Optimizing a gaming laptop with NVIDIA’s RTX 40 and 50 series GPUs can significantly boost performance. Modern high-end laptops offer various tuning features – from BIOS tweaks and MUX switches to advanced thermal profiles and software tools – that help you squeeze out more FPS while keeping temperatures in check.
This guide covers practical tuning methods for 2024–2025 gaming laptops, prioritizing gaming performance (and touching on creator-oriented tweaks when relevant). Short, actionable sections below will walk you through key optimizations like enabling the MUX switch, adjusting power/thermal profiles, undervolting, and using OEM control software (MSI Center, Armoury Crate, Alienware Command Center, Lenovo Vantage, etc.) to fine-tune your machine.
Enable the MUX Switch for GPU Performance
Many modern gaming laptops include a MUX switch (or Advanced Optimus) that lets you disable the integrated GPU (Optimus) and route the display output directly through the dedicated NVIDIA GPU. Enabling this can boost gaming framerates and reduce latency, since the dGPU no longer funnels frames through the CPU’s iGPU.
In fact, testing shows that turning Optimus off can yield roughly a 15–20% FPS increase on average in GPU-heavy games. (One review measured a 17% higher FPS with a MUX on an RTX laptop.) The trade-off is shorter battery life – with the iGPU inactive, your laptop uses more power even when not gaming.
How to use it
The MUX switch setting is usually found in your laptop’s software control center (e.g. “GPU Mode” in Armoury Crate or “Hybrid Mode” toggle in Lenovo Vantage). Some models label it as Discrete GPU Mode, dGPU Only, or Eco/Optimus Mode. On others with Advanced Optimus, you can switch via NVIDIA Control Panel without rebooting. When gaming on AC power, it’s generally best to enable the MUX (dGPU only) for maximum performance. When portability or battery life is needed, switch back to hybrid mode so the iGPU can save power.
Tip: If your laptop lacks a MUX but has a G-SYNC display or Thunderbolt/DisplayPort output, you can still bypass Optimus by using an external monitor connected to the dGPU output. This also enables dGPU direct mode (at the cost of portability).
Use Performance Profiles and Fan Controls
Gaming laptops come with built-in performance profiles (often accessible via an Fn+Key shortcut or OEM software) that adjust CPU/GPU power limits, fan speeds, and acoustics. Common presets include Turbo/Performance, Balanced/Default, and Silent/Eco modes. Selecting the right profile can optimize performance or quietness to your needs:
- Turbo / Maximum Performance: unleashes the highest power limits and fastest fan speeds. Expect the best FPS but loudest fan noise. For example, in one test the “Performance” mode on an HP Omen boosted Witcher 3 framerate to ~164 FPS with fans at 58 dB, versus ~142 FPS in Balanced mode at 47 dB. Always use the highest mode when you want maximum gaming performance and don’t mind noise (or plan to use a headset).
- Balanced / Default: a middle-ground profile that moderates power and fan noise. This is ideal for mixed usage or creative work – you still get strong performance but at lower noise levels and temperatures. As noted, Balanced mode may run ~15% slower than Turbo in games, but it can be a worthwhile trade for quieter operation during light gaming or content creation.
- Silent / Eco: severely limits power and keeps fans very low for an ultra-quiet experience. Use this when noise is the top concern or on battery power. Note that gaming performance will drop significantly (sometimes less than half of Turbo mode FPS). Silent modes are more for web browsing or video playback, but can handle less demanding games if you cap the framerate.
Most OEM control apps (covered next) let you customize fan curves or create a Manual mode. For example, ASUS Armoury Crate’s Manual mode can push fans to 100% to squeeze a bit more performance (one laptop saw ~2–3% higher CPU scores with max fans and a cooling pad). Some software, like HP’s Omen Gaming Hub, even allow setting a custom fan curve and will display CPU/GPU temperatures so you can tune accordingly. Generally, higher fan speeds = lower temperatures and less throttling, at the expense of noise. Feel free to experiment to find a personal balance of noise vs. performance.
Note: Laptop fan noise under heavy GPU load can easily exceed 50 dB on max settings. If you want quieter gaming, use a mid-level profile or tweak the fan curve. Just monitor thermals to ensure the quieter profile isn’t causing any thermal throttling or instability.
Undervolting the CPU (and GPU) for Cooler Performance
Undervolting is a technique to reduce the voltage supplied to the CPU (and sometimes GPU) in order to lower its temperatures and power draw – often without sacrificing performance. A successful CPU undervolt can reduce peak temperatures and prevent throttling, effectively improving sustained performance in long gaming sessions or CPU-heavy creator tasks.
For example, an ASUS Strix laptop allowed a modest BIOS undervolt of -30 mV, which improved its Cinebench CPU score by ~1–2% and helped maintain high boost clocks at slightly lower temps. Lower voltage = less heat, so the CPU can boost more consistently within thermal limits.
Many 12th-Gen Intel and newer laptops have undervolt control locked by default (to protect against security issues), but some manufacturers expose it via BIOS options or their software. Check if your laptop’s BIOS has an “Undervolt Offset” or “Voltage Control” setting. On newer models (e.g. 2024–2025 high-end machines), BIOS updates sometimes re-enable this feature – for instance, XMG’s 2025 laptops allow manual CPU Curve Optimizer tweaks and even disabling undervolt lock for software control.
If available, try a conservative undervolt (e.g. start with -50 mV) and test stability. Even a small reduction can shave off a few degrees Celsius. Always apply gradually and stress-test, since too much undervolt can cause crashes.
For GPUs, undervolting can also yield gains in efficiency. Many RTX 40-series laptop GPUs respond well to undervolting: users have reported maintaining similar clock speeds at lower volts, reducing power consumption and heat while losing little to no performance (in some cases even gaining performance due to less throttling).
You can undervolt the GPU using tools like MSI Afterburner or ASUS GPU Tweak by adjusting the voltage-frequency curve. For example, locking an RTX 4090 Laptop GPU to a slightly lower voltage (~0.90 V) while maintaining near-peak clocks can drop GPU temps and avoid hitting the 150+ W power limit, resulting in steadier fps over long sessions.
Real-world benefits
Undervolting keeps your CPU/GPU from hitting thermal throttling as quickly, so games with long play sessions or CPU-heavy scenes run smoother. Lower temps can also let the GPU sustain higher boost clocks (since the cooling isn’t overwhelmed). Essentially, you trade a bit of the manufacturer’s built-in safety margin for efficiency gains. It’s especially useful in slim laptops that run hot out of the box. As a bonus, less heat means fans can ramp down a bit, making the laptop quieter under load.
Important: Not all laptops allow undervolting, and results vary by chip quality. Intel 12th/13th-gen HX CPUs on some models may have locked voltage controls. Always use proper tools (Intel XTU, ThrottleStop for CPUs) and go slowly. A too-aggressive undervolt can cause instability (crashes or reboots). Test thoroughly with stress tests and games after each adjustment. If you encounter instability, dial back to a safer voltage.
BIOS Tweaks and Advanced Settings
While most tuning is done in Windows, don’t overlook the BIOS/UEFI – especially on enthusiast gaming laptops which often hide some useful settings. Entering the BIOS (usually by pressing Delete or F2 on boot), you may find the following options.
CPU power limits and boost behaviors
Some BIOS menus let you adjust PL1/PL2 (sustained and turbo power limits) for the CPU. Raising these can boost performance if your cooling can handle it, while lowering them can reduce heat in exchange for a bit less performance. A few laptops also allow disabling CPU turbo or tweaking multipliers – not usually necessary unless you want to cap power for cooler operation.
Memory XMP Profiles
If your laptop supports XMP and came with high-performance RAM, ensure XMP is enabled so the RAM runs at its fastest rated speed. Not all gaming laptops expose this, but some Clevo/Sager or MSI models do. Faster RAM can give slight improvements in certain games and creator apps.
GPU Mode / Advanced Optimus toggle
On some models, the MUX switch control is available in BIOS (e.g. “iGPU Mode” on/off). If the software switch ever bugs out, forcing it in BIOS can help. Also, older G-SYNC laptops might require a BIOS setting to use the discrete GPU only.
Undervolt Control
As mentioned, check for any undervolt or voltage offset options. This is often under CPU advanced settings (e.g. “Overclocking Lock”, “CPU Core Voltage Offset”). Enable voltage control if present and safe to do so.
Fan and Thermal
A few laptops have fan control or thermal throttle settings in BIOS. For example, some MSI models let you choose alternate fan curves or “CoolerBoost” behavior on AC power. Only adjust if you know what you’re doing – the OEM defaults are usually balanced, but enthusiasts might raise a thermal limit slightly if the cooling can handle a bit more heat before throttling.
Device settings
Disable any unneeded devices or features to free up resources (for instance, if you never use the webcam, some BIOS let you disable it). This won’t boost game performance but could slightly reduce background processes or heat.
Always be cautious in BIOS – document any setting you change so you can revert if needed. One useful BIOS tweak on supported systems is disabling CPU hyper-threading or limiting core count for certain games that prefer fewer fast cores (this is more experimental and game-dependent). Another is enabling “Resizable BAR” (ReBAR) if it’s not already on by default – ReBAR can improve performance a few percent in some GPU-bound games, and all RTX 40/50 laptops and modern games support it (most vendors have it enabled out of the box nowadays).
OEM Tuning Software and Tools
Every major laptop brand provides a software control center that centralizes performance settings – take advantage of these! Here are the popular ones and what you can do with them.
MSI Center (Dragon Center)
Found on MSI laptops, it allows mode switching (Silent/Balanced/Extreme), tuning fan speed (including a User scenario with custom fan curves), and sometimes basic CPU/GPU tuning. Newer MSI models even allow a CPU undervolt via MSI Center if the BIOS “Overclocking” feature is on. MSI Center also offers features like GPU “Discrete Graphics Mode” toggle and settings for keyboard lighting, etc.
ASUS Armoury Crate
On ROG and TUF series, Armoury Crate is the hub for profiles (Windows/Performance/Turbo/Manual). Use Turbo for max power, or Manual to overclock GPU and adjust fan curves. Armoury Crate also controls the MUX (called “GPU Mode”: Standard = Optimus, Ultimate = dGPU only) and lets you monitor temps, frequencies, and even set per-app profiles. It’s very robust, though a bit heavy software. Make sure to update it, as ASUS frequently refines fan algorithm and options (e.g., advanced settings to disable annoying LED indicators).
Dell Alienware Command Center
On Alienware and some Dell G-series, this app provides performance profiles (Quiet, Balanced, Performance, Full Speed) and often GPU overclock sliders. It interfaces with Alienware’s fan controls and lighting. You can also create custom game profiles that auto-apply certain thermal/power settings. On the Alienware m18, the Command Center’s new revision made it easier to use and even includes an “Overdrive” mode (max fans/power) for short bursts. Use this software to also toggle Advanced Optimus and graphics modes on newer models.
Lenovo Vantage (Legion Spectrum)
Lenovo’s gaming laptops (Legion/LOQ) use Vantage for switching between Quiet/Balance/Performance modes (or via Fn+Q shortcut). It also has a GPU working mode toggle for hybrid vs. discrete. Lenovo’s Performance mode can enable a “GPU Overclock” (small +~100 MHz on core) on Legion Pro series, and in some cases unlocks a hidden GPU overclock/undervolt panel. Newer Legions have a Custom Mode where you can adjust fan speed and even CPU/GPU power sliders. Vantage also consolidates driver updates and Lenovo’s battery conservation settings – worth keeping installed.
Acer PredatorSense
Found on Acer Predator and Nitro laptops, it offers similar controls: preset modes (Quiet/Default/Performance) and a Turbo toggle (often an actual button on the chassis for max fan). You can customize fan speed or use CoolBoost (Acer’s auto fan max when GPU hits certain temp). PredatorSense also shows system vitals and lets you overclock on models that support it. For instance, on a Predator Helios 18, you might use it to engage “Turbo” mode which raises power limits significantly (though as one review noted, the default Performance mode on the Helios traded a bit of performance for quieter fans – so you can choose based on your noise tolerance).
Razer Synapse
On Razer Blade laptops, Synapse allows choosing between Balanced or Gaming mode, controlling fans (Razer often runs fans quieter by default, but you can set manual max if needed), and toggling the MUX (in Blade 18, “Dedicated GPU Only” option). It also manages per-key RGB lighting. Razer’s options are a bit more limited (no undervolt in software), but the profiles do adjust power – make sure to select “Gaming Mode” when plugged in for best performance.
In addition to OEM tools, consider these third-party utilities for extra tuning:
- ThrottleStop (Intel only) – Great for fine-grained CPU control, allowing you to undervolt (on older unlocked systems), adjust turbo boost time limits, disable boost for cooler running, etc. There are community guides on using ThrottleStop to optimize specific laptops. Use this if your OEM locks undervolting but you still want to try tweaking (note: many 12th/13th gen laptops block it, though).
- Intel XTU – Intel Extreme Tuning Utility provides a Windows interface to adjust CPU clocks, voltage (if unlocked), and monitor temps/power. It’s easier but less detailed than ThrottleStop. Only works on Intel CPUs.
- MSI Afterburner / EVGA Precision – These GPU overclocking tools let you not only overclock but also undervolt via curve editing. Undervolting the GPU can be one of the biggest improvements in RTX 40-series laptops, often dropping 10–20 W usage for the same performance. Afterburner’s curve editor is your friend: you can set, for example, the RTX 4080 to run at 0.85 V instead of 1.00 V at only a slightly lower boost clock, which reduces heat tremendously. Always test stability with a game or 3DMark loop after changes.
- NotebookFanControl / TPFanControl – Niche tools that allow custom fan control on some models if the OEM software is insufficient. Only use if you know your laptop model is supported and you want a specific fan behavior the stock software can’t provide.
- Monitoring tools (HWInfo, MSI Afterburner OSD) – While not “tuning” per se, these help you measure the impact of your tweaks. Monitor CPU/GPU temperatures, clock speeds, power draw, and whether either component is throttling (thermal or power limit). For instance, HWInfo64 can show if the CPU hit “Thermal Throttling” or was limited by “PL1/PL2” (power limits). This insight helps you decide which tuning to prioritize (more cooling vs. more power headroom).
Consider Physical Upgrades and Maintenance
Tuning isn’t only in software, some light hardware tweaks can optimize performance too.
Repaste or Liquid Metal
If you’re an advanced user, replacing the CPU/GPU thermal paste with a high-quality compound (or even liquid metal on the CPU) can drop temperatures by several degrees. This can delay throttling and allow higher sustained clocks. Note this is only recommended if you’re comfortable repasting and it may void your warranty. But many enthusiasts do repaste a year or two into ownership to refresh thermals.
Thermal Pads on VRM/SSD
Adding better thermal pads on hot VRM components or the NVMe SSD (if it throttles) can improve stability under long loads. Some gaming laptops ship with inadequate cooling on SSDs – a simple thermal pad and heatsink can prevent your SSD from throttling during large file transfers.
Undervolting the RAM
Rare, but if your BIOS allows adjusting DDR5 voltages or you use Intel XTU on supported systems, you might slightly reduce RAM voltage for a bit less heat. The impact is minor – focus on CPU/GPU first.
Elevate the rear of the laptop
A simple but effective trick – prop up the back of your laptop by ~1 inch (use a stand or even a book) to improve bottom airflow. Many notebooks get a couple degrees cooler when elevated. For long play sessions, also consider a cooling pad with fans. It won’t work miracles, but can help dissipate heat from the chassis and supply fresh air.
Keep it clean
Dust buildup will raise temperatures over time. Every few months, use compressed air to blow out dust from the fans and vents. Maintaining clear airflow ensures your fan profiles and cooling operate as intended.
By combining BIOS-level tweaks, software profile tuning, and a bit of strategic hardware optimization, your RTX 40/50 laptop can run noticeably faster and cooler. Small gains in each area – a few percent from the MUX, a few from undervolt, a few from better cooling – can add up to a smoother gaming experience. Always make one change at a time and monitor the effects. With careful tuning, you’ll enjoy higher and more stable frame rates, quieter acoustics when desired, and potentially even a longer lifespan for your components (since you’re reducing excess heat). Happy tuning, and game on!
For further reading on the best high-end laptops, check our complete buyer’s guide to gaming laptops.
Sources
- Jarrod’s Tech – “What is a MUX Switch for Gaming Laptops?”, jarrods.tech
- NotebookCheck – HP Omen 16 (2024) Review (undervolt and fan control features), notebookcheck.net
- UltrabookReview – Asus ROG Strix G18 Review (CPU undervolting benefits), ultrabookreview.com
- NotebookCheck – Alienware m18 R1 Review (extended rear for cooling), notebookcheck.net
- XMG Official – XMG Neo/Pro 2025 Deep Dive (BIOS tuning options), xmg.gg
- NotebookCheck – Acer Predator Helios Review, notebookcheck.net
- UltrabookReview, The ThrottleStop Guide, ultrabookreview.com
- Hard Forum, “Anyone undervolting the 4090?”, hardforum.com
- vMix, Laptop Best Practices, vmix.com
- MSI Forum, “Undervolting via MSI Center or BIOS?”, forum-en.msi.com
