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Most of the current generation of video games demand outrageously powerful hardware to run smoothly. And even if you own a decent gaming PC, some games might still struggle to run smoothly for various reasons. In addition, most developers today seem to be taking the easy route of relying on software optimization. As a result, running most modern games require some additional steps to run smoothly. This means optimizing the PC itself to get the best gaming experience.
So optimizing your gaming setup can make the difference between an average gaming experience and an exceptional one. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a casual player, you want your gaming setup to run smoothly, without any lag or stutter, so you can fully immerse yourself in the game. In this guide, we’ll discuss tips and tricks to help you optimize your gaming setup for maximum performance.
Upgrading your PC’s hardware is one of the most straightforward and obvious ways to improve your gaming setup. Ensuring your system has enough power to run modern games at high graphics settings is always the safest bet for optimizing gaming performance. If you’re using an older computer, upgrading to a newer one can significantly improve your gaming experience. If your current PC meets the minimum requirements for a game but struggles to run smoothly, consider upgrading your graphics card, adding more RAM, or upgrading your CPU.
Especially upgrading your GPU to a more recent card, such as an RTX 20-series and above or an RX 5000-series and above, will allow you to reap the benefits of more modern real-time upscaling. Options such as DLSS and FSR enable you to double or even triple FPS in supported games.
Your Display is an essential part of your gaming setup, and choosing the right one can significantly impact your gaming experience, especially in competitive games. A high-quality monitor with a fast refresh rate and low input lag is essential for an immersive gaming experience and that competitive advantage to outplay opponents. Therefore, it is recommended to go for displays with a refresh rate of at least 120Hz, and input lag below 5ms.
Another instance where your Display affects your gaming performance is its resolution. If you don’t have a powerful graphics card to power up games in higher resolutions, such as 4K or even 1440p, always stick to 1080p displays.
Outdated drivers can cause various issues, from slow performance to compatibility problems. Installing the latest drivers can help fix these issues and improve gaming performance. Keeping your drivers up-to-date is always a good habit, as not only do they optimize the latest games for specific GPUs, but they also unlock new features occasionally. So regularly check for new driver updates for your hardware components, especially your graphics card.
This is a tip for the tech-savvy gamers out there. Overclocking can increase your gaming performance slightly to get the maximum out of the money you paid for your setup. It involves increasing the frequency of your hardware components, such as your CPU or graphics card, beyond their default speed. But keep in mind that it also increases the risk of hardware damage, so it should be done with caution. Only attempt to overclock if you understand how it works, and continuously monitor your system’s temperature to avoid overheating.
This is a no-brainer tip that most gamers overlook. Regularly cleaning your system can help improve its performance by reducing dust buildup, which can cause overheating and impede cooling. Dust can clog up air vents and restrict air flow, so clean your system regularly and remove any accumulated dust. Make it a habit to do it at least once every few months, and you could also replace the thermal compound during this process to further enhance the thermals of your PC.
Running too many programs in the background can slow down your gaming performance. Close any unnecessary programs and disable background processes you don’t need while gaming. This will free up resources and help your system run more smoothly. Some unnecessary programs to look out for include resource-heavy anti-virus programs and other live wallpaper and aesthetic programs. Also, make sure you don’t open multiple tabs on your browser or shut it down completely, as your game might run out of memory.
Game Mode is a feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that optimizes your computer’s resources for gaming. When Game Mode is turned on, Windows will prioritize the resources for the game you’re playing, reducing background processes and increasing performance. You can turn on Game Mode by opening the Windows Game Bar, clicking on the Game Mode icon, or simply searching for the setting on the Windows search bar.
V-Sync is a technology that synchronizes the framerate of your graphics card with the refresh rate of your monitor. While this option is not recommended for higher-end gaming setups, it can help eliminate screen tearing, where the image on your screen appears to be split into separate parts. Enabling V-Sync can improve the visual quality of your games, but it can also add input lag, so it’s a trade-off between visuals and responsiveness.
The graphics settings in games can have a significant impact on performance. If you struggle to run a game smoothly, try reducing the graphics settings to balance performance and visuals. Many games allow you to adjust the quality of textures, shadows, anti-aliasing, and other graphics options, so experiment and find out what works best on your PC. If you own a GPU with Super Sampling options, try turning them on to boost your FPS by upscaling low-res image renders.
In conclusion, optimizing your gaming setup can make a significant difference in your gaming experience. From upgrading your hardware to cleaning your system, following the tips outlined in this guide can help you get the most out of your gaming setup. Remember that not all of these tips will apply to every system, and some may require a bit of technical know-how, so be sure to research and understand each tip before implementing it. By making these changes and optimizations, you can take your gaming experience to the next level and enjoy smoother and more immersive gameplay.
