How to Get More FPS in Games: 25+ Proven Tips & Optimization Guide [2025]

Whether you're struggling to hit 60 FPS in demanding AAA titles or chasing 240+ FPS for competitive esports, optimizing your PC can make a dramatic difference. The best part? Most of these optimizations are completely free—they just require knowing which settings to change and why.

This guide consolidates every legitimate FPS optimization technique into one comprehensive resource. We'll cover everything from the obvious (lowering graphics settings) to the obscure (Windows scheduler tweaks) so you can extract maximum performance from your hardware.

Before You Start:

Use our FPS Calculator to estimate your expected performance with your current hardware. This helps set realistic expectations and identifies whether you're underperforming.

Quick FPS Boost Checklist

Before diving into detailed explanations, here's a prioritized checklist of the most impactful optimizations:

🎯 High Impact (Do These First)

✓Enable DLSS/FSR upscaling — 30-100% FPS boost
✓Update GPU drivers — 5-20% boost in newer games
✓Disable/lower ray tracing — 30-50% FPS recovery
✓Lower volumetric effects — 10-25% improvement
✓Close background apps — Frees CPU/RAM resources

⚡ Medium Impact

✓Enable Windows Game Mode — 2-5% improvement
✓Set High Performance power plan — Prevents throttling
✓Enable XMP/EXPO for RAM — 5-15% in CPU-limited games
✓Lower shadow quality — 10-20% improvement
✓Configure GPU control panel — 3-10% improvement

🔧 Situational Improvements

✓Clean dust from PC — Fixes thermal throttling
✓Use exclusive fullscreen — 5-10% boost + lower latency
✓Overclock GPU — 5-15% (advanced users)
✓Disable fullscreen optimizations — Game-dependent

AI Upscaling: The Biggest Free FPS Boost

If you take away one thing from this guide, let it be this: enable AI upscaling in every game that supports it. Technologies like DLSS, FSR, and XeSS render your game at a lower internal resolution, then use AI to reconstruct a high-quality image at your display resolution. The result? Massive FPS gains with minimal visual quality loss.

Upscaling Technology Comparison

Technology	Quality	FPS Boost	Requirements	Notes
DLSS 3.5 (NVIDIA)	Excellent	50-100%+	RTX 20/30/40 series	Best quality; Frame Generation on RTX 40 series
FSR 3 (AMD)	Very Good	40-80%	Any GPU	Universal; Frame Generation available
XeSS (Intel)	Good	30-60%	Any GPU (best on Arc)	Less widespread game support
TSR (Unreal Engine)	Good	20-40%	Any GPU	Built into UE5 games

Which Upscaling Mode Should I Use?

Quality Mode: Best visual fidelity, 40-60% FPS boost. Use when you're close to target FPS.
Balanced Mode: Great compromise, 50-70% FPS boost. Recommended for most users.
Performance Mode: Maximum FPS, 70-100% boost. Use when struggling to hit playable framerates.
Ultra Performance: Emergency mode for 4K on weaker GPUs. Noticeable quality loss.

Frame Generation (DLSS 3 / FSR 3)

Frame Generation is a newer feature that creates entirely new frames between rendered frames, effectively doubling (or more) your FPS counter. However, it adds slight input latency, so competitive players may prefer it off. For single-player games, it's transformative.

DLSS 3 Frame Generation: Requires RTX 40 series; adds ~1 frame of latency
FSR 3 Frame Generation: Works on any GPU; similar latency trade-off
Best for: Single-player games, 60+ FPS baseline recommended
Avoid for: Competitive multiplayer where input latency matters

Graphics Settings: What to Lower First

Not all graphics settings are created equal. Some have massive FPS impact with barely noticeable visual difference, while others significantly affect visuals with minimal performance cost. Here's your priority guide:

Setting	FPS Impact	Visual Impact	Recommendation
Resolution	20-50%	Very High	Use native with upscaling, or drop to 1080p if needed
Ray Tracing	30-50%	Medium-High	Disable for FPS, or use with DLSS/FSR
Upscaling (DLSS/FSR)	+30-100%	Low	Always enable—free FPS with minimal quality loss
Volumetric Lighting/Fog	10-25%	Medium	Set to Medium or Low
Ambient Occlusion	5-15%	Low-Medium	SSAO over HBAO+; disable for max FPS
Shadow Quality	10-20%	Medium	Medium is the sweet spot
Anti-Aliasing	5-15%	Medium	TAA or FXAA; avoid MSAA (heavy)
Post-Processing	5-10%	Low	Medium or High is fine
Texture Quality	0-10%	High	Keep High/Ultra (VRAM dependent)
Draw Distance/LOD	5-15%	Low	Medium-High; rarely worth lowering
Motion Blur	2-5%	Preference	Disable (most prefer off anyway)
Depth of Field	2-5%	Low	Disable for competitive; enable for cinematic

Optimal Settings by Scenario

🎯 Competitive/Esports

• Resolution: Native (1080p ideal)
• All effects: Low/Off
• Textures: Medium-High
• Shadows: Low
• V-Sync: Off (use G-Sync/FreeSync)
• Target: Maximum FPS possible

🎮 Balanced Gaming

• Resolution: Native with DLSS/FSR
• Textures: High/Ultra
• Shadows: Medium
• Effects: Medium
• Ray Tracing: Balanced (if available)
• Target: Stable 60-144 FPS

📸 Visual Showcase

• Resolution: Native or DSR/VSR
• All settings: Ultra
• Ray Tracing: Maximum
• DLSS Quality mode
• Frame Gen: Enabled
• Target: Cinematic 30-60 FPS

💻 Low-End Hardware

• Resolution: 720p-1080p
• FSR Ultra Performance
• All settings: Low
• Textures: Medium (if VRAM allows)
• Disable all extra effects
• Target: Stable 30-60 FPS

GPU Driver Optimization

GPU drivers are constantly optimized for new games. A single driver update can provide 5-20% FPS improvement in recent titles. Always keep drivers updated, but be strategic about it.

How to Update GPU Drivers

NVIDIA (GeForce Experience)

Download GeForce Experience from nvidia.com
Open app → Drivers tab → Check for Updates
Choose "Express Installation" for simplicity
Restart PC after installation

AMD (AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition)

Download AMD Software from amd.com/support
Open app → Home → Check for Updates
Select Recommended (WHQL) or Optional driver
Restart PC after installation

Intel (Arc Control)

Download Intel Arc Control from intel.com
Open app → Support → Check for Updates
Install recommended driver version
Restart PC after installation

Driver Tip:

If a new driver causes issues, you can roll back. NVIDIA: Device Manager → Display Adapter → Roll Back Driver. AMD: Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) then install previous version.

Windows Optimization for Gaming

Windows has numerous settings that can impact gaming performance. Here are the most important optimizations:

Essential Windows Settings

1. Enable Game Mode

Settings → Gaming → Game Mode → On

Prioritizes game processes and prevents Windows Update during gameplay.

2. Set High Performance Power Plan

Control Panel → Power Options → High Performance

Prevents CPU throttling. For laptops, only use while plugged in.

3. Disable Startup Programs

Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable unnecessary apps

Reduces background resource usage. Keep only essential programs.

4. Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling

Settings → Display → Graphics → Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling → On

Reduces latency and CPU overhead. Requires Windows 10 2004+ and compatible GPU.

5. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations (Per-Game)

Right-click game .exe → Properties → Compatibility → Disable fullscreen optimizations

Can improve performance and reduce input lag in some games.

Background Apps to Close While Gaming

Web Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge): Huge RAM and CPU usage, especially with many tabs
Discord: Disable Hardware Acceleration in settings if keeping open
Spotify/Music Apps: Use phone for music instead
RGB Software (iCUE, Armoury Crate): Known performance hogs
Antivirus Real-Time Scanning: Add game folders to exclusion list
OBS/Recording Software: Only if not streaming/recording

NVIDIA Control Panel Settings

For NVIDIA GPU users, these Control Panel settings can improve FPS and reduce input latency:

Recommended Global Settings

Power Management Mode: Prefer Maximum Performance
Low Latency Mode: On or Ultra (reduces input lag)
Texture Filtering - Quality: High Performance
Threaded Optimization: On
Triple Buffering: Off (unless using V-Sync)
Vertical Sync: Off (use in-game or G-Sync)
Max Frame Rate: Set to monitor refresh rate + 1-3 FPS
Shader Cache Size: Unlimited (requires SSD space)

NVIDIA Reflex:

Enable NVIDIA Reflex in supported games (found in game settings, not Control Panel). It significantly reduces input latency, especially beneficial for competitive gaming.

AMD Software Settings

AMD users can optimize performance through AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition:

Recommended Settings

Radeon Anti-Lag: Enabled (reduces input latency)
Radeon Chill: Disabled (unless targeting specific FPS)
Radeon Boost: Enabled (dynamic resolution scaling)
Radeon Image Sharpening: Enabled at 50-80%
Wait for Vertical Refresh: Off (unless needed)
Tessellation Mode: Override application settings → Off
Frame Rate Target Control: Match monitor refresh rate

CPU Optimization

While GPUs get most of the attention, CPU optimization is crucial for maintaining high minimum FPS and avoiding stuttering.

CPU Performance Tips

Enable XMP/EXPO in BIOS: Unlocks your RAM's full speed. Without it, DDR5-6000 runs at DDR5-4800. Provides 5-15% FPS improvement in CPU-limited scenarios.
Disable Core Parking: Windows sometimes parks CPU cores to save power. Use Windows power plan settings or third-party tools to disable.
Set Game Priority to High: Task Manager → Details → Right-click game → Set Priority → High (do each session, or use Process Lasso for automation).
Lower In-Game CPU Settings: AI complexity, physics simulation, NPC density, and draw distance are often CPU-heavy. Lower these if CPU-bottlenecked.

RAM & Storage Optimization

RAM Optimization

Enable XMP/EXPO: The single most important RAM tweak (BIOS setting)
16GB Minimum: Modern games need 16GB; 32GB recommended for heavy multitasking
Dual Channel: Ensure RAM is installed in correct slots for dual-channel operation
Close RAM-Heavy Apps: Chrome can use 4GB+; close before gaming

Storage Optimization

Install Games on SSD: Dramatically faster loading; some games require SSD
Keep 10-20% Free Space: SSDs slow down when nearly full
Disable Indexing on Game Drives: Reduces background disk activity
Enable DirectStorage: Windows 11 feature for faster asset loading (game must support it)

Cooling & Thermal Management

Overheating is a silent FPS killer. When GPUs or CPUs exceed safe temperatures, they automatically reduce clock speeds (thermal throttling) to prevent damage—tanking your FPS in the process.

Temperature Targets

Component	Ideal	Acceptable	Throttling Risk
GPU	<70°C	70-83°C	>83°C
CPU (Gaming)	<70°C	70-85°C	>85-90°C

How to Reduce Temperatures

Clean Dust: Dust buildup is the #1 cause of overheating. Clean every 3-6 months.
Improve Case Airflow: Ensure positive pressure (more intake than exhaust fans).
Replace Thermal Paste: CPU paste degrades over 3-5 years. Repasting can drop temps 5-15°C.
Upgrade Cooler: Stock coolers are often inadequate for sustained gaming.
Undervolt GPU: Reduces heat without losing performance (advanced).
Improve Room Ventilation: Hot room = hot PC. Air conditioning helps significantly.

Monitor Temps:

Use HWiNFO64 (free) to monitor temperatures while gaming. If you see throttling, address cooling before any other optimization.

Bottleneck Detection & Resolution

A bottleneck occurs when one component limits the performance of others. Identifying your bottleneck tells you where to focus optimization efforts.

How to Identify Bottlenecks

Open Task Manager or MSI Afterburner while gaming
Monitor GPU usage percentage
Interpret the results:

GPU at 95-99% = Normal

Your GPU is fully utilized. This is ideal—you're getting maximum performance from your graphics card. Focus on GPU settings to improve FPS.

GPU at 70-85% = CPU Bottleneck

Your CPU can't feed frames to the GPU fast enough. Lower CPU-heavy settings, close background apps, or upgrade CPU. See our bottleneck guide.

Quick Test:

Increase resolution from 1080p to 1440p. If FPS stays roughly the same, you're CPU-bottlenecked. If FPS drops significantly, you're GPU-limited (normal).

Game-Specific Optimization Tips

Different game engines and genres have unique optimization opportunities. Here are tips for popular games:

Call of Duty / Warzone▼

On-Demand Texture Streaming: Off (reduces stuttering)
Cache Spot/Sun Shadows: Enabled
DLSS/FSR: Quality or Balanced mode
Render Resolution: 100% (don't use with DLSS)
See our Warzone settings guide

Counter-Strike 2▼

All settings: Low (competitive standard)
Multicore Rendering: Enabled
Boost Player Contrast: Enabled
V-Sync: Disabled
See our CS2 settings guide

Cyberpunk 2077▼

DLSS: Balanced or Quality (essential)
Frame Generation: Enabled for 60+ FPS
Ray Tracing: Medium or Psycho (with DLSS)
Crowd Density: Medium (reduces CPU load)
See our Cyberpunk build guide

Fortnite▼

Performance Mode: Enable for low-end PCs
Meshes: High (see players better)
View Distance: Far
Shadows: Off (competitive advantage)
Max FPS: Match monitor refresh rate

Advanced Optimization Tweaks

⚠️ These tweaks are for experienced users. Proceed with caution.

GPU Overclocking

GPU overclocking can provide 5-15% FPS improvement with minimal risk when done correctly:

Use MSI Afterburner (free, works with all GPUs)
Increase Power Limit to maximum (safe)
Raise Core Clock by 50MHz, test stability, repeat
Increase Memory Clock by 100MHz, test, repeat
Monitor temps—stay below 83°C

GPU Undervolting

Undervolting reduces power consumption and heat while maintaining (or even improving) performance:

Lower temps = higher sustained boost clocks
Use MSI Afterburner's voltage/frequency curve
Target same clock speed at lower voltage
Test thoroughly for stability

Windows Registry Tweaks

Only apply if you understand the changes. Create a system restore point first.

Disable Game DVR: Can reduce input lag and improve FPS stability
Disable Full-Screen Optimizations Globally: Via registry for all games
Network Throttling Index: Disable Nagle's Algorithm for lower network latency

Frequently Asked Questions

What gives the biggest FPS boost in games?▼

The three biggest FPS boosters are: 1) Enabling DLSS/FSR upscaling (30-100% improvement), 2) Lowering or disabling ray tracing (20-50% improvement), and 3) Reducing resolution (20-40% improvement). For minimal visual impact with maximum FPS gain, always start with upscaling technologies.

How do I increase FPS without lowering graphics quality?▼

Use AI upscaling (DLSS, FSR, or XeSS) which renders at lower resolution but reconstructs a high-quality image. Update GPU drivers for game-specific optimizations. Close background apps to free system resources. Enable Game Mode in Windows. These methods can boost FPS 20-50% with no visible quality loss.

Why is my FPS suddenly low in games?▼

Common causes include: thermal throttling (check temps with HWiNFO64), outdated drivers, background apps consuming resources, Windows updates running, malware, or a recent game update changing settings. Check Task Manager for CPU/GPU usage and ensure temps stay below 85°C.

Does RAM speed affect FPS in games?▼

Yes, but impact varies by game and CPU. AMD Ryzen CPUs benefit most from fast RAM (DDR5-6000 optimal). Enabling XMP/EXPO in BIOS is essential—without it, your RAM runs at base speed (e.g., DDR5-4800 instead of DDR5-6000). Typical improvement: 5-15% in CPU-limited scenarios.

Should I use fullscreen or borderless windowed for best FPS?▼

Exclusive fullscreen typically provides 5-10% better FPS and lower input lag because the game has direct GPU access. However, borderless windowed offers faster alt-tabbing and better multi-monitor support. For competitive gaming, use exclusive fullscreen. For casual play, borderless is fine.

How much FPS does ray tracing cost?▼

Ray tracing typically reduces FPS by 30-50% depending on implementation. Path tracing (full ray tracing) can halve your FPS or worse. However, combining ray tracing with DLSS/FSR upscaling can recover most of the lost performance while keeping enhanced visuals.

Does Windows Game Mode actually help FPS?▼

Yes, Game Mode provides modest improvements (2-5% FPS) by prioritizing game processes and preventing background tasks like Windows Update during gameplay. It's free performance with no downside—keep it enabled. The impact is more noticeable on systems with fewer CPU cores.

How do I know if I have a CPU or GPU bottleneck?▼

Monitor GPU usage while gaming using Task Manager or MSI Afterburner. If GPU usage is below 90-95% while FPS is low, you likely have a CPU bottleneck. If GPU is at 99% and CPU is low, you're GPU-limited (normal). Our FPS Calculator can help identify bottlenecks for your specific hardware.

Will overclocking increase my FPS?▼

GPU overclocking typically yields 5-15% FPS improvement and is relatively safe with tools like MSI Afterburner. CPU overclocking helps in CPU-limited scenarios but requires more expertise and better cooling. Memory overclocking (beyond XMP) offers diminishing returns for most users.

What's the best FPS for gaming—60, 144, or 240?▼

Target FPS depends on your monitor's refresh rate. 60 FPS is the minimum for smooth gameplay. 144 FPS provides noticeably smoother motion and competitive advantage. 240+ FPS benefits professional esports players but has diminishing returns for most gamers. Match your target FPS to your monitor's capability.

Conclusion: Maximize Your Gaming Performance

Optimizing your PC for gaming is an ongoing process, but the rewards are significant. By implementing the tips in this guide, you can realistically expect:

30-100% FPS increase from DLSS/FSR upscaling alone
5-20% improvement from driver updates
10-30% gain from optimized graphics settings
Smoother frame pacing from thermal and background app optimization

Remember: the best optimization depends on your specific hardware, games, and preferences. Use our tools to find your optimal settings:

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