amd-bc250-docs/docs/system/governor.md

GPU Governor Setup

The GPU governor is essential for BC-250 performance, enabling dynamic frequency and voltage scaling.

Why You Need a Governor

Without Governor

• GPU frequency locked at 1500 MHz
• No dynamic scaling
• Higher power consumption at idle (85-105W)
• Lower performance (can't reach 2000+ MHz)

With Governor

• GPU scales from 1000 MHz (idle) to 2000-2230 MHz (load)
• Dynamic voltage scaling (700-1000 mV)
• Better temperatures
• Lower idle power (65-85W)
• Better gaming performance

Power Savings: 20-30W reduction at idle

!!!success "Essential for Performance" The governor is not optional for good gaming performance. Without it, you're stuck at 1500 MHz.

!!!danger "ACPI Fix is Essential" The BC-250 ACPI fix is required for proper C-State support and power management. Without it, you won't get proper idle power states. Install from bc250-collective/bc250-acpi-fix.

!!!danger "Minimum Voltage: 700mV" Never set minimum GPU voltage below 700mV. This locks the GPU to 1500MHz and defeats the purpose of the governor.

Governor Options

Cyan-Skillfish Governor TT (Recommended)

Developer: filippor (based on Magnap's work) Type: Multi-step governor with thermal throttling Service name: cyan-skillfish-governor-tt Config: /etc/cyan-skillfish-governor-tt/config.toml

Features:

• Multiple frequency steps with thermal throttling
• Maintains GPU usage in optimal range
• Available as COPR/RPM, AUR, .deb, Nix
• Community default for Bazzite/Fedora (Jan 2026+)

COPR: filippor/bazzite Repository: github.com/Magnap/cyan-skillfish-governor

!!!warning "Service Name Changed (Dec 2025)" filippor renamed the service from cyan-skillfish-governor to cyan-skillfish-governor-tt on Dec 13, 2025. Config folder moved from /etc/cyan-skillfish-governor/ to /etc/cyan-skillfish-governor-tt/. If upgrading, migrate your config:

```bash
sudo cp /etc/cyan-skillfish-governor/config.toml /etc/cyan-skillfish-governor-tt/config.toml
```

Cyan-Skillfish Governor SMU (Kernel-Patch Free)

Developer: filippor / Magnap Type: SMU-based governor — bypasses kernel patches entirely Service name: cyan-skillfish-governor-smu Released: January 18, 2026

Features:

• Manages clock speeds through SMU firmware calls
• Does NOT require kernel frequency range patch on any distro
• Available on AUR (cyan-skillfish-governor-smu), COPR (filippor/bazzite), .deb, .rpm, Nix
• Best option for CachyOS/Arch users who don't want to patch kernels

Repository: github.com/filippor/cyan-skillfish-governor (smu branch)

Oberon Governor (Legacy — Still Stable)

Developer: mothenjoyer69 / TuxThePenguin0 Type: Two-state governor (min/max frequency)

Features:

• Simple configuration
• Proven stability
• Low CPU overhead (0.4%)
• Binary states: 1000 MHz idle, 2000 MHz load

COPR: @exotic-soc/oberon-governor Repository: gitlab.com/mothenjoyer69/oberon-governor

NexGen3D Setup Script (Bazzite Beginners)

Repository: github.com/NexGen-3D-Printing/SteamMachine

Installs cyan-skillfish-governor-tt + zram + CPU mitigations. De facto standard for Bazzite beginners.

PS5GPU-BC250 (GUI Controller — New)

Developer: ZEROAESQUERDA Type: GUI-based GPU controller with automatic and manual modes

Features:

• Visual Qt-based interface (works on KDE, GNOME)
• Adjust min/max GPU frequency and voltage
• Set operating temperature limits
• Automatic clock control in 4 boost stages based on load and temperature
• Manual frequency and voltage control mode
• No kernel patches or config file editing required
• Works like MSI Afterburner / Adrenalin on Windows

Repository: github.com/ZEROAESQUERDA/PS5GPU-BC250

!!!warning "Disable Other Governors First" You must disable any running GPU governor (oberon, cyan-skillfish) before using PS5GPU-BC250. Running multiple frequency controllers simultaneously will cause conflicts.

---

Installation

Option 1: COPR (Fedora/Bazzite - Easiest)

COPR repositories are available for easy installation on Fedora and Bazzite. This eliminates the need to compile from source.

For Oberon Governor (Recommended):

# Add mothenjoyer69's COPR repository
sudo dnf copr enable @exotic-soc/oberon-governor

# Install governor
sudo dnf install oberon-governor

# Enable and start service
sudo systemctl enable --now oberon-governor.service

# Check status
systemctl status oberon-governor

For Cyan-Skillfish Governor TT (Recommended):

# Add filippor's COPR repository
sudo dnf copr enable filippor/bazzite

# Install cyan-skillfish-governor-tt (note the -tt suffix)
sudo dnf install cyan-skillfish-governor-tt

# Enable and start service
sudo systemctl enable --now cyan-skillfish-governor-tt.service

For SMU Governor (No Kernel Patch Needed):

# Fedora/Bazzite:
sudo dnf copr enable filippor/bazzite
sudo dnf install cyan-skillfish-governor-smu
sudo systemctl enable --now cyan-skillfish-governor-smu.service

# Arch/CachyOS:
yay -S cyan-skillfish-governor-smu
sudo systemctl enable --now cyan-skillfish-governor-smu.service

!!!warning "Important: Verify GPU Device Targeting" After installation, verify the governor is targeting the correct GPU device:

- Check which card is BC-250: `ls -la /sys/class/drm/ | grep card`
- The governor may target card0 or card1 depending on your system
- If governor settings don't apply, you may need to manually specify the correct card in configuration

!!!success "No Compilation Required" Using COPR packages means you don't need to manually compile the governor from source. The packages are pre-built and maintained.

!!!info "COPR Package Status" The filippor/bazzite COPR provides cyan-skillfish-governor-tt which is confirmed working as of Dec 2025–Mar 2026.

**Use `@exotic-soc/oberon-governor`** for the original Oberon governor - this is the working package that properly handles the BC-250's sysfs interface.

Option 2: Build from Source (All Distros)

Install Dependencies:

# Fedora
sudo dnf install -y libdrm-devel cmake make gcc-c++ git

# Arch
sudo pacman -S base-devel cmake git

# Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install build-essential cmake git libdrm-dev libyaml-cpp-dev

Clone and Build:

# Clone repository
git clone https://gitlab.com/mothenjoyer69/oberon-governor.git
cd oberon-governor

# Build
cmake . && make

# Install
sudo make install

# Enable service
sudo systemctl enable --now oberon-governor.service

Option 3: Bazzite Automated Script

# Download and run setup script
curl -s https://raw.githubusercontent.com/vietsman/bc250-documentation/refs/heads/main/oberon-setup.sh | sudo sh

# Verify installation
systemctl status oberon-governor

Option 4: Cyan-Skillfish Governor (Other Distros)

Arch/CachyOS:

# TT version (requires kernel patch or Bazzite):
yay -S cyan-skillfish-governor-tt
# SMU version (no kernel patch needed — recommended for Arch/CachyOS):
yay -S cyan-skillfish-governor-smu

Debian/Ubuntu:

# Download .deb from GitHub releases
# Check https://github.com/Magnap/cyan-skillfish-governor/releases for latest
wget https://github.com/Magnap/cyan-skillfish-governor/releases/latest/download/cyan-skillfish-governor-tt_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i cyan-skillfish-governor-tt_amd64.deb

Configuration

Oberon Governor Config

Config File: /etc/oberon-config.yaml

Default Configuration:

opps:
  frequency:
    min: 1000    # Minimum GPU frequency (MHz)
    max: 2000    # Maximum GPU frequency (MHz)
  voltage:
    min: 700     # Minimum voltage (mV)
    max: 1000    # Maximum voltage (mV)

Safe Overclocking Config:

opps:
  frequency:
    min: 1000
    max: 2175    # Slight overclock
  voltage:
    min: 700
    max: 1025    # Slightly higher voltage for stability

Restart after changes:

sudo systemctl restart oberon-governor

Filip's Multi-Step Config

Config File: /etc/oberon-config.yaml

Advanced Multi-Step Configuration:

!!!warning "Requires Kernel Patch (or SMU Governor)" The 350 MHz minimum frequency requires either the GPU frequency range kernel patch (pre-included in Bazzite) or the SMU governor. On stock kernels without the patch, the governor will crash with std::__ios_failure. Use min: 1000 on stock kernels, or switch to cyan-skillfish-governor-smu which bypasses the patch requirement entirely.

opps:
  frequency:
    min: 350     # Requires kernel patch! Use 1000 on stock kernel
    max: 2175    # Overclocked maximum
  voltage:
    min: 700
    max: 1025
  steps: 24      # Number of frequency steps (creates 25 levels: 0-24)

governor:
  polling_delay_ms: 50        # How often to check GPU load
  up_threshold_high: 85       # Load % to jump to maximum
  up_threshold_low: 70        # Load % to step up one level
  down_threshold_high: 45     # Load % to step down one level
  down_threshold_low: 5       # Load % to drop to minimum
  gfx_temp_soft_lim: 80       # Temp to step down (°C)
  gfx_temp_hard_lim: 90       # Temp to drop to minimum (°C)
  soc_temp_hard_lim: 90       # SoC temp limit (°C)
  overheat_reset_ms: 10000    # Cool-down time after overheat

Cyan-Skillfish Governor TT Config

Config File: /etc/cyan-skillfish-governor-tt/config.toml

Example Configuration:

# Define voltage points (frequency MHz, voltage mV)
safe-points = [
    [1000, 700],   # 1000 MHz @ 700 mV (idle)
    [1500, 900],   # 1500 MHz @ 900 mV
    [2000, 1000],  # 2000 MHz @ 1000 mV (gaming)
    [2175, 1025],  # 2175 MHz @ 1025 mV (boost)
]

# GPU load target range (70-95%)
[load_target]
min = 0.70
max = 0.95

# Timing configuration
[timing]
interval_ms = 50       # Sampling interval
burst_samples = 20     # Samples before burst to max

!!!danger "Minimum Voltage: 700mV" Setting minimum voltage below 700mV locks the GPU to 1500MHz. Always keep min voltage ≥700mV.

Test voltage/frequency manually:

# Stop governor
sudo systemctl stop cyan-skillfish-governor-tt

# Manually set frequency and voltage
echo vc 0 2000 1000 > /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:08.1/0000:01:00.0/pp_od_clk_voltage

# Test stability with benchmark/game

# If stable, add to config

Verification

Check Governor is Running

# Check service status
systemctl status oberon-governor

# Should show: active (running)

Check Frequency Scaling

# View current GPU frequencies
cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_sclk

# Example output:
# 0: 1000Mhz
# 1: 1500Mhz
# 2: 2000Mhz *
#
# The * indicates active frequency

Test dynamic scaling:

1. Check frequency at idle (should be ~1000 MHz)
2. Start a game or benchmark
3. Check frequency under load (should increase to 2000+ MHz)

Monitoring Tools

CoolerControl (GUI):

# Fedora
sudo dnf copr enable terra/terra
sudo dnf install coolercontrol

# Bazzite
ujust install-coolercontrol

Shows real-time GPU frequency, voltage, and temperature.

Command Line:

# Watch frequency changes
watch -n 1 'cat /sys/class/drm/card0/device/pp_dpm_sclk'

MangoHud (In-Game Overlay):

# Install MangoHud
sudo dnf install mangohud  # Fedora
sudo pacman -S mangohud    # Arch

# Run game with overlay
mangohud %command%  # Steam launch option

Troubleshooting

Governor Not Starting on Boot

Symptoms:

• GPU stuck at 1500 MHz
• Service shows as inactive

Check service:

sudo systemctl status oberon-governor

# Check logs
sudo journalctl -u oberon-governor

Solutions:

1. Enable service:

sudo systemctl enable oberon-governor

2. Check config file exists:

ls -l /etc/oberon-config.yaml

# If missing, reinstall governor

3. Manual restart:

sudo systemctl restart oberon-governor

Workaround (Arch/CachyOS):

Some users report governor doesn't activate until GPU is used:

• Run a game or benchmark once after boot
• Governor activates and stays active

Frequency Stuck at 1500 MHz

Possible causes:

1. Governor not running
2. Config file missing/incorrect
3. Governor binary not installed
4. Wrong COPR package installed (filippor vs exotic-soc)

Debug:

# Check governor binary exists
which oberon-governor

# Check config
cat /etc/oberon-config.yaml

# Try manual start
sudo oberon-governor

# Check for errors

Governor Crashes with iostream Error

Symptoms:

terminate called after throwing an instance of 'std::__ios_failure'
  what():  basic_ios::clear: iostream error
Aborted

Cause: Wrong COPR package. The filippor:bazzite oberon-governor package is incompatible with kernel 6.17+.

Solution:

# Remove broken package
sudo dnf remove oberon-governor

# Disable broken COPR
sudo dnf copr disable filippor/bazzite

# Add working COPR
sudo dnf copr enable @exotic-soc/oberon-governor

# Install working package
sudo dnf install oberon-governor

# Enable and start
sudo systemctl enable --now oberon-governor.service

# Verify it's running
systemctl status oberon-governor

Verify fix:

# Should show 1000 MHz at idle (not stuck at 1500 MHz)
cat /sys/class/drm/card1/device/pp_dpm_sclk

!!!note "GPU Card Number" Your GPU may be card0 or card1 depending on system configuration. Check with ls /sys/class/drm/ to find the correct card.

Black Screen on GPU Reset (Governor Running)

Symptoms:

• GPU crashes during a game, screen goes black and never recovers
• System appears to be running (fans spinning, SSH may work) but no display output
• Hard reboot required

Cause: When the GPU crashes while the governor is actively managing frequencies, the GPU reset mechanism can't complete properly. The governor continues trying to write to sysfs during the reset, preventing recovery.

Workaround:

• Disable governor before playing crash-prone games: sudo systemctl stop cyan-skillfish-governor-tt
• Re-enable after: sudo systemctl start cyan-skillfish-governor-tt

Long-term fix: Use stable voltage/frequency settings that don't cause GPU crashes in the first place. If a specific game consistently crashes the GPU, increase voltage or reduce max frequency.

System Crashes with Governor

Symptoms:

• System unstable during gaming
• Crashes when GPU frequency changes

Causes:

• Voltage too low for frequency
• Overheating
• Unstable overclock

Solutions:

1. Increase voltage:

# Edit /etc/oberon-config.yaml
opps:
  voltage:
    max: 1050  # Increase from 1000 to 1050

2. Reduce max frequency:

opps:
  frequency:
    max: 1900  # Reduce from 2000

3. Check temperatures:

sensors
# GPU should be < 85°C

Governor High CPU Usage

Normal CPU Usage:

• Oberon original: 0.4% CPU
• Filip's enhanced: 0.4-1.0% CPU
• Cyan-Skillfish: 0.9-1.3% CPU

If CPU usage > 2%:

Check polling interval:

# Reduce polling frequency
governor:
  polling_delay_ms: 100  # Increase from 50

Check for bugs:

# View governor logs
sudo journalctl -u oberon-governor -f

Performance Comparison

Governor	Idle Freq	Max Freq	CPU Usage	Response Time	Performance
None	1500 MHz	1500 MHz	0%	N/A	⭐⭐
Oberon	1000 MHz	2000 MHz	0.4%	100ms	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Filip's	350-1000 MHz	2175 MHz	0.4-1.0%	50-100ms	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cyan-Skillfish	Variable	2000+ MHz	0.9-1.3%	24ms	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Governor Comparison

When to Use Oberon (Original)

• Simple setup: Just works out-of-box
• Proven stability: Most tested
• Low overhead: Minimal CPU usage
• Best for: Beginners, stability-focused builds

When to Use Filip's Enhanced

• Better performance: Multi-step scaling
• Available as package: Easy to install
• Good balance: Performance + stability
• Best for: Most users, gaming builds

When to Use Cyan-Skillfish

• Maximum control: Precise frequency control
• Best efficiency: Continuous scaling
• Advanced config: Multiple voltage points
• Best for: Advanced users, overclockers

Overclocking with Governor

Safe Overclocking Guide

Step 1: Test Maximum Stable Frequency

# Stop governor
sudo systemctl stop oberon-governor

# Manually set test frequency
echo vc 0 2100 1050 > /sys/devices/pci0000:00/0000:00:08.1/0000:01:00.0/pp_od_clk_voltage

# Run benchmark (30+ minutes)
# If stable, try higher
# If crashes, lower frequency or increase voltage

Step 2: Update Governor Config

# /etc/oberon-config.yaml
opps:
  frequency:
    max: 2100  # Your stable frequency
  voltage:
    max: 1050  # Your stable voltage

Step 3: Restart and Test

sudo systemctl restart oberon-governor

# Test with games/benchmarks
# Monitor temperatures

Known Limits:

• 1000 MHz: Minimum safe frequency on stock kernel
• 2000 MHz @ 1000mV: Safe starting point
• 2100-2175 MHz @ 1025mV: Works on many boards, test thoroughly
• 2230 MHz: Maximum with kernel patch, requires good cooling

!!!warning "Overclocking Risks" Overclocking can cause instability, crashes, and potentially hardware damage. Always monitor temperatures and test thoroughly.

Community Resources

• NexGen3D SteamMachine Scripts — automated Bazzite setup (governor + zram + CPU mitigations)
• DeathStalker Grimoire — community step-by-step guide
• PS5GPU-BC250 — GUI GPU controller
• cyan-skillfish-governor-smu — SMU governor (no kernel patch needed)

See Also

• BIOS Overclocking Guide
• Cooling Solutions
• Performance Tuning

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Last Updated: 2026-03-18