If you’re building or buying a gaming PC, one question is almost guaranteed to come up: what is the average fps for a gaming pc? This frame rate, or Frames Per Second, is the core metric that tells you how smooth your game will feel, and the answer isn’t as simple as a single number.
It depends on your screen, your hardware, and the games you play. A smooth 60 fps is a great target for many, while competitive gamers often chase 144 fps or more. Let’s break down what “average” really means and how you can find the right fps for your own setup.
What Is The Average FPS For A Gaming PC
So, what’s the magic number? For a typical mid-range gaming PC in 2024, you can expect an average of 60 to 100 fps in popular games at 1080p resolution with high settings. This is a broad but realistic range. A budget PC might average 30-60 fps, while a high-end rig can easily push 144+ fps at 1440p or even 4K.
The “average” shifts dramatically based on these key factors:
- Your PC’s Components: The GPU (graphics card) is the biggest factor, but the CPU, RAM, and storage all play a part.
- Game Settings and Resolution: Playing at 4K Ultra is vastly more demanding than 1080p Medium.
- The Game Itself: A lightweight esports title like Valorant will run much faster than a graphically intense game like Cyberpunk 2077.
Why FPS Matters More Than You Think
FPS isn’t just about smooth visuals; it directly impacts your gameplay. Higher frame rates reduce motion blur and make the image clearer during fast movements. More importantly, they lower system latency, which is the delay between your mouse click and the action on screen. In competitive shooters, this can be the difference between winning and losing a duel.
Your monitor also dictates what you see. A 60Hz monitor can only show 60 frames per second, even if your PC is producing 120. To truly benefit from high fps, you need a high-refresh-rate monitor like 144Hz or 240Hz.
Breaking Down FPS Tiers: From Playable to Perfect
Let’s categorize what different fps ranges feel like so you can set your own goals.
30-45 FPS: The Minimum Playable Range
This is often considered the bare minimum for playability, especially in slower-paced games like strategy or adventure titles. You’ll notice stuttering and input lag in fast-paced action. Consoles often target 30 fps for cinematic games, but on PC, most gamers aim higher.
60 FPS: The Sweet Spot for Most
60 fps is the gold standard for a reason. It offers a definitively smooth experience that feels responsive and enjoyable in virtually any game. If your PC can consistently hit 60 fps at your preferred settings, you’re in great shape. It’s a perfect match for the standard 60Hz monitor.
120-144+ FPS: The Competitive Advantage
This is the realm of high-refresh-rate gaming. The motion is incredibly fluid, almost like looking through a window. Input latency is significantly reduced. Once you game at 144 fps on a 144Hz monitor, it’s very hard to go back. This is the target for serious players of shooters, racing games, and fighting games.
240+ FPS: The Esports Elite Tier
Professionals and enthusiasts with top-tier hardware chase these ultra-high frame rates. The benifits are diminishing for most people, but in the highest levels of competition, every millisecond of reduced latency counts. This requires a powerful PC and a 240Hz or 360Hz monitor.
How to Check and Monitor Your Own FPS
You don’t have to guess your frame rate. Here’s how to see it in real-time:
- In-Game Overlays: Many games have a built-in fps counter in their settings or graphics menus. Check under “Gameplay,” “Display,” or “Advanced Video” settings.
- Steam Overlay: In Steam, go to Settings > In-Game > In-Game FPS Counter to enable it.
- GPU Software: Both NVIDIA GeForce Experience (Alt+Z) and AMD Adrenalin Software (Alt+R) have performance overlay options that show fps and much more.
- Third-Party Tools: MSI Afterburner with RivaTuner Statistics Server is a popular, highly customizable tool for detailed monitoring of fps, temperatures, and usage.
The Hardware Behind the Frames: A Component Guide
Understanding which parts affect fps helps you make smarter upgrades.
Graphics Card (GPU): The Most Important Piece
This is the workhorse for rendering frames. A more powerful GPU will deliver higher fps at higher resolutions and settings. When looking for a new card, check benchmarks for the specific games you play to see real-world performance.
Processor (CPU): The Director
The CPU prepares the data (like game logic and physics) for the GPU. In high-fps gaming (especially at 1080p), a fast CPU is critical to “feed” the graphics card quickly. A slow CPU can bottleneck a powerful GPU, holding back your fps.
RAM: The Short-Term Memory
Having enough fast RAM is essential. 16GB is the standard for gaming today. Too little RAM (like 8GB) can cause stuttering and fps drops as the system struggles. Also, ensure your RAM is running at its rated speed via your motherboard’s BIOS settings.
Storage: The Loading Speed
While an SSD won’t increase your maximum fps, it drastically reduces loading times and can prevent texture pop-in and stuttering in open-world games. A fast NVMe SSD is the best choice for your operating system and main games.
Optimizing Your Settings for the Best FPS
You don’t always need new hardware to get better performance. Tweaking game settings can give you a huge fps boost.
- Resolution: Lowering this has the biggest impact. Dropping from 4K to 1440p or 1080p will massively increase fps.
- Presets: Start by switching from “Ultra” to “High” or “Medium.” The visual difference is often small, but the performance gain is huge.
- Shadow Quality: This is often very demanding. Setting shadows to Medium is a great performance saver.
- Anti-Aliasing: Techniques like MSAA are heavy. Use lighter options like FXAA or TAA, or reduce the sample count.
- Ambient Occlusion & Reflections: These are nice for realism but can be costly. Try lowering them one step.
The best approach is to adjust one setting at a time and see the impact. Use the in-game benchmark tool if available, or just play in a demanding area of the game.
Real-World FPS Examples for Different PC Builds
Let’s look at some estimated averages in a popular, demanding game (like Cyberpunk 2077) to give you concrete examples. Remember, these are approximations and can vary.
Budget Gaming PC (e.g., RTX 3050 / RX 6600, Core i5 / Ryzen 5)
- 1080p, Low-Medium Settings: 50-70 fps
- 1080p, High Settings: 40-55 fps
- Goal: Solid 60 fps at 1080p by using a mix of settings.
Mid-Range Gaming PC (e.g., RTX 4060 / RX 7700 XT, Core i5 / Ryzen 5)
- 1080p, Ultra Settings: 70-90 fps
- 1440p, High Settings: 60-80 fps
- Goal: High refresh rate 1080p or smooth 1440p gaming.
High-End Gaming PC (e.g., RTX 4070 Ti Super / RX 7900 XT, Core i7 / Ryzen 7)
- 1440p, Ultra Settings: 100-140+ fps
- 4K, High Settings: 60-90 fps
- Goal: Max out 1440p or tackle 4K gaming comfortably.
Enthusiast Gaming PC (e.g., RTX 4090, Core i9 / Ryzen 9)
- 4K, Ultra Settings: 100-120+ fps (without ray tracing)
- 1440p, Max Everything: 180+ fps
- Goal: The highest possible performance at any resolution.
Beyond Averages: Understanding 1% Lows and Stuttering
Average fps tells only half the story. A game might average 80 fps but feel choppy. This is because of frame time spikes, shown as “1% Low” or “0.1% Low” metrics in benchmarks.
If your 1% low fps is 25, it means during the most demanding moments, your fps is dropping to 25, causing a noticeable stutter even though the average is high. A smooth experience requires not just a high average fps, but also a high 1% low. This is where a good CPU, enough RAM, and a well-optimized system really shine.
FAQ: Your Frame Rate Questions Answered
Is 60 fps good for a gaming PC?
Yes, 60 fps is very good and is the target for a smooth, enjoyable experience in most games. It matches the refresh rate of most standard monitors and provides responsive gameplay.
What is a good FPS for competitive gaming?
For competitive gaming, you want at least 144 fps paired with a 144Hz monitor. Many players aim for 240+ fps to minimize input lag as much as possible. Consistency (high 1% lows) is just as important as the average here.
Can my monitor limit my FPS?
Absolutely. If you have a 60Hz monitor, you will only see up to 60 frames per second, even if your PC is producing 200. To see higher frame rates, you need a monitor with a higher refresh rate (e.g., 144Hz, 240Hz).
Why does my FPS drop suddenly?
Sudden fps drops can be caused by many things: background programs, overheating components (which cause throttling), driver issues, or a game loading new areas. Check your temperatures and ensure your drivers are up to date.
How much RAM do I need for good FPS?
16GB of RAM is the recommended amount for modern gaming. Some newer games can benefit from 32GB, but for fps itself, 16GB is usually sufficient provided you have a good GPU and CPU. Speed and timings also matter, especially for AMD Ryzen systems.
Does a better CPU increase FPS?
It can, especially at lower resolutions (1080p) where you are trying to achieve very high frame rates. If your GPU is not being fully utilized (e.g., it’s at 70% usage while gaming), a faster CPU can help remove that bottleneck and increase your fps.
Final Thoughts on Finding Your Perfect Frame Rate
Chasing the highest possible number isn’t always necessary. The “right” average fps for your gaming PC is the one that provides a smooth, enjoyable, and responsive experience in the games you love. For many, that’s a stable 60 fps. For others, it’s 144 fps for buttery-smooth motion.
Start by understanding your monitor’s capability and your hardware’s power. Use the optimization tips to get the most out of what you have. Remember to monitor your 1% lows for a truly stutter-free experience. In the end, the best fps is the one that lets you forget about the numbers and just enjoy the game.