| Symptom | Likely Fix | | :--- | :--- | | BIOS settings won't save | Replace the CMOS battery (it's dead). | | CPU still runs at max multiplier | Disable or AMD Core Performance Boost (remember: disabling these reduces speed below stock—try resetting Windows power plan to Balanced). | | GPU clock is stuck high | Restart graphics driver with Win + Ctrl + Shift + B . Or perform a clean driver reinstall using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in Safe Mode. | | "Overclocking failed" error on boot | Load BIOS optimized defaults (F5 on many motherboards) instead of exiting. | | XMP keeps re-enabling | Update your motherboard BIOS. Older versions may have profile auto-load bugs. |
If you want to keep other custom BIOS settings intact, you can target the CPU directly.
Toggle the switch to or click the Reset to Default button. Hard Reset: Clearing the CMOS how to disable overclocking
Clearing CMOS resets the entire BIOS to factory defaults. All overclocks, custom fan curves, and BIOS passwords will be erased.
: Restart your PC and repeatedly press the BIOS key (usually F2 , Del , or F10 ) during startup. Look for an option like "Load Setup Defaults" or "Load Optimized Defaults" . | Symptom | Likely Fix | | :---
GPU overclocks cannot be disabled in the BIOS (with rare exceptions for integrated GPUs). The methods above cover all dedicated GPUs.
If an unstable overclock has caused your system to freeze entirely, preventing you from even entering the BIOS screen, you must perform a hardware clear. Clear the CMOS Or perform a clean driver reinstall using DDU
Before we dive into the "how," let's quickly identify the "why." Disabling overclocking is recommended if you experience: