Learning how to change framrate on pc is a key skill for improving your gaming or video playback experience. Adjusting your framerate on PC is typically managed through in-game settings or your graphics card control panel. A higher framerate can make motion look smoother, while a lower one can help stabilize performance on less powerful systems.
This guide will walk you through every method, from simple game menus to advanced driver tools. You’ll understand what framerate is, why it matters, and how to control it effectively.
How To Change Framrate On Pc
Changing your framerate isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The primary methods involve your game’s own settings, your GPU’s control software, or third-party applications. The best starting point is almost always within the game you are playing.
Most modern games give you direct control over this setting. If you need more system-wide control, or if a game lacks options, you’ll then move to your graphics card panel. Let’s break down each approach step by step.
Understanding Framerate And Refresh Rate
Before you make changes, it’s crucial to know what you’re adjusting. Framerate (FPS) and refresh rate (Hz) are related but different.
Framerate is the number of individual images, or frames, your computer’s graphics card produces each second. It’s measured in Frames Per Second (FPS). A higher FPS means smoother on-screen motion.
Refresh rate is the number of times per second your monitor updates the image it displays. It’s measured in Hertz (Hz). A 144Hz monitor can show up to 144 new images per second.
For the best experience, your FPS and your monitor’s refresh rate should be synchronized. If your FPS is higher than your refresh rate, you can get screen tearing. If it’s lower, the motion may look choppy. Technologies like NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync help solve this problem.
Method 1: Changing Framerate In Game Settings
This is the most common and often the easiest method. Game developers know players want this control, so they usually include clear options.
Locating The Video Or Graphics Menu
First, launch your game and open its settings menu. Look for tabs labeled “Video,” “Graphics,” “Display,” or “Advanced.” The framerate setting is almost always located in one of these sections.
Common names for the setting include:
- Frame Rate Limit
- FPS Cap
- Refresh Rate
- V-Sync (which indirectly controls FPS)
- Performance Mode
Common Framerate Limit Options
Once you find the setting, you’ll usually see a dropdown menu or a slider. Typical options are 30 FPS, 60 FPS, 120 FPS, 144 FPS, or “Unlimited.” Some games let you type in a custom number.
Choosing “Unlimited” lets your GPU produce as many frames as it can, which is good for high-refresh-rate monitors but can cause overheating or tearing. Choosing a limit like 60 FPS can create a consistent, stable experience and reduce hardware strain.
If you see a V-Sync option, enabling it will lock your framerate to your monitor’s refresh rate to prevent tearing. This can introduce input lag, so many competitive gamers turn it off.
Method 2: Using Your Graphics Card Control Panel
When a game doesn’t have an internal framerate limit, or you want to set a system-wide rule, use your GPU control panel. This software comes with your graphics drivers from NVIDIA or AMD.
For NVIDIA Graphics Cards
Right-click on your desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel.”
- In the left-hand menu, navigate to “Manage 3D settings.”
- Click on the “Program Settings” tab.
- Select the game you want to customize from the dropdown list, or click “Add” to find it.
- Scroll down in the settings list to find “Max Frame Rate.”
- Click on the setting, and choose your desired FPS limit from the dropdown on the right.
- Click “Apply” at the bottom right to save the changes.
For AMD Graphics Cards
Right-click on your desktop and select “AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.”
- Click on the “Gaming” tab at the top.
- Select the game you want to adjust from your game library.
- Go to the “Graphics” settings section for that game.
- Look for the “Frame Rate Target Control” (FRTC) setting.
- Toggle it on and use the slider to set your desired maximum FPS.
- The settings saves automatically for that specific game.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
If the above methods don’t work, third-party applications can force a framerate limit. These are powerful tools, so use them carefully.
RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS), which comes with MSI Afterburner, is the most popular choice. It’s highly effective and works with almost any game.
- Download and install MSI Afterburner, which includes RivaTuner.
- Launch RivaTuner Statistics Server (it usually starts with Afterburner).
- In the main window, you’ll see an “Add” button. Click it and browse to your game’s .exe file to add it to the list.
- Select the game from the list in RivaTuner.
- Find the “Framerate limit” option and enter your desired FPS value.
- The limit will be applied whenever you launch that game.
Another good tool is NVIDIA Profile Inspector for advanced NVIDIA users, but RTSS is generally simpler and more universal.
Troubleshooting Common Framerate Issues
Sometimes, changing the framerate doesn’t go as planned. Here are solutions to frequent problems.
Framerate Limit Not Working
If your FPS cap isn’t applying, check for conflicts. A game’s internal setting might override your GPU panel setting. Disable the in-game limit if you’re using an external cap.
Ensure you’ve applied the settings correctly and restarted the game. Also, check that you selected the correct game .exe file in the NVIDIA/AMD panel or RivaTuner.
Screen Tearing And Stuttering
Screen tearing happens when your FPS and monitor refresh rate are out of sync. To fix it, you can enable V-Sync in-game, but be aware of potential input lag.
A better solution is to use adaptive sync technology if your monitor and GPU support it (G-SYNC or FreeSync). Enable it in your monitor’s OSD menu and then turn it on in your GPU control panel.
Stuttering can occur if your FPS is too high and unstable. Capping your framerate slightly below your monitor’s max refresh rate (e.g., 141 FPS on a 144Hz monitor) can often create a smoother feel with G-SYNC/FreeSync.
Low Framerate After Changes
If your FPS is lower than expected after setting a high limit, you may have a hardware bottleneck. Your CPU, GPU, or RAM might not be powerful enough for the game’s settings.
Lower other graphics settings like shadows, anti-aliasing, or texture quality. Also, make sure your drivers are updated and that your monitor is plugged into your graphics card, not your motherboard’s video port.
Advanced Techniques And Optimization
For users who want fine-tuned control, these advanced steps can help squeeze out every bit of performance.
Creating A Custom Resolution And Refresh Rate
You can sometimes create a custom resolution with a specific refresh rate in your GPU control panel. This is useful if you want to run a game at a non-standard refresh rate.
In the NVIDIA Control Panel, go to “Change resolution” > “Customize…” > “Create Custom Resolution.” Here you can adjust the refresh rate timings. In AMD Software, go to “Display” > “Custom Resolutions.” Be cautious, as incorrect settings can potentially harm older monitors.
Using Command Line Arguments Or Configuration Files
Some PC games, especially older ones or source engine titles, allow you to set an FPS limit via launch commands or config files.
A common command is `+fps_max 144`. You would add this to the game’s launch options in Steam or other platforms. You can also often find a configuration file (like `config.cfg`) in the game’s install folder where you can add a line such as `fps_max “144”`.
Optimizing Windows For Better Framerate Control
Windows itself has settings that can interfere. For better control, do the following:
- Go to Windows Settings > System > Display > Graphics Settings. Turn on “Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling.” This can improve performance.
- In the same menu, you can set graphics preferences for individual games, choosing “High performance” for your dedicated GPU.
- Ensure your Windows power plan is set to “High performance” in the Control Panel.
FAQ: How To Change Framrate On Pc
Here are answers to some common questions about adjusting framerates.
How Do I Change My FPS On My Computer For All Games?
You can set a global framerate limit in your graphics card control panel. In NVIDIA Control Panel, go to “Global Settings” under “Manage 3D settings” and set “Max Frame Rate.” In AMD Software, you can create a global graphics profile. Note that individual game settings will usually override this.
How Do I Check My Current FPS In A Game?
Many games have a built-in FPS counter in their settings. You can also use software like Steam’s overlay (Steam > Settings > In-Game > In-Game FPS counter), NVIDIA GeForce Experience (Alt+Z overlay), AMD Adrenalin overlay, or third-party tools like Fraps or MSI Afterburner’s overlay.
What Is A Good Framerate For PC Gaming?
60 FPS is considered the standard for smooth gameplay. 144 FPS or higher is ideal for fast-paced competitive games if you have a high-refresh-rate monitor. For slower-paced single-player games, 30-60 FPS is often acceptable. Stability is often more important than a high but fluctuating number.
Why Is My Framerate So Low Even On A Good PC?
Low FPS on powerful hardware can be caused by outdated drivers, background processes, overheating (thermal throttling), a game running on the integrated GPU instead of the dedicated one, or a software setting like a power saver mode. Check your temperatures, update drivers, and ensure the game is using the correct graphics card.
Does Capping FPS Reduce Input Lag?
It can, in specific scenarios. An extremely high and unstable FPS can sometimes increase system latency. Capping your FPS to a stable, achievable level, especially just below your monitor’s refresh rate when using adaptive sync, can reduce input lag and make the game feel more responsive compared to using V-Sync.
Knowing how to change framerate on PC puts you in control of your gaming experience. Start with the in-game menu, use your GPU control panel for more authority, and turn to trusted third-party tools like RivaTuner for complete control. Remember to consider your monitor’s capabilities and aim for a stable, smooth framerate rather than just the highest number.
Experiment with different limits for different games to find what works best for your system and your preferences. With these steps, you can fix screen tearing, reduce stuttering, and get the performance you want from your PC.