NVIDIA’s recent driver update appears to introduce voltage restrictions on its RTX 50 series, particularly affecting models like the RTX 5090.
Experiencing Lower Voltages on GeForce RTX 5090 After NVIDIA’s Latest Driver Installation
Not long ago, NVIDIA released the GeForce Game Ready Driver (GRD), version v595.59, specifically aimed at optimizing performance for Resident Evil Requiem along with several other fixes. However, shortly after the launch, numerous users reported various issues, including non-operational GPU fans, throttled clock speeds, and disappointing gaming performance.
Among the reports, our correspondent, Sebastian Castellanos, discovered that performance in Resident Evil Requiem significantly declined with the new driver. To restore proper performance, he reverted to earlier driver versions, achieving a remarkable boost of 68% in the game’s frame rate.
Hahaha I just tested it myself and I can confirm that it’s true:- Latest NVIDIA Game Ready Driver (595.59): 79 FPS- GRD 576.88 from July 2025: 133 FPSExact same scene, 1440p path tracing with DLSS SR Quality + FG 2X + RR. What. A.Mess! https://t.co/HAkECHICe2 pic.twitter.com/YO9PJn8piC
— Sebastian Castellanos (@Sebasti66855537) February 27, 2026
In response to these widespread complaints, NVIDIA promptly disabled the v595.59 driver from its download portal and advised users to revert to the older v591.86 WHQL version. Subsequently, they released an updated driver, v595.71 WHQL, which rectified earlier issues and restored anticipated performance levels.
However, the situation appears to complicate further with the introduction of voltage limitations on the RTX 50 series. This concern was initially highlighted by the tech channel Bang4BuckPC Gamer on YouTube, which indicated that the new driver restricts voltage levels on RTX 50 GPUs.
According to their findings, the tested RTX 5090 is now limited to sub-3 GHz frequencies and voltages under 1V, whereas the same GPU previously handled over 1V and exceeded 3 GHz frequencies during demanding tasks. This is particularly evident when the card is overclocked, suggesting that an artificial limitation has been implemented.
To verify these claims, we conducted our own tests. Utilizing an MSI GeForce RTX 5090 SUPRIM X, which had been operating on NVIDIA’s GRD v591.86, we noted the GPU ran at voltages of 1.020-1.030V, with frequencies reaching 3015-3030 MHz under manual overclock settings of +200 MHz on the core and +2000 MHz on memory, along with the core voltage slider maxed out.
NVIDIA RTX 5090 Voltage/Clocks on GRD 591.86 Drivers (Manual OC):
In contrast, the same GPU tested with the recent GRD v595.71 exhibited lower performance, operating at sub-3 GHz frequencies and voltages between 1.005-1.010V, occasionally dipping to 1.00V. While the card can sustain higher voltages without overclocking at around 1.015V, previous drivers allowed it to reach 1.03-1.04V at stock settings. This shows a significant decrease in performance compared to earlier revisions.
NVIDIA RTX 5090 Voltage/Clocks on GRD 595.71 Drivers (Manual OC):
NVIDIA RTX 5090 Voltage/Clocks on GRD 595.71 Drivers (Stock Spec):
Therefore, the latest NVIDIA driver releases appear to have imposed voltage restrictions. The reasoning behind this change is currently unclear, but it may be associated with previously reported issues regarding the 16-pin connectors, aiming to reduce potential risks of GPU burns or damage. With these voltage limitations, overclocking enthusiasts may find their options increasingly constrained.
In terms of gaming experience, Resident Evil Requiem shows improvements compared to earlier driver versions. Nevertheless, regardless of whether the GPU is running under standard or overclocked conditions, the impacts of these voltage limits may not be dramatically noticeable.
News Source: Beyond FPS
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