10 Pro Tips to Maximize Your Gaming FPS in 2024
Every frame counts in competitive gaming. Whether you're climbing the ranks in your favorite shooter or exploring vast open worlds, smooth gameplay makes all the difference. Here are 10 proven techniques to maximize your gaming performance.
1. Enable Game Mode in Windows
Windows Game Mode prioritizes your game over background processes. Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and ensure it's turned on. This prevents Windows Update and other system tasks from interrupting your gaming sessions.
2. Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated GPU drivers are one of the most common causes of poor gaming performance. NVIDIA and AMD regularly release game-ready drivers optimized for new releases. Check for updates at least monthly, or enable automatic updates.
3. Close Background Applications
Every application running in the background consumes CPU and RAM that could be used by your game. Before gaming, close browsers, chat apps, and any unnecessary programs. Tools like STX.1's Game Mode can automate this process.
4. Optimize In-Game Settings
Not all graphics settings are created equal. Some have minimal visual impact but huge performance costs:
- Shadows: Often the biggest FPS killer. Try Medium instead of Ultra.
- Anti-Aliasing: Use FXAA or TAA instead of MSAA for better performance.
- Draw Distance: Reduce if you don't need to see the entire map.
- V-Sync: Disable for lower input lag (use G-Sync/FreeSync instead if available).
5. Set Your Power Plan to High Performance
Windows' Balanced power plan throttles your CPU to save energy. Switch to High Performance mode in Control Panel > Power Options. This ensures your processor runs at maximum speed when gaming.
6. Monitor Your Temperatures
Overheating causes thermal throttling, where your CPU and GPU slow down to prevent damage. Use monitoring tools to track temperatures. If you're hitting 90C+, consider improving airflow or reapplying thermal paste.
7. Optimize Your RAM
Games need fast access to memory. Enable XMP in your BIOS to run your RAM at its rated speed. Also, close memory-heavy applications before gaming. STX.1's Memory Optimizer can free up unused RAM with one click.
8. Disable Full-Screen Optimizations
Windows' fullscreen optimizations can cause stuttering in some games. Right-click your game's .exe file, go to Properties > Compatibility, and check "Disable fullscreen optimizations."
9. Use an SSD for Game Installations
Installing games on an SSD dramatically reduces load times and can help with texture streaming in open-world games. If you have limited SSD space, prioritize your most-played games.
10. Consider Hardware Upgrades
Sometimes software optimization can only do so much. If you've tried everything and still struggle, consider upgrading:
- GPU: Usually the biggest impact on gaming performance
- RAM: 16GB is the sweet spot for modern games
- CPU: Important for high refresh rate gaming
- SSD: Essential for modern gaming
Bonus: Use STX.1 Game Mode
STX.1's Game Mode automates many of these optimizations. With one click, it closes background apps, sets High Performance power plan, and frees up RAM. The FPS Overlay shows real-time performance metrics so you can monitor your system while gaming.
Implementing these tips should give you a noticeable boost in gaming performance. Remember, every system is different, so experiment to find the optimal settings for your hardware.
Ready to optimize your gaming?
Download STX.1 System Monitor and experience professional-grade optimization tools with our powerful Game Mode feature.