #3
- [Brand Overview] Thermalright is a Taiwan brand with more than 20 years of development. It has a certain popularity in the domestic and foreign markets and has a pivotal influence in the player market. We have been focusing on the research and development of computer accessories. R & D product lines include: CPU air-cooled radiator, case fan, thermal silicone pad, thermal silicone grease, CPU fan controller, anti falling off mounting bracket, support mounting bracket and other commodities
- [Product specification]AX120R SE; CPU Cooler dimensions: 125(L)x71(W)x148(H)mm (4.92x2.8x 5.83 inch); Product weight:0.645kg(1.42lb); heat sink material: aluminum, CPU cooler is equipped with metal fasteners of Intel & AMD platform to achieve better installation
- 【PWM Fans】TL-C12C; Standard size PWM fan:120x120x25mm (4.72x4.72x0.98 inches); fan speed (RPM):1550rpm±10%; power port: 4pin; Voltage:12V; Air flow:66.17CFM(MAX); Noise Level≤25.6dB(A), the fan pairs efficient cool with low-noise-level, providing you an environment with both efficient cool and true quietness
- 【AGHP technique】4×6mm heat pipes apply AGHP technique, Solve the Inverse gravity effect caused by vertical / horizontal orientation. Up to 20000 hours of industrial service life, S-FDB bearings ensure long service life of air-cooler radiators. UL class a safety insulation low-grade, industrial strength PBT + PC material to create high-quality products for you. The height is 148mm, Suitable for medium-sized computer case
- 【Compatibility】The CPU cooler Socket supports: Intel:1150/1151/1155/1156/1200/1700/17XX/1851,AMD:AM4 /AM5; For different CPU socket platforms, corresponding mounting plate or fastener parts are provided
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
