If your games are stuttering or just not running as smoothly as you’d like, you’re probably wondering how to boost PC gaming performance. The good news is that you don’t always need to buy new hardware. This guide will walk you through a range of practical steps, from simple software tweaks to more advanced hardware upgrades, to help you get the most out of your system.
We’ll cover everything in a clear order. Start with the quick wins first. Then, move on to deeper software settings. Finally, we’ll look at hardware options if you need more power. Let’s get started.
How to Boost PC Gaming Performance
This section is your roadmap. Following these steps methodically can resolve most common performance issues and give you a noticeable fps increase.
1. Quick Wins & Essential Maintenance
Begin here. These steps require minimal effort and can solve problems instantly.
Restart Your Computer
It sounds too simple, but it works. A restart clears out temporary memory (RAM) and stops background processes that may have started without you noticing. Make it a habit to restart your PC before a long gaming session.
Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated drivers are a major cause of poor performance. New game releases often require the latest drivers for optimal stability and speed.
- NVIDIA: Use GeForce Experience or visit the NVIDIA website.
- AMD: Use the Radeon Software Adrenalin app or the AMD website.
- Intel: Visit the Intel Driver & Support Assistant for integrated graphics.
Always perform a clean installation if the option is available during setup.
Close Background Applications
Programs like web browsers, chat apps, and streaming software use RAM and CPU power. Check your system tray (bottom-right corner) and close anything you don’t need. Use the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to see what’s using resources.
Run a Virus/Malware Scan
Malicious software can heavily tax your system. Run a full scan with Windows Security or your trusted antivirus program. This can free up significant resources.
2. In-Game Settings Optimization
This is where you’ll find the biggest fps gains. Modern games have many graphics options. Knowing which to lower is key.
The Most Demanding Settings (Turn Down First)
- Shadows: Often the most taxing setting. High or Soft Shadows can be reduced to Medium.
- Anti-Aliasing: Smooths jagged edges. MSAA and SSAA are very heavy. Try FXAA or TAA instead.
- Ambient Occlusion: Adds depth to shadows. HBAO+ and SSAO are less demanding than VXAO.
- Volumetric Fog/Light: Creates atmospheric effects. Reducing this can give a good performance boost.
- View/Draw Distance: Determines how far you can see. Lowering it a notch is often not very noticeable.
Moderately Demanding Settings
- Textures: Uses VRAM. Keep this on High if you have enough video memory (e.g., 6GB+). Lower it if you experience stuttering.
- Post-Processing: Effects like motion blur and depth of field. Usually low cost, but can be turned off for clarity.
- Reflections: Can be demanding, especially at high quality. Try lowering to Medium.
Less Demanding Settings
- Texture Filtering (Anisotropic): Keeps textures sharp at a distance. Keep this at 8x or 16x; it has minimal performance hit.
- Geometry/Detail: Object complexity. Usually safe to keep at High.
Always change one setting at a time and test the games performance after each change.
3. Windows System Tweaks
Windows 10 and 11 have features that can interfere with gaming. Optimizing your OS can help.
Enable Game Mode
Windows Game Mode prioritizes system resources for your game when it’s running. Make sure it’s on.
- Open Windows Settings (Windows Key + I).
- Go to “Gaming” > “Game Mode.”
- Toggle “Game Mode” to On.
Adjust for Best Performance
This reduces fancy visual effects in Windows itself.
- Search for “View advanced system settings” in the Start menu.
- Click “Settings” in the Performance section.
- Select “Adjust for best performance” or manually disable animations.
Set High-Performance Power Plan
This ensures your CPU and GPU are not being held back by power-saving features.
- Search for “Choose a power plan” in the Start menu.
- Select “High performance.” If you don’t see it, click “Show additional plans.”
- For laptops, do this only when plugged in.
Disable Startup Programs
Stop unnecessary programs from launching when Windows starts.
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
- Go to the “Startup” tab.
- Right-click on non-essential programs and select “Disable.”
4. Advanced Software & Driver Settings
Now, let’s fine-tune your graphics control panel and other tools.
NVIDIA Control Panel (for NVIDIA Users)
- Manage 3D Settings > Program Settings: Select your game.
- Power Management Mode: Set to “Prefer maximum performance.”
- Texture Filtering – Quality: Set to “High performance.”
- Vertical Sync: Set to “Off” (use in-game or adaptive sync instead).
- Low Latency Mode: Set to “Ultra” for competitive games.
AMD Radeon Software (for AMD Users)
- Graphics Profile: Set to “Gaming.”
- Radeon Anti-Lag: Enable for competitive games.
- Radeon Boost: Can dynamically lower resolution during motion to increase fps.
- Wait for Vertical Refresh: Always off, unless application specifies.
Update Other Drivers
Don’t forget your chipset, audio, and network drivers. Outdated chipset drivers can affect overall system responsiveness. Get them from your motherboard manufacturer’s website.
5. Hardware Upgrades & Physical Maintenance
If software tweaks aren’t enough, it might be time to look at your hardware.
Add More RAM
16GB is the current sweet spot for gaming. Some newer titles benefit from 32GB. Check your RAM usage in Task Manager while gaming. If it’s consistently near 80-90%, an upgrade will help.
Upgrade Your Graphics Card (GPU)
The GPU has the biggest impact on gaming fps. Research cards that match your CPU’s power to avoid bottlenecks. Also, ensure your power supply unit (PSU) can handle the new card.
Switch to a Solid-State Drive (SSD)
An SSD won’t increase your fps, but it drastically reduces game loading times and can minimize texture pop-in in open-world games. Installing your OS and games on an SSD is a huge quality-of-life improvement.
Clean Your PC
Dust buildup causes overheating, which leads to thermal throttling (your CPU/GPU slows down to cool off).
- Power off and unplug your PC.
- Open the case in a well-ventilated area.
- Use compressed air to gently blow dust from fans, heatsinks, and components.
- Hold fans still to prevent them from spinning too fast while cleaning.
Improve Cooling
Better cooling prevents throttling. Consider adding more case fans for better airflow. Reapplying thermal paste to your CPU (every few years) can also lower temperatures significantly if it’s dried out.
6. Monitor & Display Settings
Your display settings are the final link in the chain.
Use the Native Resolution
Always run your monitor at its native resolution (e.g., 1920×1080 for 1080p). Running a lower resolution on a native panel will look blurry.
Refresh Rate
Set your monitor to its highest refresh rate in Windows.
- Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- Choose the highest “Refresh rate” available.
Enable Adaptive Sync (G-Sync/FreeSync)
If your monitor and GPU support it, enable Adaptive Sync technology. It synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the game’s fps, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering without the input lag of traditional V-Sync.
7. Overclocking (Proceed with Caution)
Overclocking pushes your hardware beyond its factory settings for more performance. It carries risks like instability and increased heat.
- GPU Overclocking: Use tools like MSI Afterburner. Increase the core clock and memory clock in small increments, testing for stability each time.
- CPU Overclocking: Done in the BIOS/UEFI. Requires a compatible CPU (Intel “K” series or AMD Ryzen) and a good cooler. Research guides specific to your hardware.
Warning: Overclocking can void warranties and potentially damage components if done incorrectly. Always monitor your temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I improve my PC’s gaming performance for free?
Most of the methods in this guide are free. Start with updating drivers, closing background apps, optimizing in-game settings, and applying Windows tweaks like the High-Performance power plan. These cost nothing and can make a substantial difference.
What is the best way to boost FPS on my computer?
The single most effective way to boost FPS is to lower your in-game graphics settings, particularly shadows, anti-aliasing, and ambient occlusion. After that, ensuring your GPU drivers are up-to-date is critical for getting the best FPS possible.
Will adding more RAM make games run faster?
It will only make games run faster if you are currently running out of RAM. If your RAM usage is maxed out (check in Task Manager), adding more will prevent your system from using slower storage as memory, which reduces stuttering. If you already have enough, more RAM won’t increase fps.
How do I know if my GPU or CPU is the problem?
Monitor your usage while gaming. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and go to the Performance tab. If your GPU is at 99-100% usage, it’s the bottleneck (most common). If your GPU usage is below, say, 80% while your CPU is at 100%, your CPU is holding you back. This is called a bottleneck.
Is overclocking safe for my PC?
Overclocking is generally safe if done carefully and incrementally. The main risks are system instability (crashes) and increased heat. As long as you stay within safe voltage limits and keep temperatures in check with adequate cooling, the risk of permanent damage is low, though it may void your warranty.
Improving your PC’s gaming performance is an ongoing process. Start with the simple, free fixes and work your way down the list. Every system is different, so testing is key. Pay attention to what your specific hardware needs—whether it’s a driver update, a dust cleaning, or a strategic settings change. With these steps, you should be able to enjoy smoother gameplay and higher frame rates, getting the most value out of the PC you have.