NVIDIA RTX 5000 Driver Blocks Core Power Control in Update 615.56

NVIDIA's latest driver update has effectively removed the ability to manually override core power limits on GeForce RTX 5000 series graphics cards, a change that directly impacts users who rely on third-party tools for performance tuning. This restriction eliminates a key method for unlocking additional power headroom, which previously allowed enthusiasts to push cards beyond standard factory specifications for higher gaming or rendering performance.

Driver update locks down power delivery for enthusiasts using third-party tools

The driver in question is version 615.56, which specifically targets the RTX 5000 series architecture, including the flagship RTX 5090 model. This update alters how the GPU firmware interacts with external control software, effectively locking down the power delivery mechanisms that were previously accessible to overclocking utilities.

Prior to this driver release, the open-source overclocking application mVolt+ enabled users to unlock power limits by adding up to 125W of additional power to the GPU core. With the new 615.56 driver installed, attempts to input these additional current values via mVolt+ no longer work and instead trigger black screens that resemble driver crashes, rendering the tool non-functional for this specific purpose.

Despite the block on mVolt+, reports indicate that the Hydra 2.3 beta build may still permit core power overrides on NVIDIA GPUs after the driver update. It remains unclear whether NVIDIA intentionally blocked mVolt+ to enforce power policies or if the combination of the new driver and the tool simply creates a compatibility issue that causes system instability.

We looked at the last GeForce RTX 5000 Series update while tracking these stability themes, noting that balance and power management have been consistent focus areas for the vendor. The current situation leaves overclockers with limited options until further information clarifies the nature of the block and potential workarounds become available.