NEWS REVIEWS MOTHERBOARDS  COOLERS  GRAPHICS CARDS  PERIPHERALS  PC CASE  RAM  GUIDES  PROCESSORS PC BUILDS 

Guides  Wiki  What Is VRM?

What Is VRM? [De nition, Types & Importance]

Learn about VRM, its components, its e ect on overclocking, and more.

 SHARE  Facebook  Twitter  WhatsApp  ReddIt

Related articles
Wajih Hyder Chohan April 18, 2023

A VRM regulates the voltage supplied to the processor or GPU. It takes the incoming voltage from the power supply and Cyberpunk 2077
converts it to a specific voltage level required by the processor or GPU. This ensures stable and consistent performance Phantom Liberty Early
Player Impressions Are
and helps to protect the processor or GPU from damage due to over or under-voltage conditions. Very Positive

Baldur’s Gate 3 Becomes

Second Best-Selling PS5
Game After Steam
Release

GTA 5 To Celebrate 10th

Anniversary In Just Over
One Month

Xbox Series X Digital

Edition Reportedly
Being Planned By
Microsoft

How To Clean Xbox &

Controller [One & Series
X/S] 

ASRock Z790 PG Riptide – VRM MOSFET AREA (Image Captured By Tech4Gamers)

Key Takeaways

VRMs regulate voltage coming from the PSU and maintain stable and consistent voltage levels.

VRM components work together to regulate voltage output from the power supply to the processor or GPU by converting the
incoming voltage, storing electrical energy, controlling the ow of electrical current, and dissipating heat to maintain stability.

The number of power phases in a VRM affects the stability and control of the voltage output. A single-phase VRM is
suf cient for low-power applications, but multi-phase VRMs are suitable for high-performance processors or GPUs

When choosing a VRM for future-proo ng, it is essential to consider factors such as power delivery capability, cooling,
overclocking support, etc., to ensure the VRM can handle high-performance components and provide stable voltage while
being reliable and ef cient.

Importance Of VRMs
VRMs provide stable and efficient power delivery in computer systems, like to the CPU and RAM. A good VRM design can
help reduce power loss and heat generation, improve power efficiency and stability, and prevent damage to the processor
or GPU. A poor VRM design, on the other hand, can result in power instability, reduced efficiency, and even permanent
damage to the processor or GPU.

Understanding VRM Components

Users need to be considerate of multiple VRM components to grasp the idea behind its functionality. Below are some key
components and VRM terminologies.

MOSFETs

A MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor) is a transistor widely used in electronics for amplification
and switching applications. It controls the flow of electrical current by acting as a switch, allowing or blocking the current
flow depending on the voltage applied to its gate terminal.

Inductors

An inductor is a passive electronic component that stores energy in a magnetic field when electric current flows through it.
It is used in electrical circuits to store energy and regulate the flow of electric current.

Capacitors

A capacitor is a passive electronic component that stores electrical energy in an electric field. It is used in electrical circuits
to store energy and regulate the flow of electric charge. Capacitors are characterized by their capacitance, which measures
the amount of electrical energy stored per voltage unit.

Controllers

GIGABYTE Z790 AORUS ELITE AX – VRM Controller (Image Captured By Tech4Gamers)

A controller is a digital or analog circuit that controls the operation of the VRM. It regulates the voltage output, manages
the current flow, and communicates with other components in the system.

Heat Sinks

VRMs can generate significant heat during operation, so heat sinks dissipate heat and cool the VRM components.

VRM Power Phases

X670E AORUS MASTER VRM MOSFETs – Image Taken By Tech4Gamers

VRM power phases refer to the number of separate power delivery channels used in a VRM to regulate the voltage
supplied to a processor or GPU. Each power phase represents a particular channel for delivering power, allowing for
greater control and stability of the voltage output.

In a single-phase VRM, all the power delivered to the processor or GPU is delivered through a single channel. This is
sufficient for low-power applications but may need more strength for high-performance processors or GPUs.

In a multi-phase VRM, multiple power delivery channels are the optimal choice. The number of power phases in a VRM can
vary, but typical VRMs may have two, four, six, or even more phases.

Types Of VRM Designs

Multiphase VRMs are available in different designs, some of which are as follows:

8-phase: An 8-phase VRM design is a type of voltage regulation module that uses eight separate power delivery channels to
regulate the voltage supplied to a processor or GPU, dividing the voltage output across 8 phases for greater control and
stability. The power delivered to the processor or GPU divides into eight separate channels, each with its inductors
and MOSFETs to regulate the voltage output.

12-phase: A 12-phase VRM design uses 12 separate power delivery channels to regulate the voltage supplied to a processor or
GPU, dividing the voltage output across 12 phases for greater control and stability. It is more complex and expensive to
implement than an 8-phase VRM and may not be suitable for lower-end systems.

16-phase: A 16-phase VRM design is a type of voltage regulation module that uses 16 separate power delivery channels to
regulate the voltage supplied to a processor or GPU, dividing the voltage output across 16 phases for greater control and
stability.

These are not the only multi-phase VRMs available, as high-end motherboards also come with 20-phase VRM and, further,
for maximized performance.

VRM Cooling System

ASRock Z790 PG Riptide – VRM Covers (Image Captured By TechGamers)

VRM cooling is an essential aspect of a voltage regulation module’s design, as it helps to dissipate heat generated by the
VRM components during operation. To improve VRM cooling, many motherboard manufacturers use heatsinks, passive
cooling devices that transfer heat from the VRM components to the surrounding air.

Hti HT18 Thermal camera to record the thermals of the VRM – (Image By
Tech4Gamers)

Heatsinks are typically made from materials with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, and increase the surface
area in contact with the air, promoting heat dissipation.

VRM And Overclocking

A motherboard’s VRM design has a direct impact on its overclocking potential. Therefore, if you plan on overclocking build,
then you need to pay attention to the VRM structure.

Overclocking

Overclocking makes a computer component, such as a processor or graphics card, run at a higher frequency than the
manufacturer has designated. This can be done by adjusting the component’s clock speed, voltage, or other parameters to
increase performance. The procedure essentially helps you improve the processor’s performance for gaming, video editing,
or scientific simulations.

Learn more about overclocking by reading our guide.

How Does VRM E ect Overclocking?

When overclocking, the voltage requirements of the component increase, putting a significant strain on the VRM. Hence,
you need a high-quality VRM that can keep up with the additional power requirements without running into issues.

The Impact Of VRM On Overclocking

GIGABYTE Z690 AERO G VRM Heatsinks (Image By Tech4Gamers)

The quality and design of the voltage regulation module can significantly impact the stability and performance of a
processor or graphics card during overclocking.

Power Phases: A higher number of power phases can provide better voltage regulation and improved stability during
overclocking

Quality of Components: High-quality components, such as MOSFETs and inductors, can provide more stable and ef cient
power delivery during overclocking.

Heat Dissipation: Overclocking generates more heat, which can cause the VRM to overheat and become unstable. A VRM with
good heat dissipation capabilities, such as large heatsinks, can help to mitigate this issue.

Current Capability: The VRM must be capable of handling the increased current demand generated by overclocking. If the
VRM cannot provide enough current, it may become unstable or cause permanent damage to the component.

Did you know there are effective ways to turn off overclocking? If you didn’t, consider going through our instructional guide,
How To Turn Off Overclocking?

Tips For Choosing A Motherboard Or Graphics Card With A High-Quality VRM

When choosing a motherboard or graphics card with a high-quality VRM, consider looking for VRM components from
reputable brands. It would also help to check the number of power phases the VRM has. Additionally, you should consider
looking for VRMs with high-quality capacitors and inductors and check reliable VRM cooling options, such as heatsinks or
fan cooling.

While more phases mean a good VRM setup, you must consider X+Y specifications. The X here shows the number of
phases dedicated to your RAM or CPU, and Y means phases dedicated to other PC components. So, reading a 6+2 VRM
setup means 6 VRMs for your CPU and 2 for your memory or other components.

Furthermore, reading reviews and researching the VRM specifications and design details can provide valuable insight into
the VRM’s quality and performance.

Conclusion
To sum up, VRMs are crucial in regulating voltage in computers and ensuring a consistent power supply to the processor or
GPU. However, a VRM’s performance depends on several factors, including the number of power phases, components’
quality, and cooling solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

− How do VRMs differ from traditional voltage regulators?

VRMs offer improved performance, efficiency, and stability compared to conventional voltage regulators, making
them the preferred choice for high-performance computer systems.

− What are some emerging technologies in VRMs, and how will they impact the industry?
One key emerging technology is digital VRMs, designed to use digital control circuits to regulate voltage output.
These VRMs provide more precise voltage regulation and improved efficiency than traditional analog VRMs

− How do VRMs impact computer systems’ energy consumption and carbon footprint?
VRMs with better heat dissipation capabilities can reduce the energy consumption of cooling systems, as they
operate efficiently and reliably under high loads, reducing the energy required to cool the computer system. By
reducing energy consumption and waste, VRMs can help lower computer systems’ carbon footprint and contribute
to a more sustainable future.

− What are the common challenges in designing and manufacturing VRMs?

VRMs must handle high power levels and maintain stable voltage output, which requires sophisticated design
techniques and high-quality components. They must be efficient, with low power loss and heat generation, to
ensure the computer system’s overall efficiency is not impacted.

Was our article helpful?

👍Yes 👎No

Similar Guides

Ray Tracing: Explained L3 Cache Explained [CPUs] PC Case Air ow [What, Why & Tensor Cores: Everything You Need Mouse DPI: What & How To Find It
How] To Know

Wajih Hyder Chohan

I am Wajih Hyder Chohan - a PC Hardware Nerd who always analyzes the latest products and reviews them. Usually, people call me boring, but I can't
limit my love for Hardware!

Tech4Gamers is a definitive source for news and analysis on emerging technologies. Featuring honest and in-depth product reviews and a credible
analysis on technological innovation, Tech4Gamers covers a wide range of technology trends – from small business to enterprise, social to mobile,
gadgets, computing devices and the general World Wide Web. Tech4Gamers is supported by its audience. When you purchase through the links on our
site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Contact us: [email protected]

   

© 2023 Tech4Gamers. All rights reserved. About Editorial Guidelines Our Team Advertise Privacy Policy Cookies Policy A liate Disclosure